ASTM E18-25 PDF
Name in English:
St ASTM E18-25
Name in Russian:
Ст ASTM E18-25
Original standard ASTM E18-25 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ASTM E18-25 — Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials. This standard specifies the Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness test methods, required equipment and verification procedures, indenters and loads for the various Rockwell scales, sample preparation and test reporting for metallic materials.
Abstract
Provides standardized procedures for performing Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness tests on metallic materials, including machine requirements, verification (direct and indirect), indenter and load specifications, test execution, data reporting, and annexes covering verification of hardness testing machines. The 2025 revision consolidates prior updates and remains the primary ASTM reference for Rockwell hardness testing.
General information
- Status: Active (current edition as of 2025).
- Publication date: September 15, 2025 (designated E18-25).
- Publisher: ASTM International.
- ICS / categories: Mechanical testing of metals — ICS 77.040.10 (hardness testing).
- Edition / version: E18-25 (2025 revision).
- Number of pages: 39 pages (published PDF length as listed by standards distributors).
Scope
Establishes test methods for determining Rockwell hardness and Rockwell superficial hardness of metallic materials using specified indenters (diamond and ball), test forces, dwell times, and acceptance/verification procedures for testing machines, including portable units that meet the standard’s verification requirements. The standard includes annex material on verification of Rockwell hardness testing machines.
Key topics and requirements
- Definitions and terminology for Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness scales and symbols.
- Specifications for indenters (Brale diamond and various steel ball diameters) and corresponding major/minor loads for each Rockwell scale.
- Machine requirements, calibration and verification procedures (direct and indirect verification; Annex A1 covers verification).
- Test specimen preparation, surface finish, thickness and support requirements to ensure valid indentation measurements.
- Test procedure steps, dwell times, number of indents, typical reporting format and uncertainty considerations.
- Guidance on use of portable Rockwell testers and how they relate to Test Method E110 where indirect verification applies.
Typical use and users
Used by metallurgical laboratories, quality control and inspection departments, materials testing labs, OEMs, heat treaters and standards organizations to verify hardness of steels, nonferrous alloys and other metallic materials for acceptance testing, process control, and material certification. Also used by manufacturers of hardness testing equipment and calibration laboratories performing machine verification.
Related standards
Commonly referenced alongside ASTM E10 (Brinell hardness), ASTM E110 (portable Rockwell), ASTM E384 (Vickers and Knoop microhardness), ISO 6508 (Rockwell hardness) and other material-specific ASTM specifications that reference Rockwell test requirements. The standard supersedes earlier E18 editions (e.g., E18‑24) and is referenced by several ASTM material standards.
Keywords
Rockwell hardness, Rockwell superficial, hardness testing, metallic materials, indenter, Brale, machine verification, calibration, ASTM E18, hardness scales.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ASTM E18-25 is the ASTM International standard that defines test methods for Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness testing of metallic materials, including machine requirements and verification.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers indenters and loads for the Rockwell scales, test procedures, specimen preparation, verification and calibration of hardness testing machines (including portable units), reporting requirements, and annex material on machine verification.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Metallurgical test labs, QC/QA departments, heat-treat facilities, OEMs, calibration laboratories and manufacturers of hardness testing equipment.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: Current — the E18-25 edition (published September 15, 2025) is the latest ASTM edition listed for E18 at the time of this product description. It supersedes prior E18 editions (for example E18-24).
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: E18 is part of ASTM’s test-method suite for hardness and mechanical testing (alongside E10, E110, E384, etc.) and is cross-referenced by many material specification standards that require Rockwell hardness measurements.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Rockwell, Rockwell superficial, hardness testing, Brale indenter, machine verification, metallic materials, ASTM E18.