Hardness Scales Explained
- Rockwell C (HRC): 20-70 range. For hardened steels, tool steels. Diamond cone indenter, 150 kg load.
- Rockwell B (HRB): 0-100 range. For softer metals, annealed steel, aluminum. 1/16" ball, 100 kg load.
- Vickers (HV): Wide range (50-3000+). Diamond pyramid. Precise for thin sections and case depth.
- Brinell (HB): Common for castings and forgings. 10mm carbide ball, 3000 kg load for steel.
Note: Conversions are approximate. Exact equivalence between scales is impossible because they measure different properties. ASTM E140 provides standard conversion tables.