There are many types of steel files, including fitter’s files, saw files, shaping files, special-shaped files, watchmaker’s files, special watchmaker’s files, and wood files. Their hardness testing methods mainly comply with the international standard ISO 234-2:1982 Steel Files and Rasps — Part 2: Characteristics of Cut.
The international standard specifies two testing methods: the Rockwell hardness method and the Vickers hardness method.
1. For the Rockwell hardness method, the Rockwell C scale (HRC) is generally used, and the hardness requirement is usually higher than 62HRC. When the hardness is relatively high, the Rockwell A scale (HRA) can also be used for testing, and the hardness value is obtained through conversion. The hardness of the file handle (the area accounting for three-fifths of the total length starting from the handle tip) shall not be higher than 38HRC, and the hardness of the wood file shall not be lower than 20HRC.
2.The Vickers hardness tester can also be used for testing, and the corresponding hardness value shall be obtained through conversion after testing. Vickers hardness is suitable for the testing of steel files with thin layers or after surface treatment. For steel files treated with surface heat treatment or chemical heat treatment, their hardness shall be tested on the smooth blank 5 mm to 10 mm away from the last file cut.
The hardness of the tooth tip shall be between 55 HRC and 58 HRC, which is suitable for testing by the Vickers hardness method. If there is a suitable position, the workpiece can be directly placed on the workbench of the Vickers hardness tester for the test. However, most workpieces cannot be measured directly; in such cases, we need to prepare samples of the workpieces first. The sample preparation process includes metallographic cutting machine, metallographic grinding&polishing machine, and metallographic mounting press. Then, put the prepared samples on the Vickers hardness tester workbench for testing.
It should be noted that the hardness test of the file handle can only be carried out when the surface has been processed to meet the test conditions; except for the provisions of this standard, the hardness test of steel files shall also comply with the provisions of ISO 6508 and ISO 6507-1.
Post time: Sep-24-2025
