Category: Ames How To

Ames How To

Testing Tin Plate with an Ames Portable Superficial Tester

Aug 19, 2023 by Carrin Harris 0 Comments #Ames superficial tester, #test hardness tin, #test tin hardness, #testing tin, #tin hardness

The object of hardness testing tin plate is to determine the Temper (hardness) designation of the material. This is a classification system where the temper designation indicates the appropriate use for your tin plate. Tin plate has different and specific characteristics at each designation. The higher the temper designation, the harder the material.

You can test tin plate in either the Rockwell 15-T scale (R15T) or in the Rockwell 30-T scale (R30T) and you will always use a diamond spot anvil. The diamond spot anvil is used to avoid the “anvil effect” which is when the result of the test is affected by the steel anvil because the thinness of the material being tested did not support the major load pressure. In other words, the hardness of the anvil was tested rather than the material. The Diamond Spot Anvil is too hard to yield to the major load and, therefore, will not influence the test results. The selection of scale is determined by the thickness (or weight) of the material to be tested. The thickness of the tin plate is designated as a weight. Tests in R15T are made on plate which is less than 75 lbs. per base box. Tests in the R30T are made on plate which is over 75 lbs. per base box.

Since the standard used by the U.S. Tin Can Industry is the R30T scale, all R15T test results must be converted to R30T. For conversion and determination of Temper Designations with related characteristics, we offer the following chart:

Temper Tin Plate
Designation R30T R15T Characteristic

   T-1        52 maximum      78.5 maximum        soft for drawing

   T-2        50 to 56        77 to 80        moderate drawing
                                Where some stiffness 
                                is required

   T-3        54 to 60        79 to 81.5      shallow drawing

   T-4        58 to 64        81 to 85        general purpose
                                Where increased 
                                stiffness is required

   T-5        62 to 68        82.5 to 85.5        stiff, rephosphorized 
                                Steel used for 
                                Hardness to resist 
                                Buckling

   T-6        67 to 73        85 to 88        rephosphorized steel
                                for great stiffness

Tinplate is a popular material used in the packaging industry due to its excellent corrosion resistance and durability. However, the mechanical properties of tinplate can vary depending on the manufacturing process and the thickness of the coating. Therefore, it is essential to conduct hardness testing to ensure that the material meets the required specifications.  Hardness testing is a non-destructive method that measures the resistance of a material to deformation. The Ames Portable Hardness Tester is a useful tool for testing the hardness of tinplate.

What is an Ames Portable Hardness Tester? The Ames Portable Hardness Tester is a handheld device that uses the Rockwell hardness testing method to measure the hardness of a material. The tester consists of a spring-loaded diamond-tipped indenter that is pressed into the surface of the material under a specified load. The depth of the penetration is measured, and a hardness value is calculated based on the amount of penetration. The Ames Portable Hardness Tester is easy to use and can provide accurate and repeatable results.

How to Test Tinplate with an Ames Portable Hardness Tester: Before conducting a hardness test on tinplate with an Ames Portable Hardness Tester, it is essential to ensure that the surface of the material is clean and free of any contaminants. The test should be conducted on a flat surface of the tinplate that is at least ten times thicker than the depth of the indentation. The test should be conducted using the C-scale, which is the most common scale used for testing tinplate.

To conduct the test, the Ames Portable Hardness Tester is placed on the surface of the tinplate, and the load is applied by turning the knob on the device. The load should be applied slowly and evenly to ensure accurate results. After the load has been applied, the indenter is removed, and the depth of the penetration is measured. The hardness value is then calculated using the following formula:

Hardness = 100 – (Depth of penetration x 2)

The hardness value can then be compared to the required specifications to determine if the material meets the necessary hardness requirements The Ames Portable Hardness Tester is easy to use and can provide accurate and repeatable results. By conducting hardness testing with an Ames Portable Hardness Tester, manufacturers can ensure that their tinplate meets the necessary hardness requirements and is suitable for use in a wide range of applications.

Ames How To

Accurately Reading a Rockwell Portable Hardness Tester

Feb 21, 2023 by Ames Portable hardness testers 0 Comments #Ames, #ames hardness tester, #Ames portable hardness tester, #Ames tester, #how to use an Ames tester

When you get a new Ames tester, it is important to practice with it as you would with any other measuring instrument. Ames accuracy testing helps you ensure that your hardness tester is reading accurately. Using your test blocks to verify the correct readouts on your Ames tester ensures the tester is working as it should. Making sure you are reading your Ames tester accurately is also important. Frequently used scales on Standard hardness testers are A, B, C, and E in the Rockwell scale. Superficial scales that are frequently used include 15-N, 30-N, 45-N, 15-T, 30-T, and 45-T. Familiarize yourself with charts for these scales and practice testing in the scale you will be using most frequently.

Frequently Used Rockwell Scales

There are two basic types of penetrators that you will be using to conduct your hardness tests. The ball penetrator comes in 4 sizes, be sure to check your chart for the appropriate penetrator. For example, if you are testing a soft material, you will likely be testing in the “B” scale and will use a 1/16″ ball penetrator. Never use the ball penetrator with your steel test block or when testing hard steel, this will damage your penetrator and give invalid results. For testing harder materials, you will use a diamond penetrator. Diamond penetrators are available for either a standard or superficial tester, all one size. Using the diamond penetrator on a softer material can ruin your material. If you are testing a harder material you will likely test in Rockwell C with the diamond penetrator.

When you set up your tester, be sure to secure the penetrator and the appropriate anvil. Check the position of the indicator hand. The indicator should rest directly on the dot on the dial. When you apply the minor load, slowly turn the hand wheel until the indicator points to the line marked “set”. Next, you will rotate the top of the barrel dial toward you until the pin rests against the magnifier. If you are using a model 1-4, there is no pin and you will need to align visually. Your Ames manual contains these instructions.

When you apply the major load, turn the hand wheel until the pointer rests on the major load indicated by the chart. You need to be careful to bring the indicator exactly to the desired graduation on the dial. If penetration goes beyond the major load you will not receive a valid reading and will not be able to receive a valid reading on that penetration. You will need to choose a new test point and begin the test again.

When you turn the handwheel back and bring the pointer back to “set” you can take the reading through the magnifier. Each graduation indicates two points on the Rockwell scale. If you are using a standard tester with a ball penetrator, read the black numbers in column “B”. If you are using a diamond penetrator, read the black numbers in column “C”. You may notice the first two or three tests may be low until your penetrator and anvil are seated.

In addition to practice and accuracy testing, it is important that you have your hardness tester calibrated at our facility on an annual basis.

Ames How To

The Importance of Hardness Testing in Machine Shops, Freight Yards, Warehouses, Factories and Laboratories

Aug 22, 2022 by Carrin Harris 0 Comments #Ames portable hardness tester, #Ames rockwell hardness tester, #Ames tester, #measuring hardness, #measuring rockwell hardness, #Rockwell A scale, #rockwell hardness test, #Rockwell method, #rockwell scales, #Rockwell tester, #rockwell testers

Hardness testing of metals before and after heat-treating is a common practice in manufacturing establishments like yours. Tests are made of materials before machining begins; of tools that are used and to check hardness after heat-treating.

Sheets of metals are tested to make certain they are not too hard to cause breakage of valuable dies. Bars are tested to insure proper machining speeds and protection of turning tools. Heat-treated parts are checked to control hardness within established limits for better performance and longer wear.

Ames Portable Hardness Testers are ideal for these purposes since they can be taken to the material receiving departments, to machines where you are working, and to every place by inspectors during the entire manufacturing process. Being portable, they check the hardness of parts while in machines being fabricated, and also after being assembled into complete sets.

Ames testers are used to check parts being machined that work harden under certain conditions. You test the hardness of large shear blades and cutters in machines, to check if heat developed in the operation of machines has affected the hardened shafts and parts. A book could be written on the many applications that Ames testers have found.

Customers all over the world learned to expect the best in design workmanship and accuracy in Ames hardness testers. With great pride, Ames offers portable hardness testers to all who make tests in Rockwell hardness scales. They are precisely made, carefully tested for accuracy, and beautifully finished. Enthusiastic owners, like you, have told others about Ames portable hardness testers and the savings made on a variety of interesting applications.

Until Ames Portable Hardness Testers were made in the year 1947, it was thought that only large bench-type hardness testers with weights and levers would give accurate results. Many attempts at building portable hardness testers were made by others that were failures, and the large bench machines seemed like the only accurate dependable type.

Ames employed the principle of the ordinary micrometer a C frame with a screw to perfect a lightweight, accurate easy-to-use hardness tester. Incorporating a sensitive dial indicator and graduated barrel dial, readings are taken directly in the Rockwell scales with no calculating or transposing. No skill is required by the operator, and the tests are made quickly and easily.

Ames portable hardness testers are used everywhere in a plant saving your company installation expenses, cost of transporting materials, and valuable stock that would be cut from bars and or sheets for test purposes with bench testers. Ames portable testers save you the cost of large stationary testers that would otherwise be needed in a plant. The cost of Ames testers is only a fraction of the bench-type testers.

The principle of Rockwell Hardness Testing is based on the scientifically established theory that a definite relationship exists between the hardness of a material and the depth of the penetration when the indentation method of measurement is used. The numbers of the Rockwell scales represent the depth of penetration when standard indenters are used under known pressure loads.

Frequently Used Rockwell Scales

This method has proved practical and accurate and is the simplest and quickest method yet devised for measuring hardness, hence the universal acceptance of Rockwell scales as a standard for measuring hardness. For testing hardened steels and alloys by the Rockwell method, a standard “C” penetrator is used under a pressure load of 150 kgs. The penetrator has a 120-degree cone carefully ground and polished and a diamond point that has been mechanically lapped to a spherical point with a .008-inch radius. For testing soft steels, nonferrous alloys, and cast iron, a standard 1/16″ diameter specially hardened steel ball penetrator, known as the “B” penetrator, is used and a pressure load of 100 kgs is applied. Readings in other Rockwell scales are obtained by using the diamond penetrator and ball penetrators of 1/8″ and 1/2″ diameter and 60 and 100 kg loads.

In the Rockwell method of Hardness testing, two loads, a minor, or initial load and a major load are applied. The depth of penetration actually measured is the additional depth resulting from the major load after the initial or minor load has been applied. This causes no serious difficulty or computation as the tester is set back to zero following the initial load. The resultant reading is believed to be a truer and more accurate measurement of hardness, in as much as surface imperfections or variations in the piece would cause inaccurate readings. By measuring only the increment or additional depth caused by the major load, inaccurate readings due to surface variations are eliminated.

In the Rockwell B and C scales, the minor load is 10 kgs and the major load is 100 and 150 kgs respectively. In the Rockwell Superficial scales, the minor load is 3 kgs and the major load is 15, 30, and 45 kgs respectively. Ames hardness testers employ the same penetrators and pressure loads as specified in Rockwell hardness testing and consequently read directly in the Rockwell scales. A chart of Rockwell scales is provided with each tester giving the penetrators and pressure loads to be used. This chart also gives equivalent Brinell readings.

Download our Rockwell-Brinell Conversion Chart
Ames How To

Using your Ames Rockwell – Brinell Conversion table

Jul 15, 2022 by Carrin Harris 2 Comments #brinell, #measuring rockwell hardness, #Rockwell A scale, #Rockwell B Scale, #Rockwell C scale, #rockwell hardness, #rockwell hardness test, #rockwell testers
Please note the contact information in these charts is not up to date

Ames Portable Hardness testers read in the Rockwell scale. The Rockwell scale uses indentation and measures the depth of that indentation with a major and minor load to determine the hardness of a metal. The scale used depends of the metal being tested and the portable hardness tester used.

Ames developed a conversion chart for use in converting Rockwell scale readings into the Brinell scale. This allows you to easily determine the equal Brinnell reading. This conversion chart is broken down into categories to help you determine the converted value.

Hardened Steel and Hard Alloys, locate the type of penetrator you used and the scale you used in the top column for the scale. In this case you will only see C, A, D, 15N, 30N and 45N scales which can then be converted into the Brinell scale. Follow the appropriate line across to locate the corresponding reading in the middle column marked ‘Brinell’.

The next section is Soft Steel, non-ferrous metal, grey and malleable iron casting, this section covers the B, E, F, G, 15T, 30T and 45T scales. You will need to find the appropriate load in order to find the correct conversion. The bottom of this conversion chart includes corrections which cover any readings that were not included in the original chart.

The right-hand side of the chart gives you a guide to choosing the appropriate penetrator and hardness scale for your metal.

Download Ames’ Rockwell-Brinell Conversion Chart
Ames How To

6 Easy Steps to Testing Clutches with your Ames Portable Hardness Tester

Mar 18, 2022 by Ames Portable hardness testers 0 Comments #Ames portable hardness tester, #clutch hardness test, #rockwell scales, #rockwell testers, #test clutch hardness

Your Ames Portable Hardness Tester was designed for checking the hardness of materials in the Rockwell scales. This has become an asset to the racing industry which has developed a scale* for checking clutches using the Ames Portable Hardness Tester. The Ames tester helps to win races by providing repeatable results every time.

Featured in one of our promotions, Mike Bell, team II driver for Roy Hill Drag Racing, knows how important clutch plate survival is to victory in Pro Stock. Sudden heating can affect both surface and internal structure of clutch metals. Mike used Ames Rockwell Hardness Tester model 2 to check surface hardness of both plates before installation. He used the following recommended configuration. Roy Hill Drag Racing’s Ford Thunderbird set a Pro Stock National record of 6.73 seconds in 1995.

They provide the following recommendations for testing clutches* with your hardness tester in 6 easy steps:

To get yourself set up, make sure you have the following items: Model 2 Ames Portable Tester with a 1-inch anvil and 1/2 inch ball penetrator.

Step 1: Rotate the outer ring on the dial indicator and align the “dot” directly under the indicator needle. Position the clutch between the 1/2 inch ball penetrator and the 1-inch anvil. Make sure the surface is flat and the ball will not fall into holes or grooves.

Step 2: Rotate the handwheel clockwise until the needle on the gauge moves to the set position on the gauge face.

Step 3: Rotate the aluminum barrel counterclockwise so that the pin rests on top of the lucite magnifier

Step 4: Rotate the handwheel clockwise until the indicator needle reaches 60 on the indicator face.

Step 5: Immediately rotate the handwheel counterclockwise until the indicator is back at the set position.

Step 6: Read the black scale on the barrel. The thick line across the barrel is the whole number. (10, 20, 30, 40 etc.) The smaller hash marks on the left side of the barrel are in two-point increments.

Note: It has been established that using this method, test readings that fall between 65 to 80 give the best results.

You probably recognize former racing customers such as Massey Race Cars, Wayne County Speed, Stouts, Carl Smith, Glidden Racing, Ricky Smith Racing, Paul Rebeschi, Gary Brown Racing, Heck Racing, and Nickens Bros. Racing maintenance crews have come to rely on the results provided by Ames hardness testers.



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*Please note that this is a special testing method designed by professionals in the racing industry for use as described in these steps and does not represent recommended testing methods for our Ames Portable Hardness Testers.  In this case, the ball penetrator is used and the “B” scale is read.  The ball penetrator is not used to produce readings in the “B” scale.

Ames How To

Rockwell Hardness Charts for Metals

Dec 11, 2020 by Ames Portable hardness testers 0 Comments #Ames portable hardness tester, #Ames tester models, #choosing rockwell hardness scales, #frequently used scales on Ames tester models, #rockwell testers

Ames Rockwell-Brinnell Conversion Chart

Our handy conversion chart helps you convert your Ames Hardness Readings from the Rockwell scales to Brinnell scales

Download Now

Choosing a Rockwell Hardness Scale

Below are a few Hardness Scale charts that will help you choose the proper set up for your Ames Rockwell portable hardness tester. The charts cover the following :

All information included in this article is found in the Ames Tester Manual. Download it here.

Material to be tested – 

Very hard metals, soft and hard steel, aluminum, brass, and thinner materials can all be tested with our testers.

Brass and aluminum alloys can be handled by using a 1/16 ball

The penetrator that is needed – 

Very hard metals like tungsten carbide, and thin steel needs to be tested using a Diamond penetrator.

Brass and aluminum alloys can be handled by using a 1/16 ball

Brass and aluminum alloys can be handled by using a 1/16 ball

The major load to be applied – 

Your tester is guaranteed to +/- 1 point Rockwell. When using this tester, you must use extreme care to position the pointer exactly on the minor and major load marks.

Lastly, the correct Barrel dial setting – 

The upper line of the barrel’s hardness scales should be exactly aligned beneath the hairline on the magnifier.

Do you need to convert Brinell to Rockwell?  See our Rockwell/Brinell conversion chart.

 

Metal hardness chart scale Rockwell Metal Hardness Charts

Here are some commonly used scales on our models.

Frequently Used Rockwell Scales

Please contact us with any questions regarding proper maintenance and set up of our Rockwell testers.

Shop Ames Hardness Testers:

Measuring Hardness Rockwell Scale
Ames How To

Hardness Testing in Rockwell Scales

Nov 30, 2020 by Ames Portable hardness testers 0 Comments #Ames portable hardness testing, #Ames rockwell hardness tester, #measuring rockwell hardness, #rockwell hardness, #rockwell scales

Hardness Testing – Rockwell scales

Rockwell Hardness testing is a system for determining the hardness of metals and alloys of all kinds. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has established a standard recognized worldwide to help manufacturers maintain the qualities they want in their products. If you are using the Brinell scale check out our conversion chart.      

ASTM Standards E-18 and E-110 defines the test method and parameters for a valid test using portable hardness testers. Following is a general description of the method. A spheroconical diamond penetrator or a carbide ball penetrator is forced into the surface being tested at a predetermined pressure load. The hardness is read as a function of the depth of penetration.

To overcome errors in measurement, two pressure loads are applied in sequence. The first, a minor load is applied and the readout dial is “zeroed” with the part being tested still under load. Then the major load is applied.  The penetrator is backed out to the minor load point to read the distance traveled. The hardness reading represents the additional depth of penetration beyond the minor load.  Tester accuracy is checked by running the test on specimens whose hardness has been certified by an independent testing laboratory. All Ames hardness testers perform genuine Rockwell Hardness tests, giving a direct Rockwell reading. Their accuracy meets or exceeds ASTM Standards E-18 and E-110. Each tester comes complete with test specimens to assure continued accuracy. 

*All Ames testers are
factory lubricated. Do not
attempt additional lubrication.
Keep the tester dry and free
from oil. Store in the case
provided. When necessary,
wipe with a commercial
cleaner

Maintaining accuracy with a portable Rockwell hardness tester

All AMES Hardness Testers, whether in constant use or not, require accuracy checks. To check accuracy, take the average of 5 readings on the test block. The readings on the barrel dial should agree with the marking on the test block, within +/- 1 point.
Further, to guarantee the accuracy of your tester, it is recommended that tests be made in high, medium, and low ranges. For example, C Scale, C-63, C-50, and C-28. Once per year, your tester needs to be factory calibrated. 

The distance between the center of two adjacent indentations shall be at least three times the diameter of
the indentation.  The distance from the center of any indentation to an edge of the test piece shall be at least two and a half times the diameter of the indentation. In other words, keep indentations 3 diameters apart. Indentations can only be made on one side of the test block.

Please check out our penetrators for hardness testing by clicking the link below

Penetrators for sale

Also check out more on how to properly use a portable Rockwell tester by following the link below

How to properly use a Ames Rockwell Hardness Tester

You may also contact us with any questions you may have. 

This Video Explains How to Use Your Rockwell-Brinell Conversion Chart:

Rockwell-Metal-Hardness-Tester-Calibration
Ames How To

Portable Rockwell Hardness Tester Calibration – An Infographic

Jan 1, 2020 by Ames Portable hardness testers 0 Comments #Ames Hardness Tester calibration, #Ames portable hardness tester calibration, #calibrate Ames hardness tester, #calibrating your Ames Hardness tester

Rockwell-Metal-Hardness-Tester-Calibration

 

Don’t forget to calibrate your Ames Rockwell Tester once a year for continued accuracy

To get your Ames Tester calibrated or repaired please ship it to:

Stillion Industries
2055 N. Lima Center Rd.
Dexter MI 48130
United States

Please be sure to put your contact information in with the tester shipment.

Metal Rockwell Hardness Testing
Ames How To

How to Test the Hardness of Steel

Nov 26, 2019 by Ames Portable hardness testers 0 Comments #Ames portable hardness testing steel, #Rockewell hardness of steel, #steel hardness test, #steel in rockwell hardness, #test steel hardness

Rockwell Hardness testing can be used for determining the hardness of soft and harder metals including steel. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has established a standard recognized worldwide to help manufacturers maintain the qualities they want in their products.  ASTM Standards E-18 and E-110 defines the test method and parameters for a valid test using portable hardness testers. Rockwell hardness testing is a way of measuring the hardness of steel. Hardness means resistance to penetration. This test gets its name from Stanley P. Rockwell who invented the test and the original hardness testing machines.

Using the Rockwell method to test steel hardness

The Rockwell hardness testing of steel parts is done by applying loads to parts via either a tungsten carbide ball or a  diamond indenter.  The surface of the steel part has to be ready before the testing can begin.  If it is not, the chances of inaccurate readings rise.

Next, a light load is applied to the indenter or penetrator (usually either 3 or 5 kg) to zero out the portable Rockwell hardness tester. Next, a heavy load ( from 15 kg to 150 kg) is applied and held for a period of time.

The length the indenter traveled from the application of the light load to the release of the heavy load is documented and used to determine the hardness of the steel

Rockwell hardness is determined by measuring the distance traveled by an indenter when a heavy load is applied to a heat-treated part. The Rockwell method is the most common and accurate way to get a calculation on the hardness of steel

Take a look at the video below for further instructions on using an Ames portable Rockwell hardness tester.

Further reading

What metals can Rockwell hardness testers be used with?

Ames How To

How To Use A Rockwell Portable Hardness Tester

May 15, 2018 by Ames Portable hardness testers 0 Comments #guide to Ames hardness testing, #how to test with Ames, #how to use an Ames portable Hardness tester

Using An Ames Portable Metal Hardness Tester

Find more helpful videos on our youtube channel. Below is a transcript of the above video.  If you have any questions or need more information on our portable Rockwell testers than contact us here.

We’re going to be testing a customer’s sample piece on her Model 1 a standard Ames portable hardness tester.  The purpose of this demonstration is to show you just how easy it is to operate the tester as a sample piece or using a small clip. It is a hard material spring-type steel.  I’m using a diamond penetrator for the flat Anvil.   I’m going to be measuring in the C scale which requires a 10-kg minor load and I’ve got a  150 kg major load.  First thing I want to do is initialize the Dow indicator Itself by rotating the setting of the stylus of the indicator. Next we’re going to trap the part between the Anvil and the penetrator and I’m going to establish my 10 kg. load. Simply do that by rotating the handwheel and the pin correctly. Next we want to establish the zeo point on the tester itself. To do that we  rotate barrel down and rest the pin directly on the magnifer. Next we will rotate the handwheel to 150. Once that is set, reverse the handwheel back to the set point. What you see is the C scale numbers in black and B scale numbers in red. We are looking at the C scale.  You can see the line underneath the number 40 there’s a thick line and then off on the left hand side there’s little hash marks each one of those small hash marks is 2 points.  The large broad line underneath the number itself is the whole number or in this case 40.  You can see it set up in 10 point increments.  So what we’re looking at is 40 which is the black line underneath the 40 and then we’re sitting right between the broad and hash mark which makes it a 41.  We want to thank you for your attention should you have questions please feel free to contact us by email telephone.

Below are a few videos featuring tips on how to use a Portable Ames Rockwell Hardness Tester. Make sure  to tighten extensions, penetrator and anvil. Also make sure the gage is set to the dot. When used correctly our metal  hardness testers are reliable for testing metals and plastics.

If you should have any questions on our portable hardness testers please contact us here.

The first thing we are going to do is, with no load applied we want to lift this needle and make sure it’s below that set mark and pointed right at the dot. The next thing we’re going to do is just make sure all our components are tight so starting with the anvil, the extension and the anvil adapter and finally our penetrator, just make sure all of those are finger tight.