Hardness LEEB

d = diameter of the impression

Epot = potential energy

Ekin = kinetic energy

Hardness is indirectly measured through the energy loss of an impact body. The figure illustrates the physical principle of measurement. A mass m is accelerated to the surface of the test object and hits it at a defined speed (measured before impact), ie. kinetic energy. The impact creates a plastic deformation of the surface, i.e. a footprint, deformation that absorbs some of the energy - or velocity - of the impact body. The softer the material, the larger the footprint, and the greater the energy absorbed - and the decreased speed - is important. Technically, this principle of measurement is implemented by means of a tungsten carbide spherical impact body which is projected onto the test surface by means of a spring.
The speeds before and after impact are measured without contact. This is done by a small permanent magnet in the impact body that produces an induction voltage during its passage in a coil, this voltage being proportional to the speed.

The Swiss inventor of this method, D. Leeb, has defined his own hardness value, Leeb hardness value. The hardness value of Leeb, HL, is calculated from the ratio of impact velocity and rebound according:  HL = VR/VI×1000

VI, VR = Speed before / after the impact.

However, few users indicate the Leeb HL hardness value in its characteristics or test reports. For this reason, the rebound hardness method becomes interesting if we can convert it to normalized hardness (HV, HB, HS, HRC, HRB, N / mm2). For this reason, conversion tables for the most common materials are stored in all instruments.

In order to obtain reproducible and precise results, it is necessary:

- to have a clean surface with a correct roughness.

- to have sufficient rigidity of the impact zone: if the part deforms elastically during the impact, part of the kinetic energy will be used for this elastic deformation and restored during the rebound instead of being used for plastic deformation => measurement error. For this reason, we ask for a weight and a minimum thickness of the part which are functions of the type of impact body used (see table of probes).

All LEEB hardness meters incorporate LEEB hardness conversion tables to other scales depending on the material. These tables are indicative.

Materials	HV	HB	HRC	HRB	HSD
Steel	81~955	81~654	20~68,4	38,4~99,5	32,5~99,5
Alloy tool steel	80~898	-	20,4~67,1	-	-
Stainless steel	85~802	85~655	19,6~62,4	46,5~101,7	-
Grey cast iron	-	63~336	-	-	-
Ductile iron	-	140~387	-	-	-
Cast aluminium	-	19~164	-	23,8~84,6	-
Brass	-	40~173	-	13,5~95,3	-
Bronze	-	60~290	-	-	-
Copper	-	45~315	-	-	-

The first LEEB hardness testers were developed and manufactured by Proceq under the name Equotip. Other manufacturers now offer similar hardness testers.

German standards and specifications

American standards:

International standards