Procedure

1. Clean the specimen surface and ensure it is free from dirt, rust, or scale.
2. Select the appropriate Rockwell indenter and test scale (for example, HRC or HRB) based on the specimen material.
3. Place the specimen securely on the anvil and raise it using the elevating screw until it contacts the indenter.
4. Apply the minor load (10 kgf) to establish the reference position.
5. Apply the specified major load and maintain it for the required dwell time.
6. Remove the major load while keeping the minor load applied.
7. Read the Rockwell hardness number directly from the machine scale or digital display.
8. Repeat the test at different locations on the specimen, maintaining sufficient spacing between successive indentations.
9. Calculate the average Rockwell hardness value from all trials.

Virtual Procedure

1. Start the experiment by clicking the Play button.
2. Observe the specimen being positioned beneath the Rockwell indenter.
3. Watch the application of the minor load, followed by the major load, during the hardness test.
4. Observe the permanent indentation formed on the specimen after unloading.
5. Record the Rockwell hardness value displayed for each trial in the observation table.
6. Repeat the experiment for multiple trials and compare the hardness values.
7. Calculate the average Rockwell hardness number from the recorded readings.
8. Use the Pause, Play, and Restart controls to observe each stage of the experiment carefully.