scope:

This standard specifies the principles of the conversion of hardness values and gives general information on the use of the conversion tables. The conversion tables in Annexes A to F apply to - unalloyed and low alloy steels and cast iron, - steels for quenching and tempering, - steels for cold working - high speed steels, - tool steels - hardmetals, and - non-ferrous metals and alloys. NOTE The conversion tables in Annexes B to F are based on empirical results which were evaluated by means of regression analysis. Such analysis was not possible in the case of the values given in Annex A because a sufficient number of results was not available. This International Standard specifies the principles of conversion of hardness values to equivalent values in other hardness scales and to estimates of tensile strength. It gives general information on the use of conversion tables. Converted values obtained using this standard are only directly applicable to the exact material tested. For all other materials they provide an indicator only. In all cases, the converted values are not intended as a replacement for values obtained by the correct standard method. In particular, tensile strength estimates are the least reliable converted values in this standard. Sections of this International Standard are reprinted, with permission of ASTM International, from ASTM E140 Standard Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals Relationship among Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell Hardness, Superficial Harness, Knoop Hardness, and Scleroscope Hardness.