Question

Compare the Brinell hardness test to the Rockwell hardness test. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each test? When would each test be preferred over the other? Use equations and diagrams to illustrate your answer.

Answer 1

The Rockwell method has the following advantages:

1)no specimen preparation required .

2)hardness value directly readable, no optical evaluation required.

3)quick unlike brinell test and cost-effective process .

4) non-destructive testing; the test specimen can be used for other purposes.

Disadvantages:

1)It is not always very accurate hardness testing method, because slight error in measuring the depth difference can result in a significant error in the calculated hardness value .

2)The test location must be completely free of all contamination in order to achieve a meaningful test result.

3)The indenter has unknown effects on the test results, e.g. if the indenter is worn and the point of the tip is no longer sufficiently acute.

4)With increasing hardness, it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between materials.