Metal hardness testing plays a vital role in materials engineering, quality control, heat treatment validation, and structural fabrication. Among various hardness testing methods, Brinell Testing remains one of the most reliable and widely adopted standards, especially for large, cast, or rough metal components.
In this article, we explore the principles of Brinell hardness testing, the advantages of portable Brinell testers, and why the KING Portable Brinell Hardness Tester stands out as a preferred solution for industrial metal hardness testing.
What Is Brinell Hardness Testing?
Brinell Hardness Testing involves pressing a hard, spherical indenter (usually a 10 mm tungsten carbide ball) into the surface of a metal sample using a standardized test force. The diameter of the resulting permanent indentation is then measured using a microscope, and the Brinell Hardness Number (HB or HBW) is calculated based on the load applied and the indentation size.
This method is governed by international Brinell standards such as ASTM E-10, ASTM E-110, and ISO 6506, which define parameters like test force, indenter size, dwell time, and measurement procedures.
Brinell testing is ideal for:
- Heavy and rough-surfaced materials.
- Large components such as castings and forgings.
- Applications where other hardness scales (e.g., Rockwell or Vickers) may be unsuitable.
KING Portable Brinell Hardness Tester
The KING Portable Brinell Hardness Tester is a manually operated device that combines precision, durability, and true portability. Capable of applying up to 3,000 kgf using a 10 mm carbide ball, this tester is trusted in industries ranging from steel production to pipeline inspection, shipbuilding, and power generation.
Key Features:
- Hydraulic chamber design with manual control.
- Test force range: 187.5 kgf to 3,000 kgf.
- Indenter options: 2.5 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm balls.
- Testing range: 16–650 HBW.
- Works in any orientation: right-side up, upside down, or sideways.
- Optional components: Long Ram Test Head, Low Pressure Test Head, and Chain Adapter for large or irregular parts.
Whether you are testing in the lab or on-site, the KING Tester provides bench-level accuracy with portable convenience, and only requires one operator to perform the test.
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Long Ram Test Head |
Standard Test Head |
Low Pressure Test Head |
Advantages of Using KING Portable Brinell Hardness Tester
1. Portability & Flexibility
Engineered for both in-plant and field testing, the KING tester is lightweight, easy to set up, and designed to test parts of any size, shape, or orientation. If the part can't be moved to a lab, the KING tester can be brought directly to it.
2. Permanent Indentation for Reliable Verification
Applying up to 3,000 kgf creates a permanent, visible indentation that remains long after testing. This allows for:
- Post-inspection and rechecking.
- Third-party verification.
- Traceability in quality audits.
3. Precision Matching Bench-Test Accuracy
Unlike other portable hardness testers, the KING tester replicates the exact same principle as a stationary Brinell machine. Its calibrated accuracy is within 0.5–1%, fully compliant with ASTM E10, ensuring repeatable, lab-grade results in field conditions.
4. Wide Testing Range
You are not limited to a single configuration. With multiple ball sizes and test loads from 187.5 to 3,000 kgf, the KING Brinell Tester can evaluate materials ranging from soft aluminum to hardened tool steel, making it suitable for nearly all metal hardness testing applications.
Principle & Components of the KING Brinell Tester
The KING Tester uses a manual hydraulic system to apply test force. The internal hydraulic chamber is controlled by a calibrated release valve, which opens automatically when the desired pressure (e.g., 3,000 kgf) is reached. The operator then continues with three additional pump strokes to confirm load stability before releasing.
Main Components
The KING Tester is composed of two main parts: the base and the test head, each with specialized subcomponents for accuracy, stability, and flexibility in testing.
Base Assembly
- Carriage
- Throat Frame
- Handle
- Screw Elevating System
- Anvil Holder & Interchangeable Anvils:
- Flat Anvil (standard parts & test blocks).
- V Anvil (pipes, rods, cylindrical surfaces).
- Dome Anvil (concave or curved surfaces).
The base is designed for zero deflection, ensuring accurate pressure transfer to the test surface.
Test Head Assembly
- Dial Gauge: Displays real-time force reading.
- Pump Handle: Generates hydraulic pressure manually.
- Oil Cylinder: Provides force to the indenter.
- Pressure Release Lever: Opens and closes force application.
- Calibrating Valve: Maintains proper pressure accuracy.
- Carbide Ball Indenter: Creates the Brinell impression.
This compact yet powerful system transforms manual input into a controlled, measurable test force, in line with official Brinell testing standards.
Operation Guide: How to Use the KING Brinell Tester
Step 1: Preparation
- Clean the test surface: Remove rust, paint, and scale.
- Grind surface (if needed) to remove decarburized or coated layers.
- Verify calibration using the included certified test block. Two sizes of test blocks available are 4”x 4” and 2”x 6”.
Step 2: Setup
- Select the correct anvil based on part geometry.
- Check the indenter ball and holder to ensure they are secure.
- Adjust test head height using the crank.
- Make sure the indenter is not extended more than 3/8 inch before testing.
Step 3: Performing the Test
- Place the part between the test head and anvil.
- Lower the head to clamp the sample securely.
- Close the pressure release lever and begin pumping.
- When the gauge reaches 3,000 kgf, the calibrating valve opens.
- Perform three additional pump strokes to maintain pressure.
- Open the release lever, raise the head, and remove the tester.
Step 4: Measuring the Indentation
- Use a KingScope™ or KingScan® to measure the diameter of the indentation.
- Refer to the Brinell Hardness Conversion Tables to get your final HBW value.
Why KING is the Recommended Brinell Hardness Tester for Industry
- Test metal in any position, without moving the part.
- Designed for extreme durability.
- Trusted across industries: foundries, pipeline inspection, shipbuilding, steel manufacturing, power plants.
- Fully compliant with Brinell standards (ASTM E10, ASTM E110, ISO 6506, ISO 17025).
- Wide compatibility with KING accessories like test blocks, microscopes, and chain adapters.
KING Brinell Hardness Tester Distributor in Singapore
LFC PTE LTD is the authorized distributor of the KING Brinell Hardness Tester in Singapore. Our expert team is ready to assist you in selecting the ideal hardness tester to meet your specific testing requirements.
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