ASTM E18-14

The Rockwell hardness test is an empirical identation hardness test that can provide useful information about metallic materials. This information may correlate to tensile strength, wear resistance ductility, and other physical characteristics of metallic materials, and may be useful in quality control and selection of materials.

Rockwell hardness testing at a specific location on a part may not represent the physical characteristics of the whole part or end product.

These test methods cover the determination of the Rockwell hardness and the Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials by the Rockwell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for Rockwell hardness machines and the procedures for performing Rockwell hardness tests.