A Metrology Approach to Unifying Rockwell C Hardness Scales

Published

January 1, 1995

Author(s)

Jun-Feng Song, J Smith, Theodore V. Vorburger

Abstract

Current Rockwell C hardness scales (HRC) are unified by performance comparisons. Unless a reliable metrology approach is used for the direct verification of standard hardness machines and diamond indenters, the unified hardness scale may exhibit a systematic offset from the true value of the hardness scale. Based on the recently developed NIST microform calibration system, a metrology approach is suggested to unify Rockwell C hardness scales. The true value and reference-value scales are defined. It is proposed to use the reference standards, including standard hardness machines and NIST standard-grade Rockwell diamond indenters, to create, maintain, and reproduce the reference-value scale for the metrology-based Rockwell hardness standard system, and to overcome the systematic offset in existing performance-based hardness scales.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Hardness Testing in Theory and Practice

Conference Dates

November 23, 1995-November 24, 1994

Conference Location

Dusseldorf, 1, GE

Pub Type

Conferences

Citation

Song, J. , Smith, J. and Vorburger, T. (1995), A Metrology Approach to Unifying Rockwell C Hardness Scales, Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Hardness Testing in Theory and Practice, Dusseldorf, 1, GE (Accessed October 10, 2025)