Material data

Hardness of aluminium, titanium, copper and steel alloys, compared

Aluminium alloy 1050 in H14 temper has the lowest Brinell hardness of any aluminium alloy in our data, 35 HB per Smiths Metal Centres, and Aluminium alloy 2014 in T651 temper has the highest, 138 HB per Aalco. Brinell values across all records run 35 to 138 HB for aluminium alloys, 45 to 248 HB for copper alloys and 80 to 580 HB for steels, and no titanium alloy has a Brinell value in any source we hold.

Titanium alloys read 120 to 300 HV and 15 to 38 HRC, and AISI D2 cold-work tool steel reads 63 to 65 HRC as hardened per Uddeholm; every value on this page stays on the scale it was printed in and none is converted.

How hard are aluminium, titanium, copper and steel alloys?

Hardness compares only on a scale that two families share. On Vickers, aluminium alloys read 29 to 153 HV, copper alloys 55 to 300 HV and titanium alloys 120 to 300 HV. On Rockwell C, titanium alloys read 15 to 38 HRC and steels 18 to 68 HRC. On Brinell, aluminium alloys read 35 to 138 HB, copper alloys 45 to 248 HB and steels 80 to 580 HB. The tables below name each source.

  • Titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V in the annealed condition reads 30 to 36 HRC per Boze Metal, which overlaps the maximums that ATI and Alleima print for duplex stainless steels (28 to 32 HRC).
  • 17-4 PH stainless steel reads 28 HRC as an ASTM A564 minimum per Austral Wright and 44 HRC as a typical value per Carpenter Technology, across the H1150 to H900 ageing conditions.
  • Commercially pure titanium, Grade 3 reads 200 HV typical per Smiths Metal Centres, while Aluminium alloy 5083 in O/H111 temper reads 75 HV per Smiths Metal Centres.
  • AISI D2 cold-work tool steel reads 63 to 65 HRC as hardened per Uddeholm, above every titanium value in our data.

Open the ruler · Why one alloy has many numbers · What is missing · Data checked 1 November 2026.

What is the printed hardness range of each family on each scale?

Each family has printed hardness values on only some scales. The table gives the lowest and highest value printed for each family on each scale, with the number of alloys and records behind it. An empty cell means no profile holds a value on that scale for that family, so the value is not found in any source we hold. Ranges mix tempers, product forms, and maximum, minimum and typical values.

Printed hardness range by alloy family and scale, with the number of alloys and records (units in the column headers)
Alloy familyBrinell (HB)Vickers (HV)Rockwell B (HRB)Rockwell C (HRC)
Aluminium alloyswrought alloys, by temper 35 to 138 HB16 alloys, 22 values29 to 153 HV5 alloys, 6 valuesno valuenot found in any source we holdno valuenot found in any source we hold
Titanium alloyscommercially pure grades and alloys no valuenot found in any source we hold120 to 300 HV4 alloys, 4 values90 to 92 HRB2 alloys, 2 values15 to 38 HRC4 alloys, 5 values
Copper alloysbrass, bronze, nickel silver, tellurium and silver copper 45 to 248 HB7 alloys, 10 values55 to 300 HV6 alloys, 10 values60 to 80 HRB1 alloy, 1 valueno valuenot found in any source we hold
Steelscarbon, alloy, tool and stainless 80 to 580 HB40 alloys, 78 values900 to 1250 HV2 alloys, 4 values75 to 96 HRB12 alloys, 17 values18 to 68 HRC22 alloys, 95 values

What is the hardness of each alloy on the Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell B and Rockwell C scales?

The hardness ruler draws 254 printed values for 85 alloy profiles, each on the scale it was printed in: 110 Brinell, 24 Vickers, 20 Rockwell B and 100 Rockwell C values. Choose a scale to see which alloys have a value on it. An alloy with no value on that scale is named under its lane, and nothing is converted from another scale. Every value is also in a table under each ruler.

Each marker sits at a value printed in one of our profiles, in the scale it was printed in. The shape of the marker says whether the value is a typical value, a range, a maximum or a minimum.

Skip the ruler and go to the tables

  • Typical a supplier's typical value
  • Single value no basis stated
  • Range low to high as printed
  • Maximum the limit; real parts sit at or below it
  • Minimum the floor; real parts sit at or above it

Brinell hardness (HB): 63 alloys, 110 values

In text: Aluminium alloys 35 to 138 HB (16 alloys); Titanium alloys no value in any source we hold; Copper alloys 45 to 248 HB (7 alloys); Steels 80 to 580 HB (40 alloys).

Printed as HB, HBW, BHN or HBN. The scale with most alloys. Titanium has no Brinell value in any profile.

Aluminium alloys

16 alloys
HB
  1. 1050 35 HB
  2. 3103 45 HB
  3. 5754 52 to 70 HB2
  4. 5019 65 to 95 HB
  5. 5083 75 to 89 HB3
  6. Aluminium casting alloy A356.0 80 to 100 HB
  7. 6082 91 HB
  8. 2011 97 to 110 HB3
  9. 2017 105 HB
  10. 2017A 105 HB
  11. AlSi10Mg 105 to 114 HB2
  12. Aluminium casting alloy A206.0 85 to 135 HB
  13. 2618A 120 HB
  14. 6013 130 HB
  15. 7475-T7351 135 HB
  16. 2014 138 HB
20 aluminium profiles have no Brinell value

Values only on other scales: 2319 (HV); 3003 (HV).

No hardness record at all: 2024; 2219; 4047; 5052; 5056; 5251; Aluminium-magnesium alloys; 6061; 6063; 6101; 7050; 7075-T6; 8011; Aluminium 8079; Aluminium-lithium alloy 2195; Osprey CE7 silicon-aluminium alloy; Aluminium; AlBeMet AM162.

Titanium alloys

no values
HB

No titanium profile holds a Brinell value, so nothing is drawn. We do not convert from another scale to fill the gap.

17 titanium profiles have no Brinell value

Values only on other scales: Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) (HRC); Beta 3 profile (record is Beta C) (HRC); Commercially pure titanium, Grade 1 (HV); Grade 2 (commercially pure) (HV, HRB); Grade 3 (commercially pure) (HV, HRB); Ti-3Al-2.5V (Grade 9) (HV, HRC); Minor titanium alloys (record is Beta C) (HRC).

No hardness record at all: Ti-13V-11Cr-3Al; Ti-15Mo; Titanium alloy Ti-5Al-2.5Sn; Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo; Gamma titanium aluminide; Commercially pure titanium with palladium, Grade 11; Titanium grade 12, Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni; Titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V ELI; Commercially pure titanium, Grade 7; Titanium.

Copper alloys

7 alloys
HB
  1. Leaded tin bronze C94300 45 HB
  2. Leaded tin bronze C93800 55 HB
  3. Tin bronze C90500 75 HB
  4. Tellurium copper C14500 76 to 81 HB2
  5. Brass CW508L 110 HB
  6. Aluminium bronze C95400 (cast) 150 to 195 HB3
  7. Aluminium bronze C63000 201 to 248 HB
21 copper profiles have no Brinell value

Values only on other scales: Free-cutting brass C36000 (HRB); Copper alloy C70250 (HV); Copper-nickel 90/10 (HV); Leaded brass CW614N (HV); Nickel silver C75200 (HV).

No hardness record at all: Beryllium copper C17300; Beryllium copper; Phosphor bronze C51000; Cartridge brass 70/30; Copper nickel beryllium C17510; Silver-bearing copper C10700; Copper titanium C1990; Copper; Copper-chromium-zirconium; Cupronickel 70/30; Gilding metal 95/5; Nickel aluminium bronze C63000; Phosphor bronze C52100; Silicon bronze C65500; Tinned copper; Zirconium copper C15000.

Steels

40 alloys
HB
  1. 409ferritic stainless 80 HB
  2. 1010carbon or alloy 95 to 105 HB
  3. 1215carbon or alloy 167 HB
  4. 304Laustenitic stainless 150 to 201 HB2
  5. 1045carbon or alloy 170 to 210 HB
  6. Super-austeniticaustenitic stainless 150 to 230 HB2
  7. 347Haustenitic stainless 192 to 201 HB2
  8. 4130carbon or alloy 197 HB
  9. 430ferritic stainless 200 HB
  10. 304austenitic stainless 201 HB
  11. 347austenitic stainless 201 HB
  12. 1070carbon or alloy 192 to 212 HB2
  13. 303austenitic stainless 202 HB
  14. H13 tool steeltool steel 180 to 229 HB2
  15. 316austenitic stainless 217 HB
  16. 317Laustenitic stainless 217 HB
  17. 321austenitic stainless 217 HB
  18. 302austenitic stainless 230 HB
  19. D2 tool steeltool steel 210 to 255 HB2
  20. 420martensitic stainless 230 to 241 HB2
  21. 317LMNaustenitic stainless 223 to 250 HB2
  22. A2 tool steeltool steel 241 HB
  23. Nitronic 60austenitic stainless 241 HB
  24. Silver steeltool steel 207 to 285 HB2
  25. 2507 super duplexduplex stainless 260 HB
  26. 430Fferritic stainless 262 HB
  27. 1.2316 mould steeltool steel 230 to 325 HB3
  28. P20 mould steeltool steel 230 to 325 HB4
  29. 1.2738 mould steeltool steel 235 to 330 HB6
  30. 2101 lean duplexduplex stainless 290 HB
  31. 2304 lean duplexduplex stainless 290 HB
  32. 2205 duplexduplex stainless 293 HB
  33. 431martensitic stainless 260 to 331 HB3
  34. 4140carbon or alloy 269 to 331 HB3
  35. 416martensitic stainless 220 to 385 HB2
  36. S41500 (13Cr-4Ni)martensitic stainless 285 to 320 HB4
  37. 410martensitic stainless 217 to 401 HB4
  38. 1.4418 martensiticmartensitic stainless 320 HB
  39. 4340carbon or alloy 217 to 444 HB8
  40. 440Cmartensitic stainless 223 to 580 HB2
17 steel profiles have no Brinell value

Values only on other scales: Maraging 250 steel (HRC); PH 13-8Mo (HRC); 15-7 PH (HRB, HRC); 17-4 PH (HRC); 301 (HRB, HRC); 410S (HRB); 444 (HRB); 300M ultra-high-strength steel (HRC).

No hardness record at all: Custom 465; Iron; 15-5 PH; 17-7 PH; 309; 310S; 316L; 1018; ASTM A36 structural carbon steel.

All 110 Brinell values behind this ruler, with condition and source
Brinell hardness values by alloy, in HB as printed, with condition and source
Alloy (profile)Value (HB, with unit as printed)Condition as printedSource
Aluminium alloy 1050Aluminium35 HBtemper: H14 (the datasheet is for 1050A H14 sheet); form: sheetSmiths Metal Centres
Aluminium alloy 3103Aluminium45 HBtemper: H14; form: sheet, 0.2 mm to 6.0 mm; standard: BS EN 485-2Righton Blackburns
Aluminium alloy 5754Aluminium52 HBtemper: H114; form: sheet, 0.2 mm to 6.00 mm; standard: BS EN 485-2Righton Blackburns
Aluminium alloy 5754Aluminium70 HBtemper: H24; form: sheet and plate, 0.2 mm to 25 mm; standard: BS EN 485-2Righton Blackburns
Aluminium alloy 5019Aluminium65 to 95 HBtemperature: 0 to 30 °CTotal Materia
Aluminium alloy 5083Aluminium75 HBtemper: O/H111 (one set for both tempers); product form: sheet, 0.2 to 6.3 mmAZoM
Aluminium alloy 5083Aluminium89 HBtemper: H32; product form: sheet, 0.2 to 6.00 mmAZoM
Aluminium alloy 5083Aluminium81 HBtemper: H116Dinco
Aluminium casting alloy A356.0Aluminium80 to 100 HBtemper: T6; casting: permanent mouldA356 Aluminum Alloy datasheet
Aluminium alloy 6082Aluminium91 HBtemper: T6 and T651; product form: plate; thickness: 6.00 to 12.5 mmAalco
Aluminium alloy 2011Aluminium105 HBtemper: T451 (page title)Referans Metal
Aluminium alloy 2011Aluminium97 HBtemper: T6 (page title)Referans Metal
Aluminium alloy 2011Aluminium110 HBtemper: T6Smiths Metal Centres
Aluminium alloy 2017Aluminium105 HBtemper: T4 (page title)Referans Metal
Aluminium alloy 2017AAluminium105 HBtemper: T4 (page title)Referans Metal
AlSi10Mg (additive manufacturing aluminium)Aluminium114 HBWprocess: EOS M 290, 30 µm, as manufactured; test: EN ISO 6506, HBW 2.5/62.5Process Data Sheet
AlSi10Mg (additive manufacturing aluminium)Aluminium105 HBWprocess: EOS M 290, 30 µm, EOS T6 heat treatment; test: EN ISO 6506, HBW 2.5/62.5Process Data Sheet
Aluminium casting alloy A206.0Aluminium85 to 135 HBtemperature: 0 to 30 °C (table header); temper: not shown in the free view of the pageTotal Materia
Aluminium alloy 2618AAluminium120 HBtemper: T6 (page title); form: extruded bar (page title)Referans Metal
Aluminium alloy 6013Aluminium130 HBtemper: T651 (page header)Referans Metal
Aluminium alloy 7475-T7351Aluminium135 HBtemper: T7351; basis: single value as printedReferans Metal
Aluminium alloy 2014Aluminium138 HBgrade: 2014A; temper: T651; form: plate, 12.5 to 40 mm; standard: BS EN 485-2:2008Aalco
Leaded tin bronze C94300 (high-leaded tin bronze)Copper45 BHN (typical)grade: C94300; load: 500 kg; basis: typical value, not a minimumConcast
Leaded tin bronze C93800 (SAE 67, high-leaded tin bronze)Copper55 BHNload: 500 kg; product: continuous-cast product sheetWieland
Tin bronze C90500 (SAE 62 gunmetal)Copper75 BHNgrade: C90500; form: continuous cast; load: 500 kg; typ min: typicalWieland
Tellurium copperCopper76 BHN (typical)grade: C14500; temper: H02 half hard; load: 500 kg; basis: typical value, not a minimumWieland
Tellurium copperCopper81 BHN (typical)grade: C14500; temper: H04 hard; load: 500 kg; basis: typical value, not a minimumWieland
Brass CW508L (CuZn37)Copperat least 110 HB (minimum)grade: CW508L (EN 12449); product form: tube up to 5.00 mm wall thickness; measure: minimumRighton Blackburns
Aluminium bronze C95400Copperat least 150 BHN (minimum)grade: C95400 (ASTM B148 sand casting); casting method: sand casting (ASTM B148); heat treatment: as cast or solution annealed or normalized (the sheet's heat-treatment column; minimums not split by route)iCast
Aluminium bronze C95400Copper170 BHNgrade: C95400; casting method: continuous cast solid bar; heat treatment: as cast; load: 3000 kgBunting
Aluminium bronze C95400Copper195 BHNgrade: C95400; casting method: continuous cast solid bar; heat treatment: heat treated; load: 3000 kgBunting
Aluminium bronze C63000 (wrought, CuAl10Ni5Fe4)Copper201 to 248 HBgrade: C63000; product: round bar up to 50.8 mmSmiths Metal Centres
Stainless steel 409Steelsat least 80 HB (minimum)form: plate, sheet and strip, ASTM A240 listing for UNS S40900 (AS 409 data sheet); basis: minimum; heat treatment printed as annealing or hardening plus temperingICAST
Carbon steel 1010Steels95 to 105 HBtemperature: 0 to 30 °CTotal Materia
Carbon steel 1215Steels167 HBprocessing: cold drawn; form: round bar, 19 to 38 mmBudind
Stainless steel 304LSteelsup to 201 HB (maximum)product: ASTM A240 plate, sheet and strip, UNS S30403; heat treatment: solution annealing, printed under the Heat Treatment column; basis: maximum, printed as 201 max.ICAST
Stainless steel 304LSteels150 HB (typical)temper: annealed: heat to 1010/1121 C (1850/2050 F) and quench in water; basis: printed as approximately 150; a typical value, not a limitCarpenter Technology
Carbon steel 1045Steels170 to 210 HBprocessing: hot rolled; size: under 250 mm; basis: range as printedvoestalpine
Super-austenitic stainless steel 904LSteelsup to 230 HB (maximum)grade: 1.4539 (EN); temperature: 20 °C; basis: maximumMetalcor
Super-austenitic stainless steel 904LSteels150 HB (typical)grade: 904L (UNS N08904); temper: annealed; temperature: 20 °C; basis: typical, shown for information onlyATI
AISI 347H stainless steelSteelsup to 201 HB (maximum)spec: ASTM A240Rolled Alloys
AISI 347H stainless steelSteels192 HBWspec: ASTM A213 tube; grade: 347H347 vs 347H vs 347HFG
Alloy steel AISI 4130 (chromium-molybdenum)Steels197 HBcondition: normalised at 870 C (1600 F), as the MatWeb record title statesMatWeb
Stainless steel 430Steelsup to 200 HB (maximum)form: bar up to 100 mm diameter or thickness (EN 10088-3:2005)Aalco
Stainless steel 304Steelsup to 201 HB (maximum)grade: 304 (UNS S30400); temper: annealed (A240 product condition); form: plate, sheet and strip (ASTM A240)Jacquet
AISI 347 stainless steelSteelsup to 201 HB (maximum)product form: plateUnited Performance Metals
Carbon steel 1070Steels192 to 212 HBBrinell hardness, supplier rangeGravity Cast
Carbon steel 1070Steels192 HBtemperature: 25 °C; condition: cold drawn, spheroidized annealedeFunda
Stainless steel 303Steelsup to 202 HBN (maximum)form: plate (UPMET ASTM A895 data sheet); basis: maximum, printed as Max 202 (HBN)United Performance Metals
AISI H13 hot-work tool steel (EN 1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1)Steelsup to 229 HB (maximum)grade: Dörrenberg 1.2344 X40CrMoV5-1 (described on the sheet as similar to AISI H13); heat treatment: soft annealed at 750 to 800 °C, furnace cooled (Dörrenberg heat treatment table)Dörrenberg
AISI H13 hot-work tool steel (EN 1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1)Steels180 HBgrade: Uddeholm Orvar Supreme (ESR superior AISI H13); heat treatment: delivery condition, soft annealed; the sheet's soft annealing cycle is heating through to 850 °C, cooling in the furnace at 10 °C per hour to 650 °C, then airUddeholm
Stainless steel 316Steelsup to 217 HB (maximum)form: sheet, coil and bar (datasheet product standards AMS 5524, 5507, 5648); basis: maximumUnited Performance Metals
AISI 317L stainless steelSteelsup to 217 HB (maximum)grade: 317L (S31703); form: plate, sheet and strip; temper: annealed; standard: ASTM A240 maximumATI
AISI 321 stainless steel (UNS S32100, EN 1.4541)Steelsup to 217 HB (maximum)form: barRighton Blackburns
AISI 302 stainless steel (UNS S30200, EN 1.4310)Steelsup to 230 HB (maximum)grade: 1.4310; temper: solution annealed; diameter: up to 40 mmAGST
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels210 HBheat treatment: soft annealed: 850 C, furnace cooled at 10 C per hour to 650 C, then air cooled; basis: delivery condition, approximate as printedUddeholm
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steelsup to 255 HB (maximum)heat treatment: soft annealed at 820 to 850 C, furnace cooled; basis: delivery condition, maximum as printedDörrenberg
Stainless steel 420Steelsup to 241 HB (maximum)grade: Type 420, UNS S42000; temper: annealed (Condition A, ASTM A276)Rolled Alloys
Stainless steel 420Steelsup to 230 HB (maximum)grade: 1.4021 (X20Cr13 / AISI 420); temperature: 20 °Cteamedelstahl
AISI 317LMN stainless steelSteelsup to 223 HB (maximum)grade: 317LMN (UNS S31726); form: plate, sheet and strip; temper: annealed; standard: ASTM A240 maximumATI
AISI 317LMN stainless steelSteelsup to 250 HB (maximum)grade: 1.4439; temperature: 20 °CTEAM EDELSTAHL
AISI A2 air-hardening cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2363, X100CrMoV5)Steelsup to 241 HB (maximum)heat treatment: soft annealed at 800 to 840 C, furnace cooled; basis: delivery condition, maximum as printedDörrenberg
Nitronic 60 stainless steelSteelsup to 241 HB (maximum)spec: ASTM A276; product: barRolled Alloys
Silver steel (BS 1407 high-carbon bright tool steel)Steels207 to 235 HBcondition: spheroidised and annealed, as delivered; basis: typical range printed on the certificate, not a guaranteed limitCertificate of Conformity
Silver steel (BS 1407 high-carbon bright tool steel)Steelsup to 285 HB (maximum)condition: as delivered, measured to BS 240 as the supplier statesBS1407 Silver Steel
Super duplex stainless steel 2507Steels260 HBform: forgings produced from billets (ASTM A182 values valid, as footnoted); temper: solution annealed and quenched; temperature: 20 °C; basis: approximate value as printedAlleima
Stainless steel 430FSteelsup to 262 HB (maximum)form: 430F bar, ASTM A582 basis (Atlas); temper: annealed; temperature: room temperatureAtlas Steels
1.2316 stainless plastic mould steel (EN 1.2316, printed name X38CrMo16)Steelsup to 325 HB (maximum)condition: delivery condition, as printed (max.)Abrams
1.2316 stainless plastic mould steel (EN 1.2316, printed name X38CrMo16)Steels280 to 325 HBcondition: quenched and tempered, supplied condition (as printed)Dörrenberg
1.2316 stainless plastic mould steel (EN 1.2316, printed name X38CrMo16)Steelsup to 230 HB (maximum)condition: soft annealed at 760 to 800 C, cooled in the furnaceDörrenberg
P20 plastic mould steel (AISI P20, UNS T51620, EN 1.2311)Steels280 to 325 HBcondition: supplied quenched and tempered (pre-hardened, as delivered)Oberste-Beulmann
P20 plastic mould steel (AISI P20, UNS T51620, EN 1.2311)Steels280 to 325 HBcondition: as-delivered pre-hardened conditionSwiss Steel
P20 plastic mould steel (AISI P20, UNS T51620, EN 1.2311)Steels300 HBcondition: pre-hardened P20, typical valuesSmiths Metal Centres
P20 plastic mould steel (AISI P20, UNS T51620, EN 1.2311)Steelsup to 230 HB (maximum)condition: soft annealed at 710 to 740 C, cooled slowly in the furnaceSIJ
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)Steels300 HBcondition: quenched and tempered, prehardened (headline 300 HB, 32 HRC)Industeel
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)Steels290 to 330 HBcondition: quenched and tempered, delivery condition (as printed)Industeel
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)Steels280 to 325 HBcondition: quenched and tempered, condition of delivery (as printed)Dörrenberg
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)Steels290 to 325 HBcondition: supply condition quenched and tempered (as printed)Oberste-Beulmann
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)Steelsup to 325 HB (maximum)condition: delivery condition, tempered (as printed)ABRAMS Industries
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)Steelsup to 235 HB (maximum)condition: soft annealed at 710 to 740 °C, cooled slowly in the furnaceDörrenberg
Lean duplex stainless steel 2101 (UNS S32101)Steelsup to 290 HB (maximum)spec: ASTM A240Atlas Steels
Lean duplex stainless steel 2304Steelsup to 290 BHN (maximum)form: ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 limit; heat treatment: annealed (ASTM A240 limit); temperature: room temperatureATI
Duplex stainless steel 2205Steelsup to 293 HB (maximum)form: plate, sheet and strip (ASTM A240, UNS S32205); heat treatment: solution annealing (ICAST heat treatment column)ICAST
Stainless steel 431Steels260 HBcondition: annealedAircraft Materials
Stainless steel 431Steelsup to 331 HB (maximum)condition: delivery condition, temperedAbrams
Stainless steel 431Steelsup to 321 HBW (maximum)condition: QT800; thickness: 20 to 160 mmSwiss Steel
Alloy steel AISI 4140 (chromium-molybdenum)Steels269 to 331 HBcondition: quenched and tempered: oil quench from 830 to 860 C, temper 540 to 680 C for at least 1 h, air cool; section: 10 to 100 mmvoestalpine
Alloy steel AISI 4140 (chromium-molybdenum)Steels275 HBcondition: hardened and tempered, supplied to condition T (the temper temperature is not stated); section: 50 mmAircraft Materials
Alloy steel AISI 4140 (chromium-molybdenum)Steels302 HBcondition: normalised at 870 C, air cooled; section: 25 mm (1 in.) roundElgin
AISI 416 stainless steelSteelsup to 220 HB (maximum)grade: 1.4005 (X12CrS13); temper: annealedSwiss Steel
AISI 416 stainless steelSteels385 HBtemper: heat treated at 900 °F, tested at room temperatureRolled Alloys
Martensitic stainless steel 13Cr-4Ni (UNS S41500)Steelsup to 320 HB (maximum)condition: +A (soft annealed), all diameters; basis: maximum; standard: DIN EN 10088-3Swiss Steel
Martensitic stainless steel 13Cr-4Ni (UNS S41500)Steelsup to 295 HB (maximum)condition: T (quenched and tempered, ASTM A276 designation), all diameters; basis: maximum; standard: ASTM A276Swiss Steel
Martensitic stainless steel 13Cr-4Ni (UNS S41500)Steelsup to 302 BHN (maximum)condition: annealing or hardening plus tempering (as printed; no single temper or temperature given); form: plate, sheet and strip (ASTM A240); basis: maximumICAST
Martensitic stainless steel 13Cr-4Ni (UNS S41500)Steelsup to 285 HB (maximum)condition: hardening plus tempering (as printed; temperatures not printed); form: casting (ASTM A743 CA6NM); basis: maximumICAST
Stainless steel 410Steelsup to 217 HB (maximum)condition: A (annealed); basis: maximum, ASTM A240 columnRolled Alloys
Stainless steel 410Steels401 HB (typical)condition: T; hardening: 1010 C (1850 F), 30 min, oil quench; tempering: 260 C (500 F), 4 h; basis: typicalAircraft Materials
Stainless steel 410Steels285 HB (typical)condition: T; hardening: 1010 C (1850 F), 30 min, oil quench; tempering: 538 C (1000 F), 4 h; basis: typicalAircraft Materials
Stainless steel 410Steels223 HB (typical)condition: T; hardening: 1010 C (1850 F), 30 min, oil quench; tempering: 649 C (1200 F), 4 h; basis: typicalAircraft Materials
Martensitic stainless steel (EN 1.4418, X4CrNiMo16-5-1)Steelsup to 320 HB (maximum)condition: +A (soft annealed), all diameters; basis: maximum; standard: DIN EN 10088-3Deutsche Edelstahlwerke
Alloy steel AISI 4340 (nickel-chromium-molybdenum)Steels248 to 302 HBcondition: quenched and tempered to condition T; section: limiting ruling section 150 mm; heat treatment: harden 815 to 845 C, oil or polymer quench; temper 455 to 650 C for at least 2 h, air cool (recommended ranges); tempering: 455 to 650 C recommended range; the datasheet gives one range for the whole process, not one tempering temperature per conditionvoestalpine
Alloy steel AISI 4340 (nickel-chromium-molybdenum)Steels269 to 331 HBcondition: quenched and tempered to condition U; section: limiting ruling section 100 mm; heat treatment: harden 815 to 845 C, oil or polymer quench; temper 455 to 650 C for at least 2 h, air cool (recommended ranges); tempering: 455 to 650 C recommended range; the datasheet gives one range for the whole process, not one tempering temperature per conditionvoestalpine
Alloy steel AISI 4340 (nickel-chromium-molybdenum)Steels293 to 352 HBcondition: quenched and tempered to condition V; section: limiting ruling section 63 mm; heat treatment: harden 815 to 845 C, oil or polymer quench; temper 455 to 650 C for at least 2 h, air cool (recommended ranges); tempering: 455 to 650 C recommended range; the datasheet gives one range for the whole process, not one tempering temperature per conditionvoestalpine
Alloy steel AISI 4340 (nickel-chromium-molybdenum)Steels311 to 375 HBcondition: quenched and tempered to condition W; section: limiting ruling section 30 mm; heat treatment: harden 815 to 845 C, oil or polymer quench; temper 455 to 650 C for at least 2 h, air cool (recommended ranges); tempering: 455 to 650 C recommended range; the datasheet gives one range for the whole process, not one tempering temperature per conditionvoestalpine
Alloy steel AISI 4340 (nickel-chromium-molybdenum)Steels341 to 401 HBcondition: quenched and tempered to condition X* (asterisked: typically ordered annealed for machining, then heat treated); section: limiting ruling section 30 mm; heat treatment: harden 815 to 845 C, oil or polymer quench; temper 455 to 650 C for at least 2 h, air cool (recommended ranges); tempering: 455 to 650 C recommended range; the datasheet gives one range for the whole process, not one tempering temperature per conditionvoestalpine
Alloy steel AISI 4340 (nickel-chromium-molybdenum)Steels363 to 429 HBcondition: quenched and tempered to condition Y* (asterisked: typically ordered annealed for machining, then heat treated); section: limiting ruling section 30 mm; heat treatment: harden 815 to 845 C, oil or polymer quench; temper 455 to 650 C for at least 2 h, air cool (recommended ranges); tempering: 455 to 650 C recommended range; the datasheet gives one range for the whole process, not one tempering temperature per conditionvoestalpine
Alloy steel AISI 4340 (nickel-chromium-molybdenum)Steelsat least 444 HB (minimum)condition: quenched and tempered to condition Z* (asterisked: typically ordered annealed for machining, then heat treated); section: limiting ruling section 30 mm; heat treatment: harden 815 to 845 C, oil or polymer quench; temper 455 to 650 C for at least 2 h, air cool (recommended ranges); tempering: 455 to 650 C recommended range; the datasheet gives one range for the whole process, not one tempering temperature per conditionvoestalpine
Alloy steel AISI 4340 (nickel-chromium-molybdenum)Steels217 HBtemperature: 25 C; treatment: annealed at 810 C (as printed by eFunda)eFunda
Stainless steel 440CSteels223 HBheat treatment: annealed: heat to 1550 to 1600 F, slow cool in the furnaceRolled Alloys
Stainless steel 440CSteels580 HBheat treatment: hardened 1900 F, oil quench, tempered 600 FAircraft Materials

Vickers hardness (HV): 17 alloys, 24 values

In text: Aluminium alloys 29 to 153 HV (5 alloys); Titanium alloys 120 to 300 HV (4 alloys); Copper alloys 55 to 300 HV (6 alloys); Steels 900 to 1250 HV (2 alloys).

Printed as HV, with a test load where printed (HV1, HV0.2). The only scale on which aluminium, titanium and copper alloys all have values. The steel markers are nitrided surface layers, far to the right.

Aluminium alloys

5 alloys
HV
  1. 3003 29 HV
  2. 3103 46 HV
  3. 5083 75 HV
  4. Aluminium casting alloy A356.0 58.6 to 92.8 HV2
  5. 2319 122 to 153 HV
31 aluminium profiles have no Vickers value

Values only on other scales: 2011 (HB); 2014 (HB); 2017 (HB); 1050 (HB); 2017A (HB); 2618A (HB); 5019 (HB); 5754 (HB); 6013 (HB); 6082 (HB); 7475-T7351 (HB); Aluminium casting alloy A206.0 (HB); AlSi10Mg (HB).

No hardness record at all: 2024; 2219; 4047; 5052; 5056; 5251; Aluminium-magnesium alloys; 6061; 6063; 6101; 7050; 7075-T6; 8011; Aluminium 8079; Aluminium-lithium alloy 2195; Osprey CE7 silicon-aluminium alloy; Aluminium; AlBeMet AM162.

Titanium alloys

4 alloys
HV
  1. Commercially pure titanium, Grade 1 120 HV
  2. Grade 2 (commercially pure) 160 HV
  3. Grade 3 (commercially pure) 200 HV
  4. Ti-3Al-2.5V (Grade 9) 300 HV
13 titanium profiles have no Vickers value

Values only on other scales: Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) (HRC); Beta 3 profile (record is Beta C) (HRC); Minor titanium alloys (record is Beta C) (HRC).

No hardness record at all: Ti-13V-11Cr-3Al; Ti-15Mo; Titanium alloy Ti-5Al-2.5Sn; Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo; Gamma titanium aluminide; Commercially pure titanium with palladium, Grade 11; Titanium grade 12, Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni; Titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V ELI; Commercially pure titanium, Grade 7; Titanium.

Copper alloys

6 alloys
HV
  1. Brass CW508L 55 to 180 HV2
  2. Leaded brass CW614N 100 to 160 HV
  3. Nickel silver C75200 90 to 210 HV3
  4. Copper-nickel 90/10 80 to 300 HV2
  5. Aluminium bronze C63000 170 to 220 HV
  6. Copper alloy C70250 210 to 240 HV
22 copper profiles have no Vickers value

Values only on other scales: Free-cutting brass C36000 (HRB); Aluminium bronze C95400 (cast) (HB); Leaded tin bronze C93800 (HB); Leaded tin bronze C94300 (HB); Tellurium copper C14500 (HB); Tin bronze C90500 (HB).

No hardness record at all: Beryllium copper C17300; Beryllium copper; Phosphor bronze C51000; Cartridge brass 70/30; Copper nickel beryllium C17510; Silver-bearing copper C10700; Copper titanium C1990; Copper; Copper-chromium-zirconium; Cupronickel 70/30; Gilding metal 95/5; Nickel aluminium bronze C63000; Phosphor bronze C52100; Silicon bronze C65500; Tinned copper; Zirconium copper C15000.

Steels

2 alloys
HV
  1. H13 tool steeltool steel 900 to 1100 HV2
  2. D2 tool steeltool steel 950 to 1250 HV2
55 steel profiles have no Vickers value

Values only on other scales: 2101 lean duplex (HB); Maraging 250 steel (HRC); Nitronic 60 (HB, HRB); Silver steel (HB, HRC); PH 13-8Mo (HRC); 1.4418 martensitic (HB); 15-7 PH (HRB, HRC); 17-4 PH (HRC); 2205 duplex (HB, HRC); 2304 lean duplex (HB, HRC); 301 (HRB, HRC); 2507 super duplex (HB, HRC); 302 (HB); 303 (HB); 304L (HB, HRB); 316 (HB, HRB); 317L (HB); 317LMN (HB); 321 (HB); 347 (HB, HRB); 347H (HB); 409 (HB, HRB); 410 (HB, HRB); 410S (HRB); 416 (HB, HRC); 420 (HB, HRC); 430 (HB, HRB); 430F (HB); 431 (HB); 440C (HB, HRC); Super-austenitic (HB); 444 (HRB); S41500 (13Cr-4Ni) (HB, HRC); 304 (HB, HRB); 1010 (HB); 1045 (HB); 1070 (HB); 1215 (HB); 4130 (HB, HRC); 300M ultra-high-strength steel (HRC); 4140 (HB); 4340 (HB, HRC); 1.2316 mould steel (HB, HRC); 1.2738 mould steel (HB, HRC); A2 tool steel (HB, HRC); P20 mould steel (HB, HRC).

No hardness record at all: Custom 465; Iron; 15-5 PH; 17-7 PH; 309; 310S; 316L; 1018; ASTM A36 structural carbon steel.

All 24 Vickers values behind this ruler, with condition and source
Vickers hardness values by alloy, in HV as printed, with condition and source
Alloy (profile)Value (HV, with unit as printed)Condition as printedSource
Aluminium alloy 3003Aluminium29 HVtemper: O; product form: sheet (Smiths lists 3003-0 sheet); basis: Smiths note under the table, the O conditionSmiths Metal Centres
Aluminium alloy 3103Aluminium46 HVtemper: H14; form: sheetSmiths Metal Centres
Aluminium alloy 5083Aluminium75 HVtemper: O/H111 (the datasheet says its values are for O/H111)Smiths Metal Centres
Aluminium casting alloy A356.0Aluminium58.6 HVtemper: as-cast; load: 150 gf; dwell: 15 s; alloy: laboratory casting, composition in Table 1 of the paperEffect of Heat Treatment on Corrosion Resistance of A356 Casting Alloy
Aluminium casting alloy A356.0Aluminium92.8 HVtemper: solution treated at 525 °C for 4 h, aged at 190 °C for 9 h; load: 150 gf; dwell: 15 s; alloy: laboratory casting, composition in Table 1 of the paperEffect of Heat Treatment on Corrosion Resistance of A356 Casting Alloy
Aluminium alloy 2319Aluminium122 to 153 HVWeld hardness, 2319 fillerAircraft Materials
Commercially pure titanium, Grade 1 (UNS R50250)Titanium120 HV (typical)basis: typical; form: not split by form in the datasheetSmiths Metal Centres
Commercially pure titanium, Grade 2 (UNS R50400)Titanium160 HV (typical)form: CP Grade 2 product (datasheet product range); basis: typicalSmiths Metal Centres
Commercially pure titanium, Grade 3 (UNS R50550)Titanium200 HV (typical)form: CP Grade 3 product (datasheet product range); basis: typicalSmiths Metal Centres
Titanium Grade 9, Ti-3Al-2.5V (UNS R56320)Titanium300 HVHardness, Vickers (Smiths High Performance)Smiths High Performance
Brass CW508L (CuZn37)Copper55 to 180 HVgrade: CW508L (EN 1652); product form: sheet 0.2 mm to 5.00 mmRighton Blackburns
Brass CW508L (CuZn37)Copperat least 115 HV (minimum)grade: CW508L (EN 12449); product form: tube up to 5.00 mm wall thickness; measure: minimumRighton Blackburns
Leaded free-machining brass CW614N (CuZn39Pb3, UNS C38500)Copper100 to 160 HVgrade: CW614N; temper: range across tempers, not one temperAalco
Nickel silver C75200Copper90 to 125 HVgrade: CuNi18Zn20 (CW409J); temper: H90, soft annealed; product form: stripLamineries Matthey
Nickel silver C75200Copper120 to 155 HVgrade: CuNi18Zn20 (CW409J); temper: H120, half hard; product form: stripLamineries Matthey
Nickel silver C75200Copper185 to 210 HVgrade: CuNi18Zn20 (CW409J); temper: H185, hard; product form: stripLamineries Matthey
Copper-nickel 90/10 (UNS C70600, CuNi10Fe1Mn)Copper80 to 130 HVtemper: soft (M)UNS C70600
Copper-nickel 90/10 (UNS C70600, CuNi10Fe1Mn)Copper150 to 300 HVtemper: hard (H)UNS C70600
Aluminium bronze C63000 (wrought, CuAl10Ni5Fe4)Copper170 to 220 HVgrade: CW307GAalco
Copper alloy C70250 (CuNi3SiMg)Copper210 to 240 HVtemper: TM02Technical Datasheet C70250
AISI H13 hot-work tool steel (EN 1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1)Steels1100 HV0.2grade: Uddeholm Orvar Supreme (ESR superior AISI H13); process: gas nitriding in ammonia at 510 °C (950 °F), or plasma nitriding in a 75% hydrogen and 25% nitrogen mixture at 480 °C (895 °F); heat treatment: hardened and tempered at least 25 to 50 °C above the nitriding temperature before nitriding (the sheet's requirement)Uddeholm
AISI H13 hot-work tool steel (EN 1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1)Steels900 to 1000 HV0.2grade: Uddeholm Orvar Supreme (ESR superior AISI H13); process: gas or salt-bath nitrocarburizing (the sentence gives no temperature; the depth table uses 580 °C); heat treatment: hardened and tempered base, as the sheet describes for nitridingUddeholm
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels1250 HV1heat treatment: nitrided at 525 C (time not stated for this value); basis: figures refer to hardened and tempered material, as printedUddeholm
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels950 HV1heat treatment: nitrocarburized at 570 C for 2 h; basis: figures refer to hardened and tempered material, as printedUddeholm

Rockwell B hardness (HRB): 15 alloys, 20 values

In text: Aluminium alloys no value in any source we hold; Titanium alloys 90 to 92 HRB (2 alloys); Copper alloys 60 to 80 HRB (1 alloy); Steels 75 to 96 HRB (12 alloys).

Printed as HRB or HRBW. The scale for softer metals and annealed stainless. No aluminium alloy has a Rockwell B value in our data.

Aluminium alloys

no values
HRB

No aluminium profile holds a Rockwell B value, so nothing is drawn. We do not convert from another scale to fill the gap.

36 aluminium profiles have no Rockwell B value

Values only on other scales: 2011 (HB); 2014 (HB); 2017 (HB); 1050 (HB); 2017A (HB); 2319 (HV); 2618A (HB); 3003 (HV); 3103 (HB, HV); 5019 (HB); 5083 (HB, HV); 5754 (HB); 6013 (HB); 6082 (HB); 7475-T7351 (HB); Aluminium casting alloy A206.0 (HB); Aluminium casting alloy A356.0 (HB, HV); AlSi10Mg (HB).

No hardness record at all: 2024; 2219; 4047; 5052; 5056; 5251; Aluminium-magnesium alloys; 6061; 6063; 6101; 7050; 7075-T6; 8011; Aluminium 8079; Aluminium-lithium alloy 2195; Osprey CE7 silicon-aluminium alloy; Aluminium; AlBeMet AM162.

Titanium alloys

2 alloys
HRB
  1. Grade 3 (commercially pure) 90 HRB
  2. Grade 2 (commercially pure) 92 HRB
15 titanium profiles have no Rockwell B value

Values only on other scales: Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) (HRC); Beta 3 profile (record is Beta C) (HRC); Commercially pure titanium, Grade 1 (HV); Ti-3Al-2.5V (Grade 9) (HV, HRC); Minor titanium alloys (record is Beta C) (HRC).

No hardness record at all: Ti-13V-11Cr-3Al; Ti-15Mo; Titanium alloy Ti-5Al-2.5Sn; Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo; Gamma titanium aluminide; Commercially pure titanium with palladium, Grade 11; Titanium grade 12, Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni; Titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V ELI; Commercially pure titanium, Grade 7; Titanium.

Copper alloys

1 alloy
HRB
  1. Free-cutting brass C36000 60 to 80 HRB
27 copper profiles have no Rockwell B value

Values only on other scales: Aluminium bronze C63000 (HB, HV); Aluminium bronze C95400 (cast) (HB); Copper alloy C70250 (HV); Copper-nickel 90/10 (HV); Leaded tin bronze C93800 (HB); Leaded brass CW614N (HV); Leaded tin bronze C94300 (HB); Nickel silver C75200 (HV); Tellurium copper C14500 (HB); Tin bronze C90500 (HB); Brass CW508L (HB, HV).

No hardness record at all: Beryllium copper C17300; Beryllium copper; Phosphor bronze C51000; Cartridge brass 70/30; Copper nickel beryllium C17510; Silver-bearing copper C10700; Copper titanium C1990; Copper; Copper-chromium-zirconium; Cupronickel 70/30; Gilding metal 95/5; Nickel aluminium bronze C63000; Phosphor bronze C52100; Silicon bronze C65500; Tinned copper; Zirconium copper C15000.

Steels

12 alloys
HRB
  1. 410Smartensitic stainless 75 to 89 HRB2
  2. 430ferritic stainless 75 to 89 HRB2
  3. 301austenitic stainless 85 HRB
  4. Nitronic 60austenitic stainless 85 HRB
  5. 304Laustenitic stainless 80 to 92 HRB2
  6. 15-7 PHprecipitation-hardening stainless 88 HRB
  7. 347austenitic stainless 84 to 92 HRB2
  8. 409ferritic stainless 88 HRB
  9. 410martensitic stainless 82 to 96 HRB2
  10. 304austenitic stainless 92 HRB
  11. 316austenitic stainless 95 HRB
  12. 444ferritic stainless 96 HRB
45 steel profiles have no Rockwell B value

Values only on other scales: 2101 lean duplex (HB); Maraging 250 steel (HRC); Silver steel (HB, HRC); PH 13-8Mo (HRC); 1.4418 martensitic (HB); 17-4 PH (HRC); 2205 duplex (HB, HRC); 2304 lean duplex (HB, HRC); 2507 super duplex (HB, HRC); 302 (HB); 303 (HB); 317L (HB); 317LMN (HB); 321 (HB); 347H (HB); 416 (HB, HRC); 420 (HB, HRC); 430F (HB); 431 (HB); 440C (HB, HRC); Super-austenitic (HB); S41500 (13Cr-4Ni) (HB, HRC); 1010 (HB); 1045 (HB); 1070 (HB); 1215 (HB); 4130 (HB, HRC); 300M ultra-high-strength steel (HRC); 4140 (HB); 4340 (HB, HRC); 1.2316 mould steel (HB, HRC); 1.2738 mould steel (HB, HRC); A2 tool steel (HB, HRC); D2 tool steel (HB, HV, HRC); H13 tool steel (HB, HV, HRC); P20 mould steel (HB, HRC).

No hardness record at all: Custom 465; Iron; 15-5 PH; 17-7 PH; 309; 310S; 316L; 1018; ASTM A36 structural carbon steel.

All 20 Rockwell B values behind this ruler, with condition and source
Rockwell B hardness values by alloy, in HRB as printed, with condition and source
Alloy (profile)Value (HRB, with unit as printed)Condition as printedSource
Commercially pure titanium, Grade 3 (UNS R50550)Titaniumup to 90 HRB (maximum)form: bar and billet only (ATI page); condition: as supplied; no separate condition givenATI
Commercially pure titanium, Grade 2 (UNS R50400)Titaniumup to 92 HRB (maximum)form: seamless tube and pipe; condition: supplied as cold reduced or cold reduced and annealedAlleima
Free-cutting brass C36000Copper60 to 80 HRBgrade: C36000; temper: H02, 1/2 hard; product form: bar, 12.7 mm and underAviva
Stainless steel 410SSteelsup to 89 HRB (maximum)basis: maximum, plate, printed as Rb 89 (max)Rolled Alloys
Stainless steel 410SSteels75 HRB (typical)basis: typicalRolled Alloys
Stainless steel 430Steelsup to 89 HRB (maximum)form: ASTM A240 sheet and strip basis (Combined Metals data sheet); temper: annealed (row labelled Annealed (Min); hardness printed as a maximum); temperature: room temperature (typical room temperature table)Combined Metals
Stainless steel 430Steels75 to 83 HRBform: sheet and strip, 0.04 to 0.115 in thick; temper: cold rolled and annealed (ATI footnote); temperature: room temperature (typical)ATI
Stainless steel 301Steels85 HRB (typical)temper: annealed; basis: typicalATI
Nitronic 60 stainless steelSteelsat least 85 HRB (minimum)temper: annealedSmiths Metal Centres
Stainless steel 304LSteelsup to 92 HRB (maximum)form: plate, sheet and strip; basis: maximum, printed as 92 HRB maxATI
Stainless steel 304LSteels80 HRB (typical)basis: table value; minimum or typical not statedUnited Performance Metals
PH 15-7 Mo stainless steelSteels88 HRBcondition: A (annealed); form: sheet and stripATI
AISI 347 stainless steelSteelsup to 92 HRB (maximum)product form: sheet and stripUnited Performance Metals
AISI 347 stainless steelSteels84 HRBW (typical)temper: annealed; basis: typical values based on ATI source, ASTM A240Combined Metals
Stainless steel 409Steelsup to 88 HRB (maximum)form: 409 sheet, ASTM A240 basis (Combined Metals data sheet); temper: annealed (row labelled Annealed (Min); hardness printed as a maximum); temperature: room temperature (typical room temperature table)Combined Metals
Stainless steel 410Steelsup to 88 HRB (maximum)condition: A (annealed); basis: maximum, printed as Rb 88 maxUlbrich
Stainless steel 410Steels82 to 96 HRBcondition: A (annealed); basis: typical rangeUnited Performance Metals
Stainless steel 304Steelsup to 92 HRB (maximum)grade: 304 (UNS S30400); temper: annealed (A240 product condition); form: ASTM product forms (the table gives no form; typical values are for 0.375 inch plate)Outokumpu
Stainless steel 316Steelsup to 95 HRB (maximum)form: plate, sheet and strip (ASTM A240, ASME SA-240); basis: maximumATI
Stainless steel 444Steelsup to 96 HRB (maximum)form: sheet, strip and plate (ASTM A240 and ASME SA-240 maximum)ATI

Rockwell C hardness (HRC): 26 alloys, 100 values

In text: Aluminium alloys no value in any source we hold; Titanium alloys 15 to 38 HRC (4 alloys); Copper alloys no value in any source we hold; Steels 18 to 68 HRC (22 alloys).

Printed as HRC, Rc or RC. The scale for hard steels, and the only one that puts titanium and steel on the same ruler. No aluminium or copper alloy has a Rockwell C value.

Aluminium alloys

no values
HRC

No aluminium profile holds a Rockwell C value, so nothing is drawn. We do not convert from another scale to fill the gap.

36 aluminium profiles have no Rockwell C value

Values only on other scales: 2011 (HB); 2014 (HB); 2017 (HB); 1050 (HB); 2017A (HB); 2319 (HV); 2618A (HB); 3003 (HV); 3103 (HB, HV); 5019 (HB); 5083 (HB, HV); 5754 (HB); 6013 (HB); 6082 (HB); 7475-T7351 (HB); Aluminium casting alloy A206.0 (HB); Aluminium casting alloy A356.0 (HB, HV); AlSi10Mg (HB).

No hardness record at all: 2024; 2219; 4047; 5052; 5056; 5251; Aluminium-magnesium alloys; 6061; 6063; 6101; 7050; 7075-T6; 8011; Aluminium 8079; Aluminium-lithium alloy 2195; Osprey CE7 silicon-aluminium alloy; Aluminium; AlBeMet AM162.

Titanium alloys

4 alloys
HRC
  1. Ti-3Al-2.5V (Grade 9) 15 to 27 HRC2
  2. Beta 3 profile (record is Beta C) 24 to 38 HRC
  3. Minor titanium alloys (record is Beta C) 24 to 38 HRC
  4. Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) 30 to 36 HRC
13 titanium profiles have no Rockwell C value

Values only on other scales: Commercially pure titanium, Grade 1 (HV); Grade 2 (commercially pure) (HV, HRB); Grade 3 (commercially pure) (HV, HRB).

No hardness record at all: Ti-13V-11Cr-3Al; Ti-15Mo; Titanium alloy Ti-5Al-2.5Sn; Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo; Gamma titanium aluminide; Commercially pure titanium with palladium, Grade 11; Titanium grade 12, Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni; Titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V ELI; Commercially pure titanium, Grade 7; Titanium.

Copper alloys

no values
HRC

No copper profile holds a Rockwell C value, so nothing is drawn. We do not convert from another scale to fill the gap.

28 copper profiles have no Rockwell C value

Values only on other scales: Aluminium bronze C63000 (HB, HV); Free-cutting brass C36000 (HRB); Aluminium bronze C95400 (cast) (HB); Copper alloy C70250 (HV); Copper-nickel 90/10 (HV); Leaded tin bronze C93800 (HB); Leaded brass CW614N (HV); Leaded tin bronze C94300 (HB); Nickel silver C75200 (HV); Tellurium copper C14500 (HB); Tin bronze C90500 (HB); Brass CW508L (HB, HV).

No hardness record at all: Beryllium copper C17300; Beryllium copper; Phosphor bronze C51000; Cartridge brass 70/30; Copper nickel beryllium C17510; Silver-bearing copper C10700; Copper titanium C1990; Copper; Copper-chromium-zirconium; Cupronickel 70/30; Gilding metal 95/5; Nickel aluminium bronze C63000; Phosphor bronze C52100; Silicon bronze C65500; Tinned copper; Zirconium copper C15000.

Steels

22 alloys
HRC
  1. 4130carbon or alloy 18 to 25 HRC2
  2. S41500 (13Cr-4Ni)martensitic stainless 23 HRC2
  3. 416martensitic stainless 26 to 32 HRC
  4. 2507 super duplexduplex stainless 28 to 32 HRC2
  5. 2205 duplexduplex stainless 31 HRC
  6. 2304 lean duplexduplex stainless 30 to 32 HRC2
  7. 4340carbon or alloy 24 to 38 HRC
  8. 301austenitic stainless 25 to 41 HRC4
  9. 17-4 PHprecipitation-hardening stainless 28 to 44 HRC7
  10. 1.2316 mould steeltool steel 30 to 48 HRC
  11. 1.2738 mould steeltool steel 28 to 51 HRC7
  12. P20 mould steeltool steel 28 to 51 HRC8
  13. Maraging 250 steel 30 to 52 HRC6
  14. 420martensitic stainless 36 to 48 HRC2
  15. 300M ultra-high-strength steelcarbon or alloy 35 to 53 HRC5
  16. PH 13-8Mo 45 HRC
  17. 15-7 PHprecipitation-hardening stainless 43 to 48 HRC2
  18. 440Cmartensitic stainless 30 to 62 HRC14
  19. H13 tool steeltool steel 45 to 54 HRC6
  20. D2 tool steeltool steel 35 to 65 HRC13
  21. Silver steeltool steel 51 to 68 HRC5
  22. A2 tool steeltool steel 59 to 61 HRC3
35 steel profiles have no Rockwell C value

Values only on other scales: 2101 lean duplex (HB); Nitronic 60 (HB, HRB); 1.4418 martensitic (HB); 302 (HB); 303 (HB); 304L (HB, HRB); 316 (HB, HRB); 317L (HB); 317LMN (HB); 321 (HB); 347 (HB, HRB); 347H (HB); 409 (HB, HRB); 410 (HB, HRB); 410S (HRB); 430 (HB, HRB); 430F (HB); 431 (HB); Super-austenitic (HB); 444 (HRB); 304 (HB, HRB); 1010 (HB); 1045 (HB); 1070 (HB); 1215 (HB); 4140 (HB).

No hardness record at all: Custom 465; Iron; 15-5 PH; 17-7 PH; 309; 310S; 316L; 1018; ASTM A36 structural carbon steel.

All 100 Rockwell C values behind this ruler, with condition and source
Rockwell C hardness values by alloy, in HRC as printed, with condition and source
Alloy (profile)Value (HRC, with unit as printed)Condition as printedSource
Titanium Grade 9, Ti-3Al-2.5V (UNS R56320)Titanium15 HRC (typical)basis: typical, not a minimumSmiths Metal Centres
Titanium Grade 9, Ti-3Al-2.5V (UNS R56320)Titaniumup to 27 HRC (maximum)condition: annealed (Boze heading: Typical Mechanical Properties, Annealed Condition); basis: upper limit printed as less than or equal to 27 HRCBoze Metal
Beta titanium alloy Ti-11.5Mo-6Zr-4.5Sn (Beta 3), with Beta C and Ti-15-3Titanium24 to 38 HRCgrade: Beta C (Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr)Titanium Industries
Minor titanium alloys, Ti-Mo, Ti-V, Ti-Fe, Ti-Si and Ti-Ga binaries, Ti-6Al-6V-2Sn, Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al and Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr (Beta C)Titanium24 to 38 HRCgrade: Beta C (Ti-3Al-8V-6Cr-4Mo-4Zr), UNS R58640Titanium Industries
Titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5)Titanium30 to 36 HRCcondition: annealedBoze Metal
Alloy steel AISI 4130 (chromium-molybdenum)Steelsup to 25 HRC (maximum)condition: annealed sheet, AMS 6350Aircraft Materials
Alloy steel AISI 4130 (chromium-molybdenum)Steels18 to 22 HRCcondition: round bar, usually supplied quenched and tempered, as the article statesMaterial Welding
Martensitic stainless steel 13Cr-4Ni (UNS S41500)Steelsup to 23 HRC (maximum)condition: special heat treatment for sour gas environments, maximum as printedvoestalpine
Martensitic stainless steel 13Cr-4Ni (UNS S41500)Steelsup to 23 HRC (maximum)condition: supply hardness limit under NACE MR0175, as printed by Howco; standard: NACE MR0175Howco
AISI 416 stainless steelSteels26 to 32 RCtemper: hardened by heat treatmentRolled Alloys
Super duplex stainless steel 2507Steelsup to 32 HRC (maximum)form: seamless tube and pipe, wall up to 20 mm; temper: solution annealed and quenched; temperature: 20 °C; basis: maximumAlleima
Super duplex stainless steel 2507Steelsup to 28 HRC (maximum)form: bar, solution annealed and quenched; basis: maximumAlleima
Duplex stainless steel 2205Steelsup to 31 HRC (maximum)form: plate, sheet and strip (ASTM A240, UNS S32205)ATI
Lean duplex stainless steel 2304Steelsup to 32 Rc (maximum)form: ATI 2304 plate, ASTM A240 limit; heat treatment: annealed (ASTM A240 limit); temperature: room temperatureATI
Lean duplex stainless steel 2304Steelsup to 30 HRC (maximum)form: seamless tube and pipe, wall up to 20 mm; heat treatment: solution annealed; temperature: 20 CAlleima
Alloy steel AISI 4340 (nickel-chromium-molybdenum)Steels24 to 38 HRCcondition: quenched and tempered bars, typical range as the text states; test: Rockwell or Brinell, as the text statesSaky
Stainless steel 301Steels25 HRC (typical)temper: 1/4 hard; basis: typicalATI
Stainless steel 301Steels32 HRC (typical)temper: 1/2 hard; basis: typicalATI
Stainless steel 301Steels37 HRC (typical)temper: 3/4 hard; basis: typicalATI
Stainless steel 301Steels41 HRC (typical)temper: full hard; basis: typicalATI
17-4 PH stainless steelSteels36 HRC (typical)condition: Condition A (annealed and cold finished); basis: typical, room temperature, Brinell 352 as printed; form: bar, cold finishedCarpenter Technology
17-4 PH stainless steelSteels44 HRC (typical)condition: H900; basis: typical, room temperature, Brinell 420 as printed; form: bar, cold finishedCarpenter Technology
17-4 PH stainless steelSteels38 HRC (typical)condition: H1025; basis: typical, room temperature, Brinell 352 as printed; form: bar, cold finishedCarpenter Technology
17-4 PH stainless steelSteels33 HRC (typical)condition: H1150; basis: typical, room temperature, Brinell 311 as printed; form: bar, cold finishedCarpenter Technology
17-4 PH stainless steelSteelsat least 40 HRC (minimum)condition: H900; basis: minimum, ASTM A564 bar table; form: bar and shapesAustral Wright
17-4 PH stainless steelSteelsat least 35 HRC (minimum)condition: H1025; basis: minimum, ASTM A564 bar table; form: bar and shapesAustral Wright
17-4 PH stainless steelSteelsat least 28 HRC (minimum)condition: H1150; basis: minimum, ASTM A564 bar table; form: bar and shapesAustral Wright
1.2316 stainless plastic mould steel (EN 1.2316, printed name X38CrMo16)Steels30 to 48 HRCcondition: approx. 30 HRC in the delivery condition, up to 48 HRC as printed (the page does not tie 48 HRC to a heat treatment)Abrams
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)Steels30 to 35 HRCcondition: quenched and tempered, delivery condition (as printed)Industeel
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)Steels32 HRCcondition: prehardened grade, typical (headline 300 HB / 32 HRC)Industeel
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)Steels32 to 50 HRCcondition: supplied tempered at about 32 HRC, up to 50 HRC in working condition (as printed)ABRAMS Industries
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)Steels51 HRCcondition: after hardening at 840 to 870 °C and quenching in polymer or oil (re-hardened, not the supplied condition)ABRAMS Industries
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)Steels42 HRCcondition: after hardening, tempered at 500 °C (tempering chart; hold time not printed on the chart)ABRAMS Industries
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)Steels39 HRCcondition: after hardening, tempered at 600 °C (tempering chart; hold time not printed on the chart)ABRAMS Industries
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)Steels28 HRCcondition: after hardening, tempered at 700 °C (tempering chart; hold time not printed on the chart)ABRAMS Industries
P20 plastic mould steel (AISI P20, UNS T51620, EN 1.2311)Steels30 HRCcondition: pre-hardened P20, typical values (about 300 HB as printed)Smiths Metal Centres
P20 plastic mould steel (AISI P20, UNS T51620, EN 1.2311)Steels30 to 34 HRCcondition: prehardened, supplied condition for the P-20 family (approximately, as printed)Aços Formosa
P20 plastic mould steel (AISI P20, UNS T51620, EN 1.2311)Steels28 to 34 HRCcondition: pre-hardened, as supplied (vendor statement, no test conditions)Taizhou
P20 plastic mould steel (AISI P20, UNS T51620, EN 1.2311)Steels32 HRCcondition: delivery condition (pre-hardened)Abrams
P20 plastic mould steel (AISI P20, UNS T51620, EN 1.2311)Steels51 HRCcondition: after hardening at 840 to 870 C with oil or salt-bath quench at 180 to 220 C (re-hardened, not the supplied condition)Swiss Steel
P20 plastic mould steel (AISI P20, UNS T51620, EN 1.2311)Steels42 HRCcondition: after hardening, tempered at 500 C (tempering chart; hold time not printed)Swiss Steel
P20 plastic mould steel (AISI P20, UNS T51620, EN 1.2311)Steels36 HRCcondition: after hardening, tempered at 600 C (tempering chart; hold time not printed)Swiss Steel
P20 plastic mould steel (AISI P20, UNS T51620, EN 1.2311)Steels28 HRCcondition: after hardening, tempered at 700 C (tempering chart; hold time not printed)Swiss Steel
Maraging 250 steelSteels48 to 52 HRCcondition: agedSaky
Maraging 250 steelSteelsat least 48 Rc (minimum)condition: after heat treatment as printed (aging cycle not named)MARAGING
Maraging 250 steelSteels30 to 35 HRCcondition: solution annealedSaky
Maraging 250 steelSteels30 to 34 Rccondition: annealed and descaled, as shippedMARAGING
Maraging 250 steelSteels48 to 52 Rccondition: aged at 900/925 F for 6 hoursMaraging 250
Maraging 250 steelSteels30 to 35 Rccondition: solution annealedMaraging 250
Stainless steel 420Steels48 HRCgrade: Type 420, UNS S42000; temper: tempered at 440 °FRolled Alloys
Stainless steel 420Steels36 HRCgrade: Type 420, UNS S42000; temper: tempered at 1000 °FRolled Alloys
300M ultra-high-strength steel (UNS K44220)Steels53 HRCtempering temperature: 204 °C; austenitising: 871 °C for 1 hour, oil quench; tempering time: 2 + 2 hour, air cool300M/S155 High Performance Alloy Steel
300M ultra-high-strength steel (UNS K44220)Steels52.5 HRCtempering temperature: 316 °C; austenitising: 871 °C for 1 hour, oil quench; tempering time: 2 + 2 hour, air cool300M/S155 High Performance Alloy Steel
300M ultra-high-strength steel (UNS K44220)Steels50 HRCtempering temperature: 427 °C; austenitising: 871 °C for 1 hour, oil quench; tempering time: 2 + 2 hour, air cool300M/S155 High Performance Alloy Steel
300M ultra-high-strength steel (UNS K44220)Steels47 HRCtempering temperature: 538 °C; austenitising: 871 °C for 1 hour, oil quench; tempering time: 2 + 2 hour, air cool300M/S155 High Performance Alloy Steel
300M ultra-high-strength steel (UNS K44220)Steels35 HRCtempering temperature: 649 °C; austenitising: 871 °C for 1 hour, oil quench; tempering time: 2 + 2 hour, air cool300M/S155 High Performance Alloy Steel
PH 13-8Mo stainless steelSteels45 HRC (typical)condition: H 1000; form: typical longitudinal; basis: typicalPH 13-8 Mo technical data
PH 15-7 Mo stainless steelSteels48 HRCcondition: RH 950; form: sheet and stripATI
PH 15-7 Mo stainless steelSteels43 HRCcondition: TH 1050; form: sheet and stripATI
Stainless steel 440CSteels60 HRCheat treatment: hardened 1900 F, oil quench, tempered one hour at 300 F; specimen: 1 in roundRolled Alloys
Stainless steel 440CSteels59 HRCheat treatment: hardened 1900 F, oil quench, tempered one hour at 400 F; specimen: 1 in roundRolled Alloys
Stainless steel 440CSteels57 HRCheat treatment: hardened 1900 F, oil quench, tempered one hour at 500 F; specimen: 1 in roundRolled Alloys
Stainless steel 440CSteels56 HRCheat treatment: hardened 1900 F, oil quench, tempered one hour at 600 F; specimen: 1 in roundRolled Alloys
Stainless steel 440CSteels56 HRCheat treatment: hardened 1900 F, oil quench, tempered one hour at 700 F; specimen: 1 in roundRolled Alloys
Stainless steel 440CSteels56 HRCheat treatment: hardened 1900 F, oil quench, tempered one hour at 800 F; specimen: 1 in roundRolled Alloys
Stainless steel 440CSteels60 HRCheat treatment: heat treated to HRC 60 per the HPOTP bearing procedure, not tempered in this row; specimen: AISI 440C rods 7.9 mm diameterNASA
Stainless steel 440CSteels57 to 58 HRCheat treatment: from HRC 60, tempered at 540 C (1000 F) for 10 to 945 s; temperature: 540 C (1000 F); time: 10, 105 and 945 sNASA
Stainless steel 440CSteels50.5 HRCheat treatment: from HRC 60, tempered at 650 C (1200 F) for 105 s; temperature: 650 C (1200 F); time: 105 sNASA
Stainless steel 440CSteels46.5 HRCheat treatment: from HRC 60, tempered at 650 C (1200 F) for 420 s; temperature: 650 C (1200 F); time: 420 sNASA
Stainless steel 440CSteels44 HRCheat treatment: from HRC 60, tempered at 760 C (1400 F) for 10 s; temperature: 760 C (1400 F); time: 10 sNASA
Stainless steel 440CSteels40 HRCheat treatment: from HRC 60, tempered at 760 C (1400 F) for 105 s; temperature: 760 C (1400 F); time: 105 sNASA
Stainless steel 440CSteelsup to 30 HRC (maximum)temperature: 540 C (1000 F); specimen: cut from a used HPOTP bearing race that measured HRC 50 at room temperature; test: hot-hardness apparatus; diamond pyramid hardness numbers converted in the textNASA
Stainless steel 440CSteels58 to 62 HRCHardness range as compared by NASA GlennNASA
AISI H13 hot-work tool steel (EN 1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1)Steels45 HRCgrade: Uddeholm Orvar Supreme (ESR superior AISI H13); heat treatment: austenitised 1025 °C for 30 min, air quenched, tempered 2 + 2 h at 610 °C (1130 °F)Uddeholm
AISI H13 hot-work tool steel (EN 1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1)Steels53 HRCgrade: Uddeholm Orvar Supreme (ESR superior AISI H13); heat treatment: austenitised 1025 °C (1875 °F) for 30 min soaking; quench medium not stated for this row; before temperingUddeholm
AISI H13 hot-work tool steel (EN 1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1)Steels54 HRCgrade: Uddeholm Orvar Supreme (ESR superior AISI H13); heat treatment: austenitised 1050 °C (1920 °F) for 15 min soaking; quench medium not stated for this row; before temperingUddeholm
AISI H13 hot-work tool steel (EN 1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1)Steels50 to 53 HRCgrade: Uddeholm Orvar Supreme (ESR superior AISI H13); heat treatment: austenitised 1020 to 1030 °C; tempered 250 °C (480 °F); holding time and quench not stated in this tableUddeholm
AISI H13 hot-work tool steel (EN 1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1)Steels50 to 52 HRCgrade: Uddeholm Orvar Supreme (ESR superior AISI H13); heat treatment: austenitised 1020 to 1030 °C; tempered 575 °C (1070 °F); holding time and quench not stated in this tableUddeholm
AISI H13 hot-work tool steel (EN 1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1)Steels45 to 50 HRCgrade: Uddeholm Orvar Supreme (ESR superior AISI H13); heat treatment: austenitised 1020 to 1030 °C; tempered 575 to 600 °C (1070 to 1110 °F); holding time and quench not stated in this tableUddeholm
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels63 HRCheat treatment: austenitized at 990 C for 60 min soaking time, hardness before temperingUddeholm
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels64 HRCheat treatment: austenitized at 1010 C for 45 min soaking time, hardness before temperingUddeholm
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels65 HRCheat treatment: austenitized at 1030 C for 30 min soaking time, hardness before temperingUddeholm
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels64 HRCheat treatment: austenitized at 1080 C for 30 min soaking time, hardness before temperingUddeholm
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels63 HRCheat treatment: tempered at 100 C; tempering time and hardening temperature not stated in the table; basis: curve from the thesis's reference 6, as printedDoločanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels61 HRCheat treatment: tempered at 200 C; tempering time and hardening temperature not stated in the table; basis: curve from the thesis's reference 6, as printedDoločanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels58 HRCheat treatment: tempered at 300 C; tempering time and hardening temperature not stated in the table; basis: curve from the thesis's reference 6, as printedDoločanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels58 HRCheat treatment: tempered at 400 C; tempering time and hardening temperature not stated in the table; basis: curve from the thesis's reference 6, as printedDoločanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels59 HRCheat treatment: tempered at 500 C; tempering time and hardening temperature not stated in the table; basis: curve from the thesis's reference 6, as printedDoločanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels56 HRCheat treatment: tempered at 550 C; tempering time and hardening temperature not stated in the table; basis: curve from the thesis's reference 6, as printedDoločanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels51 HRCheat treatment: tempered at 600 C; tempering time and hardening temperature not stated in the table; basis: curve from the thesis's reference 6, as printedDoločanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels35 HRCheat treatment: tempered at 700 C; tempering time and hardening temperature not stated in the table; basis: curve from the thesis's reference 6, as printedDoločanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
AISI D2 cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2379, X153CrMoV12)Steels62 to 64 HRCheat treatment: as hardened from 1000 to 1040 C per the text; quench medium not specified in that sentence; basis: approximate, as printed in the text that cites reference 6Določanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
Silver steel (BS 1407 high-carbon bright tool steel)Steels64 to 66 HRCgrade: 1.2210 (SIHARD 2210, 115CrV3); the European equivalent that Wikipedia names. Its chromium and vanadium contents differ from the BS 1407 analysis.; quench: water or oil, as printedSIJ
Silver steel (BS 1407 high-carbon bright tool steel)Steelsup to 62 HRC (maximum)grade: 1.2210 (115CrV3); the European equivalent named by WikipediaABRAMS PREMIUM 1.2210
Silver steel (BS 1407 high-carbon bright tool steel)Steels62 HRCgrade: 1.2210 (115CrV3); tempering temperature: 200 °CABRAMS PREMIUM 1.2210
Silver steel (BS 1407 high-carbon bright tool steel)Steels51 HRCgrade: 1.2210 (115CrV3); tempering temperature: 400 °CABRAMS PREMIUM 1.2210
Silver steel (BS 1407 high-carbon bright tool steel)Steels65 to 68 Rcbasis: approximate quench hardness, as printed; the scale is printed as RcT&A Precision Silver Steel
AISI A2 air-hardening cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2363, X100CrMoV5)Steels61 HRCheat treatment: austenitized 1775 F (970 C), air cooled, tempered at 400 F (205 C)Niagara Specialty Metals
AISI A2 air-hardening cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2363, X100CrMoV5)Steels60 HRCheat treatment: austenitized 1775 F (970 C), air cooled, tempered at 500 F (260 C)Niagara Specialty Metals
AISI A2 air-hardening cold-work tool steel (EN 1.2363, X100CrMoV5)Steels59 HRCheat treatment: hardened at 1775 F (970 C), tempered at 500 F (260 C)Niagara Specialty Metals

† The profile is below our full-grade bar (it holds fewer properties or sources than a full profile), so treat its value as a single supplier's figure. A raised number after a value is how many records the alloy has on this scale.

Why does one alloy show so many hardness numbers?

Hardness depends on temper, heat treatment, product form and the basis of the figure, so one alloy name carries many numbers. Aluminium alloy 5083 reads 75 HB as O/H111 sheet and 89 HB as H32 sheet, both per AZoM. Stainless steel 301 reads 85 HRB annealed and 41 HRC full hard, both typical values per ATI. The four ladders below show more.

Aluminium: temper and supplierBrinell values for three aluminium alloys. The two 2011 T6 rows are the same temper from two suppliers.
  1. 5083, O/H111 sheet 75 HB · AZoM
  2. 5083, H116 81 HB · Dinco
  3. 5083, H32 sheet 89 HB · AZoM
  4. 5754, H114 sheet 52 HB · Righton Blackburns
  5. 5754, H24 sheet and plate 70 HB · Righton Blackburns
  6. 2011, T6, supplier A 97 HB · Referans Metal
  7. 2011, T6, supplier B 110 HB · Smiths Metal Centres
  8. 2011, T451 105 HB · Referans Metal
Stainless steel 301: cold work moves the scaleAnnealed it is quoted in Rockwell B; cold worked, in Rockwell C. Typical values from one datasheet.
  1. 301 annealed 85 HRB (typical): a different scale, so not drawn here
  2. 301 quarter hard 25 HRC (typical) · ATI
  3. 301 half hard 32 HRC (typical) · ATI
  4. 301 three-quarter hard 37 HRC (typical) · ATI
  5. 301 full hard 41 HRC (typical) · ATI
17-4 PH stainless steel: ageing conditionTypical values from one supplier and the ASTM A564 minimum from another, for the same three ageing conditions.
  1. 17-4 PH condition A 36 HRC (typical) · Carpenter Technology
  2. H1150 typical 33 HRC (typical) · Carpenter Technology
  3. H1150 ASTM A564 minimum at least 28 HRC (minimum) · Austral Wright
  4. H1025 typical 38 HRC (typical) · Carpenter Technology
  5. H1025 ASTM A564 minimum at least 35 HRC (minimum) · Austral Wright
  6. H900 typical 44 HRC (typical) · Carpenter Technology
  7. H900 ASTM A564 minimum at least 40 HRC (minimum) · Austral Wright
AISI D2 tool steel: tempering temperatureHardness as hardened, then after tempering at rising temperatures. The tempering rows come from one thesis table that does not state the hardening temperature.
  1. D2 hardened at 1030 °C, not tempered 65 HRC · Uddeholm
  2. D2 hardened at 990 °C, not tempered 63 HRC · Uddeholm
  3. tempered at 100 °C 63 HRC · Določanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
  4. tempered at 300 °C 58 HRC · Določanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
  5. tempered at 500 °C 59 HRC · Določanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
  6. tempered at 600 °C 51 HRC · Določanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
  7. tempered at 700 °C 35 HRC · Določanje popustnih karakteristik orodnega jekla D2
  • Temper and heat treatment. AISI D2 cold-work tool steel reads 65 HRC as hardened at 1030 °C per Uddeholm, and 35 HRC after tempering at 700 °C per a thesis table. Cold work, ageing and tempering change the metal's structure (general engineering knowledge, not in our data).
  • The source. Aluminium alloy 2011 in T6 temper reads 97 HB per Referans Metal and 110 HB per Smiths Metal Centres, a difference of 13 HB, and our records do not say which is right.
  • The basis. Stainless steel 316 has a maximum of 217 HB per United Performance Metals, which is an acceptance limit and not the hardness a part reads. A typical value, such as 200 HV for commercially pure titanium, Grade 3 per Smiths Metal Centres, is one supplier's average.
  • Heat in service. Stainless steel 440C fell from 60 HRC to 44 HRC in 10 s at 760 °C per NASA, so a room-temperature hardness is not the hardness at working temperature.

Why can't Brinell be converted to Rockwell or Vickers exactly?

Brinell, Vickers and Rockwell tests press different indenters into the metal under different loads and read different quantities, so no single formula converts one scale to another (general engineering knowledge, not in our data). Published tables, such as those for steel, give estimates for a material family only. This article therefore keeps every value on the scale it was printed in, converts none, and leaves a missing value missing.

Rockwell C and Brinell values that one source printed side by side (numbers as printed, none computed by us)
Alloy and conditionRockwell C as printed (HRC)Brinell as printed (HB)Source
17-4 PH stainless steelcondition A, typical36352Carpenter Technology
17-4 PH stainless steelcondition H1025, typical38352Carpenter Technology
17-4 PH stainless steelcondition H900, typical44420Carpenter Technology
17-4 PH stainless steelcondition H1150, typical33311Carpenter Technology
1.2738 plastic mould steel (40CrMnNiMo8-6-4, AISI P20+Ni)pre-hardened, typical32300Industeel
P20 plastic mould steel (AISI P20, UNS T51620, EN 1.2311)pre-hardened, typical30about 300Smiths Metal Centres

The same Brinell number sits beside two different Rockwell C numbers: 352 HB beside 36 and 38 HRC for 17-4 PH stainless steel, and about 300 HB beside 30 and 32 HRC for two mould steels. Our records do not state why, so a pair printed by one supplier is not a formula. For how each test works and which scale to quote on a drawing, read How do you read a hardness number? Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers.

What hardness is hard enough for a given use?

Our profiles state a use-specific hardness only for tooling and one vacuum chamber. Per Uddeholm, AISI H13 hot-work tool steel dies for aluminium and magnesium alloys run at 42 to 48 HRC, and AISI D2 cold-work tool steel blanking tools for sheet under 3 mm run at 60 to 62 HRC. Per CERN, hard-drawn silver-bearing copper C10700 has a maximum initial hardness of 90 HRF. No source we hold states one for an aluminium or titanium part.

Hardness printed for a use in our profiles, with the source each profile cites
UseHardness printed for it (scale as printed)MaterialSource
Die-casting diesDies for tin, lead and zinc alloys at 46 to 50 HRC; dies for aluminium and magnesium alloys at 42 to 48 HRCH13 tool steelUddeholm
Extrusion dies44 to 50 HRC for aluminium and magnesium alloys, 43 to 47 HRC for copper alloys, 45 to 50 HRC for stainless steelH13 tool steelUddeholm
Forging tools44 to 52 HRC for aluminium and magnesium forging tools; 50 to 52 HRC for steel forgingH13 tool steelUddeholm
Blanking, punching and shearing tools60 to 62 HRC for work material under 3 mm thick, 58 to 60 HRC for 3 to 6 mm; work material under 180 HB; the table prints lower tool hardness for harder work materialD2 tool steelUddeholm
Thread-rolling and cold-extrusion diesThread-rolling dies 58 to 62 HRC; cold-extrusion dies 58 to 60 HRCD2 tool steelUddeholm
Vacuum chambers cycled at high temperature (CERN LHC, not in space)Hard-drawn temper, maximum initial hardness 90 HRF (Rockwell F, a fifth scale not drawn on the ruler)Silver-bearing copper C10700CERN
Plastic mould blocks, supplied pre-hardened30 to 34 HRC, approximately, as printed for the P-20 familyP20 plastic mould steelAços Formosa
  • The right tool hardness depends on the work material: per Uddeholm, the AISI D2 cold-work tool steel cutting table prints lower tool hardness for harder work material.
  • Per Uddeholm, AISI H13 hot-work tool steel dies for aluminium and magnesium alloys run at 42 to 48 HRC, lower than the 46 to 50 HRC for dies that cast tin, lead and zinc alloys.
  • Per Uddeholm, higher hardness slows heat-checking cracks in AISI H13 hot-work tool steel, and tools may run 1 to 2 HRC harder without loss of toughness.
  • Harder is not simply better: Alloy steel AISI 4340 at the top condition Z has a minimum Charpy impact energy of 9 J with hardness above 444 HB, against a minimum of 42 J at condition U, per voestalpine.
  • Why a tool must be harder than the metal it works is general engineering knowledge, not in our data.

What does this mean when choosing an alloy?

Quote three things with every hardness figure: the scale, the temper or heat treatment, and whether the figure is a maximum, a minimum or a typical value. Compare two alloys only on a scale both have, and in a comparable condition. Where an alloy is missing from the ruler, ask the supplier for a certificate that states the scale, the temper and the test load.

  • Name the scale first. In our data aluminium alloys are quoted in HB or HV, titanium alloys in HV, HRB or HRC, copper alloys in HB, HV or HRB, and steels in HB, HRB, HRC or, for nitrided surfaces, HV.
  • Name the temper or heat treatment. An aluminium number needs a temper such as H14 or T651, and a steel number needs a state such as annealed, quenched and tempered, or a tempering temperature.
  • Check whether it is a maximum, minimum or typical value. A maximum such as 217 HB for Stainless steel 316 is an acceptance ceiling, and a typical value is a supplier's average. The ruler marks each with a different shape.
  • Compare only on one scale. The lanes line up on Vickers for aluminium, copper and titanium, on Rockwell C for titanium and steel, and on Brinell for aluminium, copper and steel.
  • Do not read hardness as strength or toughness. It is one property, and the Alloy steel AISI 4340 example above shows a harder condition with a lower guaranteed impact energy.

Which hardness data is missing or uncertain?

53 of the 138 aluminium, titanium, copper and steel profiles in our database hold no entered hardness record, including Aluminium alloy 6061, Aluminium alloy 7075-T6, Aluminium alloy 2024, Copper, Carbon steel 1018. Their hardness is not found in any source we hold as an entered record, so the ruler leaves them out instead of guessing. The list below gives the other limits of this data.

Frequently asked questions about alloy hardness

How hard is aluminium?

Aluminium alloys in our data read 35 to 138 HB on Brinell, depending on alloy and temper. Aluminium alloy 1050 in H14 temper reads 35 HB per Smiths Metal Centres, and Aluminium alloy 2014 in T651 temper reads 138 HB per Aalco. On Vickers, aluminium alloys read 29 to 153 HV, and the top of that range is a weld deposit of 2319 filler. Aluminium alloys 6061 and 7075 hold no hardness record.

How hard is titanium?

Commercially pure titanium, Grade 2 reads 160 HV typical per Smiths Metal Centres, and Commercially pure titanium, Grade 3 reads 200 HV typical per Smiths Metal Centres. Titanium Grade 9, Ti-3Al-2.5V reads 300 HV per Smiths High Performance with no condition stated. Annealed Titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V reads 30 to 36 HRC per Boze Metal. No titanium profile holds a Brinell value, and that value is not found in any source we hold.

How hard are copper alloys?

Tellurium copper C14500 reads 76 to 81 BHN typical in half-hard and hard tempers per Wieland. Aluminium bronze C95400 reads at least 150 BHN as a sand casting per iCast. Aluminium bronze C63000 bar reads 201 to 248 HB per Smiths Metal Centres. Plain copper has no hardness record, and its value is not found in any source we hold.

What does a steel hardness chart look like?

Carbon steel 1010 reads 95 to 105 HB per Total Materia, and quenched and tempered Alloy steel AISI 4140 reads 269 to 331 HB per voestalpine. Stainless steel 316 is capped at 217 HB per United Performance Metals. AISI D2 cold-work tool steel reads 63 to 65 HRC as hardened per Uddeholm. The ruler draws each value on its own scale, because steel hardness depends on heat treatment.

Is titanium harder than steel or aluminium?

On Vickers, titanium alloys read 120 to 300 HV against 29 to 153 HV for aluminium alloys and 55 to 300 HV for copper alloys, so titanium reads higher than both in our data. Steels have Vickers values only for nitrided tool-steel surfaces, at 900 to 1250 HV. On Rockwell C, titanium alloys read 15 to 38 HRC and steels 18 to 68 HRC, so those ranges overlap, and hardened tool steel reads above every titanium value.

Can I convert Brinell to Rockwell or Vickers?

No exact conversion exists, and this page converts nothing. The three tests use different indenters and loads, so no single formula links them (general engineering knowledge, not in our data). Carpenter Technology prints 352 HB beside both 36 HRC and 38 HRC for 17-4 PH, and two suppliers print about 300 HB beside 30 HRC and 32 HRC for mould steels. Measure in the scale the drawing names.

Where can I read more about these alloys?

The links below lead to the profile collections, the pairwise comparisons and the related articles for these four alloy families, including the guide to the Brinell, Rockwell and Vickers scales. Each alloy name in the ruler and the tables links to its profile, which lists the sources for every value printed here.

How was this article made, and how do I cite it?

Each alloy is a profile in the Space Mushroom database, drafted by AI assistants from the cited pages, and a script checks that each value appears in the source it cites. Every hardness value on this page is read from those profiles when the page is built, in the scale and unit printed, and sentence-level facts are checked against the profiles at the same time. No named person has reviewed this article.

Data checked: 1 November 2026. Next review when a profile changes. Download all 254 records as CSV (CC BY 4.0).

How to cite: Space Mushroom, "Hardness of aluminium, titanium, copper and steel alloys, compared", https://spacemushroom.com/articles/hardness-of-aluminium-titanium-copper-and-steel/, data checked 1 November 2026.

Updated