Introduction
Hardness is the ability of a metal to plastically deform under the influence of an object with higher hardness (indenter). Hardness tests are very common since they determine not only a measure of the strength of a product but also its resistance to variable loads. It is important to check the hardness of any machine or object before using it in the manufacturing industry.
We already know that Birnell and Rockwell is the most common type of hardness test, but the Leebs hardness test is also used in some scenarios.
Here in this article, we will discuss the application, benefits, and disadvantages of Leeb hardness test methods.
I. What is the Leeb Hardness Test Method?
The Leeb hardness test is explained in ASTM A956 and ISO 16859 standards as a dynamic method to check the hardness of metallic material. It is determined by the ratio of rebound velocity to the impact velocity of a moving impact body. Leeb’s method is best applied to solid parts of the object for example casting and forgings. The Leebs hardness test is not as efficient as Birnell or other hardness tests, but it is a quick, easy to apply, and portable hardness testing method.
II. What is the Working Principle of the Leeb Method?
According to Leeb’s dynamic principle, The hardness test method works by the bounce of a specimen body which is to be tested on the surface. Then the rebound of velocity is measured comparative to the incident velocity. Outcomes depend on the hardness of the test materials. The value of the hardness and the speed of the rebound increases with the increase in the hardness of the test object.
III. What are the Applications of the Leeb Method?
The Leeb hardness test is one of four common methods of calculating hardness. It can be applied on solid hard objects only. It is used to test the hardness of both ferrous and nonferrous materials such as stainless or cast steel, alloy tool steel, cast irons, bronze, copper, and aluminum, etc. This test is not suitable for objects with less than 5 kg (11lbs) weight.
IV. What are the Advantages of the Leeb Method?
Despite of the fact that the Leebs hardness test is not as efficient but still, it has some advantages over other hardness tests, which are as follows:
- In the Leebs hardness method, the impression left on the test specimen is much smaller than with other methods.
- Leeb method is the most cost-effective test in the list of hardness tests.
- It is also portable, easy to use, and faster than Brinell and Rockwell hardness testers.
- The hardness method is of field approach test as its devices are lightweight, small, and easy to carry.
V. What are the Disadvantages of the Leeb Method?
Leebs hardness test has the following disadvantages also:
- The test method can give different results if the surface of the sample is uneven.
- Sample thickness and carbon content can also affect the result.
- This test is not applicable to soft objects
- In traditional hardness tests, the load is put on at a uniform pace with increasing scale but in the Leebs test method, test force is applied in an instantaneous way which can produce errors sometimes.
Conclusion
In this blog, Leebs hardness method is completely explained for you to judge whether to use it or not for measuring the hardness of any object. To learn more about the Leeb Hardness test or other globally used tests such as the Rockwell hardness test visit our website or you can enjoy free consultancy also.