Brinell Hardness testing is an alternative to Rockwell Hardness testing. It is used when the grain size of the constituent elements is too large for accurate Rockwell testing. Typically performed with a 10mm diameter carbide ball and 3000kg test force, Brinell testing is used primarily to test the hardness of iron, steel and aluminum castings or forgings.

1. The test specimen is prepared by milling a smooth test surface on to the specimen. 
2. The carbide ball indenter is pressed into the prepared surface of the specimen. 
3. The indenter is held in position for the specified dwell time and removed.
4. The diameter of the indentation is optically measured on two diagonals.
5. The average of the two diagonals is used to determine the Brinell hardness.

Testing is done according to ASTM E10 Brinell Hardness of Metalic Materials and other prime specifications.