The Brinell hardness tester uses the oldest method of hardness testing still in widespread use. Developed in 1900 by Swedish engineer Dr. Johan August Brinell, this technique (standardized as ISO 6506 Brinell) is especially suited for measuring the hardness of castings and forgings with grain structures too rough for Rockwell or Vickers testing.
Brinell hardness test conditions have approximately 25 different load/ball combinations. This allows almost all metals to be tested using the Brinell hardness test (HBW) by simply varying the ball size and test force based on the sample’s dimensions and design. The concept is the same whether a digital Brinell hardness tester or a handheld Brinell hardness tester is used. In some cases, as long as the ball size to test the force ratio remains constant, the results are considered accurate when changing between Brinell test conditions.
The HBW Brinell scale (where “H” stands for hardness, “B” for Brinell, and “W” for a tungsten carbide ball) is the most commonly used variant, especially for ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Results from the Brinell hardness tester are used extensively in industry as a basis for commercial shipment acceptance and quality control. The hardness values obtained from the Brinell test can also provide insights into other material properties, including:
Our Brinell hardness testers can withstand the most harsh environments. If necessary, they can be used with an air filtration system to protect the interior against dust. The testers are available in various formats, including the portable Brinell hardness tester for on-site applications, as well as bench-mounted and floor-standing models for high-precision testing in lab or industrial settings.
INNOVATEST offers various dedicated Brinell hardness testers that are closed loop, loadcell-based machines. Our instruments are developed, designed and endurance tested at our R&D facilities, and offer our customers the choice between basic manual testing or fully automatic Brinell testing.
All instruments are equipped with user friendly, advanced IMPRESSIONS software which allows for ease of use, while accommodating for complex applications and workflows. In addition, all critical internal electronic components are manufactured by INNOVATEST, allowing for a high level of manufacturing quality control, and ensuring a reliable hardness testing instrument for many years, backed by our extended warranty options.
Choosing the right hardness tester depends on your material type, load requirements, and testing environment.
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The Brinell test can be simply explained as an indentation hardness test consisting of two basic steps.
Step 1: Indentation
Step 2: Measurement
