MANUFACTURING – CONVERION & MANUFACTURING CONTANT CALCULATOR
Hardness Conversion
A precise tool.
What is the Hardness Conversion & How does it work?
Hardness is a material’s resistance to localized plastic deformation, and engineers use several standardized scales—Rockwell (HRC, HRB), Brinell (HB), Vickers (HV), and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS)—to quantify it. Each scale applies a different indenter geometry and load, which makes direct comparison impossible without conversion. Conversion between scales relies on empirical correlations derived from extensive testing of steels and alloys. These correlations allow designers to translate a hardness value measured on one scale into an equivalent value on another, facilitating material selection, quality control, and specification compliance across industries. Because the relationships are approximations, they are most accurate for the material families from which they were derived. The following formula band shows a common linear conversion used for steels, linking Rockwell C hardness to Vickers hardness.
HV = 9.5 \times HRC + 150
HV = Vickers hardness, HRC = Rockwell C hardness
Parameters
Result
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert Rockwell hardness to Brinell hardness?
Use the conversion formula based on empirical data for steels and alloys.
What is the difference between Vickers and Brinell hardness tests?
Vickers uses a diamond pyramid indenter, while Brinell uses a hardened steel ball; Vickers is generally more accurate for harder materials.
Can I convert ultimate tensile strength to Rockwell hardness?
Yes, but the conversion requires specific material properties and empirical correlations.
Why are there different hardness scales?
Different scales use varying indenter geometries and loads, suitable for different materials and applications.
How accurate are these conversions between hardness scales?
Conversions are based on empirical data and can vary slightly depending on the material being tested.
What is the typical range of values for each hardness scale?
Rockwell HRC ranges from 20-70, HRB from 15-90, HB from 80-700, and HV from 30-600.
When should I use the ultimate tensile strength instead of hardness?
Use UTS when evaluating material’s ability to withstand stretching or pulling forces, not just resistance to indentation.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.