Work Item
ASTM WK89858
Revision of E18-22 Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
Rationale
Section 5.5.3 has a mandatory provision that small diameter cylindrical specimen be supported
using a v-anvil and thus have hardness tested on a convex surface. Testing on a convex
surface is problematic and the issues involved are already outlined within E18 Sections 6.4,
6.5, 9.5 and Tables A6 Note A. As a foundational hardness testing specification, E18 should
not have mandatory provisions that are known to be problematic or less accurate than suitable
alternatives. Work item removes the mandatory aspect of Section 5.5.3 based on specimen
geometry alone which allows users to choose other support methods for those types of
specimen. Work item maintains guidance for the use of a v-anvil or similar support should a
user choose to test on the convex. This guidance is similar in nature to the other sections
addressing specimen support, which do not include mandatory provisions for a specific type of
specimen geometry. Further clarification is also proposed regarding section 6.5 as it pertains to
5.5.3.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 02-29-2024
Technical Contact: Hunter Larson