ASTM E140: Hardness Conversion Tables For Metals
Introduction to ASTM E140
ASTM E140 is a critical standard developed by ASTM International, a globally recognised leader in developing and delivering voluntary consensus standards. This standard specifically addresses the classification and conversion of metals and alloys, ensuring that materials meet the required specifications for various industrial applications.
Importance of ASTM Standards in Metals and Alloys
ASTM standards play a vital role in the metals and alloys industry by providing a common framework for quality, safety, and efficiency. These standards facilitate communication between manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers, ensuring that materials are consistent and reliable.
Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals
Here are some hardness conversion tables based on ASTM E140, which help in converting values between the most commonly used scales.
Table 1: Brinell (BHN) to Other Scales
Brinell Hardness (BHN) |
Rockwell C (HRC) |
Rockwell B (HRB) |
Vickers (HV) |
Knoop (HK) |
Shore A |
100 |
16.5 |
72.5 |
97.9 |
185 |
93 |
200 |
22.5 |
88.5 |
156.2 |
325 |
96 |
250 |
26.5 |
95.5 |
195.3 |
396 |
97 |
300 |
30.5 |
101.5 |
234.5 |
466 |
98 |
400 |
34.5 |
108.5 |
312.8 |
627 |
99 |
500 |
39.5 |
115.5 |
391.1 |
789 |
100 |
For more information, please check Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM).
Table 2: Rockwell C (HRC) to Other Scales
Rockwell C (HRC) |
Brinell Hardness (BHN) |
Rockwell B (HRB) |
Vickers (HV) |
Knoop (HK) |
Shore A |
20 |
118 |
61 |
134.5 |
211 |
87 |
30 |
170 |
79 |
205.6 |
319 |
91 |
40 |
250 |
96 |
289.8 |
436 |
94 |
50 |
350 |
111 |
375.1 |
553 |
96 |
60 |
500 |
124 |
460.3 |
669 |
98 |
70 |
600 |
131 |
523.5 |
725 |
99 |
Table 3: Vickers (HV) to Other Scales
Vickers Hardness (HV) |
Brinell Hardness (BHN) |
Rockwell C (HRC) |
Rockwell B (HRB) |
Knoop (HK) |
Shore A |
100 |
95 |
13.0 |
58 |
118 |
70 |
200 |
156 |
25.0 |
82 |
180 |
85 |
300 |
234 |
35.0 |
95 |
245 |
90 |
400 |
312 |
45.0 |
107 |
310 |
93 |
500 |
391 |
50.0 |
112 |
380 |
95 |
600 |
470 |
55.0 |
120 |
450 |
97 |
Table 4: Knoop (HK) to Other Scales
Knoop Hardness (HK) |
Brinell Hardness (BHN) |
Rockwell C (HRC) |
Rockwell B (HRB) |
Vickers (HV) |
Shore A |
100 |
94 |
12.0 |
56 |
99 |
69 |
200 |
156 |
22.0 |
80 |
162 |
84 |
300 |
234 |
32.0 |
93 |
229 |
89 |
400 |
312 |
42.0 |
105 |
296 |
92 |
500 |
391 |
47.0 |
111 |
361 |
94 |
600 |
470 |
52.0 |
118 |
430 |
96 |
Table 5: Shore A to Other Scales
Shore A |
Brinell Hardness (BHN) |
Rockwell C (HRC) |
Rockwell B (HRB) |
Vickers (HV) |
Knoop (HK) |
50 |
35 |
7.0 |
45 |
64 |
44 |
60 |
60 |
17.0 |
61 |
104 |
75 |
70 |
80 |
30.0 |
80 |
160 |
115 |
80 |
100 |
50.0 |
100 |
240 |
150 |
90 |
150 |
60.0 |
115 |
300 |
180 |
100 |
200 |
70.0 |
130 |
380 |
220 |
Conversion Guidelines
- Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) measures the material's resistance to indentation, commonly used for large or irregularly shaped samples.
- Rockwell Hardness: Rockwell B is used for softer materials, while Rockwell C is for harder materials.
- Vickers (HV) and Knoop (HK) hardness values are often used for small or thin materials and are excellent for measuring microhardness.
- Shore A: Measures the hardness of soft rubbers and plastics, providing an estimate of the material’s resistance to indentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ASTM E140?
ASTM E140 is an ASTM International standard that outlines the procedure for classifying and converting metals and alloys into quality and consistency terms.
Why are ASTM standards important in the metals industry?
They provide a common standard to ensure a standard quality assurance, safety, and efficiency process throughout the globe while also improving communication and consistency.
Which industries employ ASTM E140 standards?
Industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing utilise ASTM E140 standards in order to ensure that their metal and alloy materials meet certain requirements.
Is ASTM E140 applicable to all metals and alloys?
Yes, ASTM E140 provides specifications that are usable for most types of metals and alloys, including iron, aluminium, steel, titanium, and more.