The Rockwell hardness test is the most common method for determining hardness of ferrous and many nonferrous metals. See table below. It differs from Brinell hardness testing in that the hardness is determined by the depth of indentation made by a constant load impressing on an indenter. In this test, a standard minor load is applied to set a hardened steel ball or a diamond cone in the surface of the metal, followed by the application of a standard major load.

The hardness is measured by depth of penetration. Rockwell superficial hardness tests are made using light minor and major loads and a more sensitive system for measuring depth of indentation. It is useful for thin sections, very small parts, etc. Calibration of Rockwell hardness testers is done in accordance with ASTM E-18 specifications.

In this test a Hard Steel Ball or a Diamond Cone Indenter is pressed into the surface of the material being tested. The result of the test is read directly from machine.

The indenter is forced into the test material under a preliminary minor load (98N)and after equilibrium are achieved an indicating device, which follows the movements of the indenter, is set to the datum position. An additional major load is then applied with resulting increase in penetration. The conditions are then allowed to stabilise and then the additional major load is removed,leaving the minor load in place.



The resulting permanent penetration esulting from the application and removal of the additional major load is used to calculate the Rockwell hardness number.

HR = E - e

F1 = additional major
e = permanent increase in depth of penetration due to major load , measured in units of 0.001 mm
E = a constant of 100 units for diamond and ball indenters
HR = Rockwell hardness number
D = diameter of steel ball