1.1This test method covers the determination of the Brinell hardness of metallic materials by the Brinell indentation hardness principle. This standard provides the requirements for a Brinell testing machine and the procedures for performing Brinell hardness tests.

1.2This standard includes additional requirements in four annexes:

Verification of Brinell Hardness Testing Machines	Annex A1
Brinell Hardness Standardizing Machines	Annex A2
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Indenters	Annex A3
Standardization of Brinell Hardness Test Blocks	Annex A4

1.3This standard includes nonmandatory information in an appendix which relates to the Brinell hardness test:

Table of Brinell Hardness Numbers	Appendix X1
Examples of Procedures for Determining Brinell Hardness Uncertainty	Appendix X2

1.4At the time the Brinell hardness test was developed, the force levels were specified in units of kilograms-force (kgf). Although this standard specifies the unit of force in the International System of Units (SI) as the Newton (N), because of the historical precedent and continued common usage of kgf units, force values in kgf units are provided for information and much of the discussion in this standard refers to forces in kgf units.

1.5This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.