Overview
EN ISO 9015-1:2011 - "Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials - Hardness testing - Part 1: Hardness test on arc welded joints" specifies procedures for hardness testing on transverse sections of arc‑welded joints. The standard covers Vickers hardness testing (normally HV5 - 49.03 N, or HV10 - 98.07 N) and states that the same principles may be applied to Brinell hardness (HBW 2,5/15,625 or HBW 1/2,5) and to microhardness testing (see ISO 9015-2). It is intended to determine the highest and lowest hardness levels in both parent metal and weld metal and applies to most metallic arc welds except austenitic stainless steels.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test scope: Hardness tests on transverse cross‑sections of arc welded joints (rows of indentations or individual indentations).
- Hardness methods referenced: Vickers (ISO 6507-1), Brinell (ISO 6506-1) and microhardness (ISO 9015-2 / ISO 6507-1).
- Typical loads: HV5 (49.03 N) and HV10 (98.07 N) for Vickers; specified Brinell loads where applicable.
- Specimen preparation: Mechanical cutting and surface preparation/etching per ISO 6507-1/ISO 6506-1 to avoid metallurgical alteration of the test surface.
- Indentation location and spacing: Rows (R) and individual (E) patterns defined to characterize weld metal, heat‑affected zone (HAZ) and unaffected parent metal. Recommended spacing (L) in the HAZ varies by material and indent load (see Table 2 in the standard); for metals that harden in the HAZ, indentations should include locations within 0.5 mm of the fusion line.
- Environmental condition: Tests are normally performed at ambient temperature (23 ± 5) °C.
- Reporting: Detailed test reports are required, with formats and examples provided in annexes.
Practical applications and users
EN ISO 9015-1:2011 is used for:
- Weld procedure qualification and verification of welding quality.
- Metallurgical assessment of welded components (identifying hardened/softened zones).
- Failure analysis and root‑cause investigations involving welded joints.
- Quality control in fabrication, pressure‑equipment manufacturing, pipework and structural welding.
Typical users:
- Welding inspectors and quality engineers
- Metallurgists and materials laboratories
- Fabrication shops, pressure‑vessel and pipeline manufacturers
- Certification bodies and third‑party inspection agencies
Related standards
- ISO 6507-1 - Vickers hardness test - Test method (referenced)
- ISO 6506-1 - Brinell hardness test - Test method (referenced)
- ISO 9015-2 - Hardness testing - Part 2: Microhardness testing on welded joints
- EN ISO 9015-1:2011 supersedes EN 1043-1:1995 (CEN endorsement)
Keywords: EN ISO 9015-1:2011, hardness testing, Vickers HV5 HV10, Brinell HBW, welded joints, heat affected zone (HAZ), destructive tests on welds, arc welded joints.