ISO 6507-3-2018 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 6507-3:2018 — Metallic materials — Vickers hardness test — Part 3: Calibration of reference blocks. Specifies a calibration method for hardness reference blocks used for the indirect verification of Vickers hardness testing machines (applicable to indentations with diagonals ≥ 0,020 mm).

Abstract

Defines procedures, machine and indenter requirements, block manufacture and marking, calibration reporting and validity criteria for reference blocks intended for indirect verification of Vickers hardness testers. The method is limited to indentations whose diagonals are not less than 0,020 mm.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; reviewed and confirmed in 2022).
• Publication date: January 2018.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 77.040.10 — Mechanical testing of metals.
• Edition / version: Edition 4 (2018).
• Number of pages: 15.

Key bibliographic and lifecycle details as published by ISO (publication January 2018; confirmation review carried out in 2022).

Scope

Specifies a method for the calibration of reference blocks that are used for the indirect verification of Vickers hardness testing machines (see ISO 6507‑2 for machine verification). The calibration method is applicable only for indentations with diagonals ≥ 0,020 mm and covers block manufacture, calibration procedure, number and distribution of indentations, uniformity checks, marking and the form/content of the calibration certificate.

Key topics and requirements

• Manufacture and physical requirements for reference blocks (minimum thickness, flatness, surface roughness and demagnetization where applicable, and limits on test surface area) to ensure reliable indentations.
• Calibration machine requirements including direct verification at intervals not exceeding 12 months, traceability of verification instruments and verification of test force, indenter and diagonal measuring system.
• Test-force verification tolerances and methods (use of elastic proving devices traceable to national standards; tolerances specified for normal, low‑force and microhardness ranges).
• Indenter specifications and inspection (square‑based diamond pyramid geometry, face flatness, vertex angle tolerances and axial alignment requirements).
• Calibration procedure: required number and spacing of indentations, assessment of block hardness uniformity, marking of calibrated surface (or recording of regrind identification) and content of the calibration certificate including uncertainty information.
• Guidance on the validity period of calibration and periodic checks to maintain traceability and conformity.

Typical use and users

Used by national/metrology and calibration laboratories, accredited testing laboratories, manufacturers and service providers of hardness testing equipment, quality/inspection departments and accreditation bodies to calibrate and certify Vickers hardness reference blocks for routine machine verification and quality control. Users rely on the standard for traceability, repeatability and documented measurement uncertainty.

Related standards

Directly related to ISO 6507-1 (Vickers test method) and ISO 6507-2 (verification and calibration of testing machines). Also linked to ISO 376 for force-proving device calibration and to general laboratory competence standard ISO/IEC 17025 for accredited calibration labs.

Keywords

Vickers, hardness, calibration, reference block, verification, microhardness, test force, indenter, traceability, ISO 6507-3:2018.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 6507-3:2018 is the part of the ISO Vickers hardness series that specifies how to calibrate reference blocks used for the indirect verification of Vickers hardness testing machines.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers requirements for the manufacture of reference blocks, calibration-machine verification and procedures, number and distribution of indentations, block uniformity checks, marking, calibration certificates and the estimation/reporting of measurement uncertainty for the calibrated blocks. The method applies to indentations with diagonals ≥ 0,020 mm.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Calibration and testing laboratories, equipment manufacturers, quality assurance/inspection teams and accreditation bodies use it to produce and certify reference blocks and to perform routine indirect verification of Vickers testers.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 6507-3:2018 is published and was reviewed/confirmed in 2022, so the 2018 edition remains the current ISO version at the time of that confirmation. Users should check ISO or their national standards body for any later revisions or confirmations beyond 2022.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 3 of the ISO 6507 series for the Vickers hardness test; related parts include Part 1 (test method) and Part 2 (verification and calibration of testing machines).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Vickers, hardness, reference block, calibration, verification, microhardness, indenter, traceability, ISO 6507-3.