Choose Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks for your Ames Tester
Ames test blocks assist you in maintaining the accuracy of your hardness tester and are a necessary tool for setting up your hardness tester for new hardness testing jobs. You can purchase Ames test blocks online for your standard or superficial hardness tester in hard steel, soft steel, and bronze. You can also special order test blocks for your specific hardness testing needs.
Common Questions About Test Blocks
What is a hardness test block?
A hardness test block is a standardized reference piece used in the testing of the hardness of metals and other materials. These blocks are made from materials with a known and consistent hardness and are used to calibrate or verify the accuracy of hardness testing equipment.
Hardness test blocks come in various shapes and sizes depending on the type of hardness test being performed, and they are usually made from materials such as steel, tungsten carbide, or aluminum. The blocks are often given a unique identification number or marking, which corresponds to a specific hardness value or range, and this information is used to ensure that the testing equipment is providing accurate results.
The use of hardness test blocks is important in maintaining the accuracy of hardness testing, as it allows for equipment to be calibrated and verified on a regular basis to ensure that it is providing consistent and reliable results.
What are hardness test blocks made of?
Hardness test blocks are made from materials with a known and consistent hardness that can be used as a reference point for hardness testing. The material used for the block will depend on the type of hardness test being performed and the range of hardness values that need to be measured.
Some of the most common materials used for hardness test blocks include:
- Steel: Steel is a common material for hardness test blocks and is often used for Rockwell hardness testing. The blocks can be made from a range of different steel alloys, such as SAE 4130, which has a known hardness value and is used as a standard reference material.
- Tungsten Carbide: Tungsten carbide is a very hard and wear-resistant material that is used for hardness testing blocks in a range of applications, including Vickers and Brinell testing.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is a softer metal than steel or tungsten carbide but can still be used for hardness testing blocks. It is often used for testing the hardness of softer metals, such as copper or brass.
- Copper: Copper is another softer metal that can be used for hardness testing blocks. It is often used for testing the hardness of very soft materials, such as lead or plastic.
The specific material used for a hardness test block will depend on the type of test being performed and the desired range of hardness values. The blocks are often given a unique identification number or marking, which corresponds to a specific hardness value or range, and this information is used to ensure that the testing equipment is providing accurate results.
What is the purpose of a block test?
The purpose of a test block, also known as a calibration block or reference block, is to calibrate or verify the accuracy of a non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment or inspection system. These blocks are made from materials with known properties and characteristics that are similar to the materials being tested in order to establish a baseline for comparison.
Test blocks are used in various NDT methods, such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, and radiographic testing. By using a test block, an inspector or technician can determine if the NDT equipment is operating properly and producing accurate and reliable results.
The test block is scanned or inspected in the same way as the actual part or material being tested, and the results are compared to the known properties of the test block to ensure that the equipment is functioning correctly. If there are any discrepancies between the results obtained and the known properties of the test block, the equipment may need to be adjusted or calibrated before it can be used for actual testing of materials.
What is harder Rockwell B or C?
Rockwell B and Rockwell C are two scales within the Rockwell hardness testing system, which measures the hardness of a material by measuring the depth of an indentation made by an indenter under a specific load.
The Rockwell C scale is generally used for harder materials, such as hardened steels, whereas the Rockwell B scale is used for softer materials, such as brass, aluminum, and mild steel.
In general, the Rockwell C scale is harder than the Rockwell B scale. This is because the Rockwell C scale uses a harder diamond indenter and a heavier load than the Rockwell B scale, which results in a deeper indentation and a higher hardness reading.
For example, a typical Rockwell C scale hardness range for steel is around 20 to 70 HRC, while a typical Rockwell B scale hardness range for steel is around 30 to 100 HRB. Therefore, if two materials have the same Rockwell hardness value, the material measured on the Rockwell C scale would generally be considered harder than the material measured on the Rockwell B scale.
What is the material used in Rockwell hardness tests?
Rockwell hardness testing is a method used to measure the hardness of metals and other materials, and it involves making an indentation in the material with a specified load using a diamond or tungsten carbide indenter. The material used for the Rockwell hardness test is the material being tested itself.
The Rockwell hardness test can be performed on a wide range of metallic and non-metallic materials, including steel, aluminum, copper, brass, plastics, and ceramics. The material being tested must be prepared to a certain standard, such as a flat surface and a specific thickness, to ensure accurate and consistent results.
What is the price of hardness test blocks?
The price of a hardness test block can vary depending on several factors such as the material of the block, the size of the block, the range of hardness values, and the manufacturer or supplier.
Generally, hardness test blocks can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, with some highly specialized blocks costing even more. Steel blocks are typically less expensive, with prices ranging from $100 to $500, while tungsten carbide blocks can cost upwards of $1000 or more.
It is important to note that while the cost of a hardness test block may seem high, it is a crucial part of any hardness testing program and is necessary for ensuring accurate and reliable hardness testing results. Investing in a quality hardness test block can save time and money in the long run by reducing the need for re-testing and ensuring that the equipment is properly calibrated.