Hardness converter HRC, HB, HV, HRB and more

Equivalencias orientativas para aceros: Rockwell A/B/C/D, superficiales N/T, Brinell, Vickers, Knoop, Shore scleroscopio y Rm aproximada. Comprueba siempre el certificado.

Indicative hardness converter for steels: Rockwell (A/B/C/D), superficial N/T, Brinell, Vickers, Knoop, Shore scleroscope and approximate Rm. You can start from a material in the GetGCode catalogue.

Desde material del catálogo

Search C45, 42CrMo4, 1.2344, AISI 304… We load the typical datasheet hardness and convert it to every scale.

Entrada manual

Hardened steels · diamond cone 150 kgf

Table range for HRC: 20 … 68

⚠️ Notice: empirical equivalences for steels. The catalogue hardness is a typical datasheet value, not a batch certificate. If the drawing requires a specific scale, measure in that scale.

Equivalencias

Indicative values · no substitute for testing

Notas técnicas

  • empirical equivalence (ASTM E140 / ISO 18265)

    There is no unique physical formula between scales

  • Rm ≈ 3.2…3.5 · HB (MPa)

    Order of magnitude; It is not a tensile test.

How to convert hardness values with shop-floor judgement

Go from a certificate in Brinell to Rockwell C, from Vickers to HRC or estimate Rm from HB. You can also load the typical hardness of a material from the GetGCode catalog and see all the equivalences at a glance.

From the catalog or certificate

Search for the material (C45, AISI 4140...) or enter the value as it appears on the sheet (HRC, HB, HV, HRB...). The converter fills in the rest of the scales available in the range.

Compare with what the plan asks for

If the plan calls for 28–32 HRC and you only have HB, convert and check. For formal acceptance, measure on the specified scale.

Case layers and thin parts

Use N/T surface scales or Knoop when standard HRC is not suitable. For case-hardened parts the catalog usually lists HB for the core and HRC at the surface: choose the condition you need.

Frequently asked questions

What hardness scales does this tool convert?

Rockwell HRC, HRB, HRA and HRD; superficial 15N/30N/45N and 15T/30T/45T; Brinell HB/HBW; Vickers HV; Knoop HK; Shore scleroscope HS; plus an estimated tensile strength Rm (MPa). Equivalences are indicative for steels (ASTM E140 / ISO 18265 style).

Do HRC, HB and HV measure the same thing?

No. Each test uses a different indenter and load. The conversion is empirical: it is used to compare tokens or certificates, but if the plan requires HRC, it must be measured in HRC (and the same with HB, HV, etc.).

When do I use HRC and when do I use HRB?

HRC (diamond cone, 150 kgf) for hardened steels ~20–68 HRC. HRB (ball, 100 kgf) for soft and many non-ferrous steels. Below ~20 HRC it is advisable to look at HRB or HB.

What is Rockwell surface 15N/30N/45N?

Low load Rockwell tests for thin layers, cements or thin pieces where standard HRC would deform too much. The N uses a cone indenter; the T uses ball (softer metals).

Is Shore HS the same as Shore A rubber?

No. HS here is the Shore (rebound) scleroscope used on metals. Shore A/D is another test for elastomers and plastics: do not mix them.

Is Rm (MPa) reliable?

It is a common workshop estimate (order of magnitude ≈ 3.2–3.5·HB in many steels). It does not replace a tensile test or the material certificate.

Can I use it for aluminum or brass?

The current table is calibrated for steels. For non-ferrous metals the curves change; use it only as a hint and confirm with the standard or the supplier. Future versions may add material families.

Can I start from a material in the GetGCode catalogue?

Yes. Search by family, EN or AISI (e.g. C45, 42CrMo4, 1.2344) and we load the typical datasheet hardness. If there are several (as-supplied and hardened/case-hardened), you choose which to use. From there you link to the equivalences sheet and to Vc parameters when the material has cutting data.

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