ISO 6506-2-2017 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 6506-2:2017 — Metallic materials — Brinell hardness test — Part 2: Verification and calibration of testing machines. Specifies methods for direct and indirect verification (and when to perform them) of machines used to determine Brinell hardness in accordance with ISO 6506‑1.

Abstract

ISO 6506-2:2017 defines two verification approaches: direct verification, which checks individual machine performance parameters against specified limits; and indirect verification, which checks overall machine performance using hardness measurements of reference blocks calibrated per ISO 6506‑3. The standard applies to fixed-location and portable hardness testing machines and includes provisions (Annex B) for machines that cannot meet the specified force–time profile.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed in review).
• Publication date: October 2017.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 77.040.10 (Mechanical testing of metals).
• Edition / version: Edition 4 (2017).
• Number of pages: 16 pages.

Scope

Specifies methods for both direct and indirect verification of Brinell hardness testing machines used to perform tests in accordance with ISO 6506‑1. It sets out when each type of verification is required, covers both fixed and portable machines, and provides options (Annex B) for machines unable to meet the standard force–time profile. The standard is intended to ensure that machines produce reliable, traceable Brinell hardness results.

Key topics and requirements

• Direct verification of machine performance parameters (force application, timing/cycle, indenter geometry, alignment and displacement characteristics) to specified limits.
• Indirect verification using certified reference blocks (calibrated per ISO 6506‑3) to check overall machine performance via measured hardness values.
• Applicability to both fixed-location and portable hardness testing machines; requirement to verify independently for other hardness methods if a machine is used for multiple methods.
• Provisions for machines that cannot meet the force–time profile (Annex B) so appropriate alternative verification steps can be used.
• Calibration and traceability guidance is provided via related parts of the ISO 6506 series (notably ISO 6506‑3 for reference-block calibration); related guidance addresses calibration intervals and measurement uncertainty for reference blocks.

Typical use and users

Used by materials testing laboratories, manufacturing quality/control departments, instrument manufacturers, calibration and metrology laboratories, and inspection bodies for establishing and checking the performance of Brinell hardness testers and maintaining traceability of hardness measurements.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 6506 series (Brinell hardness): ISO 6506‑1 (Test method) and ISO 6506‑3 (Calibration of reference blocks) are the principal related documents. ISO 6506‑1 details the Brinell test procedure; ISO 6506‑3 covers calibration and traceability of reference blocks used for indirect verification.

Keywords

Brinell, hardness, HBW, verification, calibration, testing machine, reference blocks, force–time profile, ISO 6506-2, metallic materials, metrology.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 6506-2:2017 is the ISO part covering verification and calibration procedures for machines that perform the Brinell hardness test (part of the ISO 6506 series).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers methods for direct verification of machine performance parameters and indirect verification using calibrated reference blocks (ISO 6506‑3), applicability to fixed and portable testers, and options for machines that cannot meet the specified force–time profile.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing labs, calibration and metrology bodies, manufacturers of hardness testers, and QA/inspection teams use it to verify instrument performance and maintain measurement traceability.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 6506-2:2017 was published in October 2017 and is listed as the current published edition; the ISO record indicates the publication was reviewed/confirmed in the 2025 review cycle. Users should check for any newer revisions or drafts before purchase.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of the ISO 6506 series. Key companion parts are ISO 6506‑1 (test method) and ISO 6506‑3 (calibration of reference blocks).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Brinell, hardness, HBW, verification, calibration, reference blocks, testing machines, force–time profile, ISO 6506.