Metal Hardness Scale/Chart: Comparison of Hardness Testing Methods
High temperature publications 2024
Application Notes
Understanding Metal Hardness: BHN, HRC, VHN & Mohs Explained - Micro Material UK
Metal Hardness Scale Chart
This chart provides an approximate comparison of hardness values across different testing scales for metals.
metals.
| Metal Type | Brinell (BHN) | Rockwell B (HRB) | Rockwell C (HRC) | Vickers (VHN) | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Steel | 120 | 55 | - | 125 | 4.5 |
| Medium Carbon Steel | 180 | 80 | 10 | 190 | 5.5 |
| Hard Steel | 280 | - | 28 | 290 | 6.5 |
| Stainless Steel | 200-300 | 95 | 20-30 | 210-320 | 5.5-6.5 |
| Tool Steel | 600 | - | 55-65 | 650 | 7.5 |
| Cast Iron | 180-300 | 90 | 10-20 | 200-350 | 4.5-5.5 |
| Aluminum | 35-95 | 20-60 | - | 40-100 | 2.5-3.0 |
| Brass | 55-100 | 30-60 | - | 60-110 | 3.0-4.0 |
| Titanium Alloy | 350-400 | - | 35-45 | 370-420 | 6.0 |
| Tungsten Carbide | 1300-1800 | - | 85+ | 1400-1900 | 9.0 |
| Hardened Steel | 600-700 | - | 50-65 | 620-750 | 7.5-8.0 |
- Brinell Hardness (BHN): Used for softer metals and large samples.
- Rockwell Hardness (HRB, HRC): Common for steels, alloys, and industrial metals.
- Vickers Hardness (VHN): High precision, useful for thin materials and coatings.
- Mohs Hardness: Measures scratch resistance (e.g., Diamond = 10, Talc = 1).
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Inside a NanoTest Xtreme nanomechanical test system, capable of testing at high temperatures, upto and exceeding 1000 °C , under high vacuum conditions
Image showing high temperature nanoindentation testing at temperatures over 900 °C using the NanoText Xtreme instrument supplied by Micro Materials Ltd
Image taken by Adrian Harris of Micro Materials Ltd, showing localised heating at 950 °C on an Xtreme system
Image taken by Andrew Bird (Micro Materials Ltd), showing localised heating at
750 °C on an Xtreme system in use at the University of Oxford
Nanomechanical testing to 1000 °C
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To further enhance your experience and understanding, we invite you to check out the following pages on our website that we believe are essential to your journey with us:
- High-Temperature Nanoindentation Testing for Advanced Material Characterization
- Advanced Nano Scratch and Wear Testing for Coatings and Materials
- Nano-Impact Testing for Advanced Material Performance in High-Stress Applications
These pages offer valuable insights and resources to help you achieve your goals.