BS EN 59:2016

BSI Standards Publication

Glass reinforced plastics —

Determination of indentation
hardness by means of a Barcol
hardness tester
BS EN 59:2016 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 59:2016. It
supersedes BS 2782-10:Method 1001:1977 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee PRI/21, Testing of plastics.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
© The British Standards Institution 2016. Published by BSI Standards
Limited 2016
ISBN 978 0 580 85155 1
ICS 83.120
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 29 February 2016.
Amendments issued since publication
Date Text affected
 BS EN 59:2016

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 59
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM February 2016

ICS 83.120 Supersedes EN 59:1977

English Version

Glass reinforced plastics - Determination of indentation

hardness by means of a Barcol hardness tester
Matières plastiques renforcées de verre - Glasfaserverstärkte Kunststoffe - Bestimmung der
Détermination de la dureté par pénétration au moyen Eindruckhärte mit einem Barcol-Härteprüfgerät
d'un appareil d'essai de dureté Barcol

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 26 December 2015.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2016 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 59:2016 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN 59:2016
EN 59:2016 (E)

Contents Page

European foreword....................................................................................................................................................... 3
1 Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 4
3 Principle ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
4 Apparatus........................................................................................................................................................... 4
5 Test specimens ................................................................................................................................................. 6
5.1 Test surface ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
5.2 Test specimen dimensions........................................................................................................................... 7
6 Calibration ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
6.1 Direct calibration ............................................................................................................................................ 7
6.1.1 Indenter and presser foot ............................................................................................................................ 7
6.1.2 Test force............................................................................................................................................................ 7
6.1.3 Penetration depth ........................................................................................................................................... 7
6.2 Verification ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
7 Conditioning and testing atmospheres ................................................................................................... 8
8 Procedure........................................................................................................................................................... 8
9 Number of measurements ........................................................................................................................... 9
10 Test report ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................. 10

2
 BS EN 59:2016
EN 59:2016 (E)

European foreword

This document (EN 59:2016) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 249 “Plastics”, the secretariat
of which is held by NBN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by August 2016, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by August 2016.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

This document supersedes EN 59:1977.

According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

3
BS EN 59:2016
EN 59:2016 (E)

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies a method for determining the indentation hardness of glass reinforced
plastics materials by means of a Barcol hardness tester.
The Barcol hardness tester is a portable device which can be used with a stand. This method is suitable for
testing the indentation hardness of individual test specimens or finished products for production control
purposes.

2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO 291, Plastics - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (ISO 291)

3 Principle
A specified indenter is forced into the test material under specified conditions and the depth of penetration
measured.

4 Apparatus
4.1 Barcol hardness tester

4.1.1 Indenter, formed from a hardened steel truncated cone to the shape shown in Figure 1. The
dimensions and their tolerances of the indenter are given in Table 1. It shall fit into a hollow spindle and be
held down by a spring.

4.1.2 Presser foot, intended to be placed on the test specimen, to the shape shown in Figure 1. The
dimensions and their tolerances of the presser foot are given in Table 1.

4
 BS EN 59:2016
EN 59:2016 (E)

Key
1 presser foot
2 indenter
a hole diameter of the presser foot
c full protrusion of the indenter
d diameter of the indenter flat tip
f diameter of the presser foot back face
α angle of the truncated cone of the indenter

Figure 1 — View of the indenter and presser foot

Table 1 — Dimensions of the indenter and presser foot

Uncertainty of
Dimension Nominal size
measurement
Angle of the truncated cone of the indenter, α (26 ± 0,25)° 0,07°
Hole diameter of the presser foot, a (1,0 ± 0,1) mm 0,01 mm
Full protrusion of the indenter, c (0,760 ± 0,02) mm 3,0 µm
Diameter of the indenter flat tip, d (0,157 ± 0,02) mm 3,0 µm
Diameter of the presser foot back face, f (2,0 ± 1,0) mm 0,05 mm

4.1.3 Force application system, capable to apply a force from 61,10 N to 71,30 N continuously. This force is
applied by a sufficient manual force ≥ 80 N from the top cover of the device, even when working with a stand.

5
BS EN 59:2016
EN 59:2016 (E)

Key
1 presser foot
2 indenter
3 spring (for spring load, see Table 2)
a reference plane
Fa applied force, ≥ 80 N
h penetration depth (0,000 mm to 0,007 6 mm)

Figure 2 — Schematic view of a Barcol hardness tester in measurement position

4.1.4 Depth measuring system, connected to the stem of the indenter which allows a penetration in the
range of 0,000 mm to 0,760 mm. It is also connected to a display device which indicates the indentation
hardness of the test specimen in Barcol hardness units. A penetration depth of 0,760 mm is equivalent to
0 Barcol hardness units while a penetration depth of 0,000 mm is equivalent to 100 Barcol hardness units. The
scale value of the indicator is 1 Barcol unit per 0,007 6 mm penetration depth.

4.1.5 Feet, capable to support the Barcol hardness tester.

4.1.6 Fixing system, capable to adapt the Barcol hardness tester to a stand (optional).

4.2 Calibrated references plates, made from aluminium.

4.3 Smooth glass plate or hardened steel plate

5 Test specimens
5.1 Test surface

The testing area shall be smooth and free from mechanical damage (such as scratches or holes).

6
 BS EN 59:2016
EN 59:2016 (E)

5.2 Test specimen dimensions

The thickness of the test specimens shall be at least 1,5 mm. The test area shall be sufficient to have a minimum
distance of 3 mm from the test point to the edges of the test specimen or the previous test point in all
directions.

6 Calibration
6.1 Direct calibration
6.1.1 Indenter and presser foot

All parameters of the indenter and the presser foot are calibrated according to the tolerances and uncertainties
given in Table 1 with appropriate calibration devices for the measurement of the lengths and the angle. The
Barcol hardness tester meets the requirements of this European Standard when the actual values match the
target values within the measurement uncertainty.
6.1.2 Test force

Perform the calibration of the test force by means of a force measuring device as a comparison measurement.
In this case, the actual values of the nominal values listed in Table 2 are the Barcol hardness unit of the Barcol
hardness tester while the force measuring device is used as a reference standard.
The Barcol hardness tester meets the requirements of this European Standard when the actual values match
the target values within the measurement uncertainty.
Table 2 — Calibration of the test load
Barcol hardness unit Nominal value of the Uncertainty of
load measurement
N N
0 61,10 ± 0,29 0,08
20 63,14 ± 0,29 0,08
40 65,18 ± 0,29 0,08
60 67,22 ± 0,29 0,08
80 69,26 ± 0,29 0,08
100 71,30 ± 0,29 0,08

6.1.3 Penetration depth

Perform the calibration of the depth by means of a length measuring device as a comparison measurement. The
actual values of the nominal values given in Table 3 are the Barcol hardness units of the Barcol hardness tester
while the length measuring device is used as a reference standard. The Barcol hardness tester meets the
requirements of this European Standard when the actual values match the target values within the
measurement uncertainty.

7
BS EN 59:2016
EN 59:2016 (E)

Table 3 — Calibration of penetration depth

Barcol hardness unit Nominal value of Uncertainty of measurement
penetration depth µm
mm
0 0,760 ± 0,020 3,0
20 0,608 ± 0,020 3,0
40 0,456 ± 0,020 3,0
60 0,304 ± 0,020 3,0
80 0,152 ± 0,020 3,0
100 0,000 ± 0,020 3,0

6.2 Verification

Check the device by a measurement on a glass plate or a hardened steel plate so as to obtain a reading of 100
on the display.
In addition the calibrated reference plates made of aluminium are used for verification. These reference plates
shall be calibrated in a calibration laboratory.
The deviation of a measurement on a reference plate is limited to a maximum of ± 2 Barcol units.
The deviation of a measurement with the Barcol tester shall be maximum ± 1 Barcol unit.
The deviation due to the reference plate and the deviation due to measurement with the Barcol tester are
cumulative (so the overall deviation is maximum ± 3 Barcol units).

7 Conditioning and testing atmospheres

7.1 Condition the test specimens before testing in the atmosphere specified in the relevant material
specification. If no material specification exists, condition the test specimens in one of those specified in
EN ISO 291.

For testing in the standard atmosphere of (23 ± 2) °C/(50 ± 2) % RH, a conditioning time of 16 h may be
selected.
7.2 Carry out the test in one of the standard atmospheres specified in EN ISO 291, unless otherwise specified
in the relevant material specification.

When conditioning and testing in the specified standard conditions is not possible, this shall be stated in the
test report.

8 Procedure
8.1 Place the test specimen on a stable and hard surface that it cannot be bent or deformed under the
pressure of the Barcol hardness tester.

Curved surfaces can cause difficulties for placing the Barcol hardness tester properly. While the pressure is
applied, the deflection or jerking stress of the test specimen should be avoided.
8.2 Position the Barcol hardness tester with the feet or by using a test stand so that the presser foot is
positioned straight above the specimen.

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 BS EN 59:2016
EN 59:2016 (E)

The penetration of the indenter shall occur only when the indenter is perpendicular to the surface of the test
specimen.
In case of a small test specimen, it may be necessary to fit the Barcol hardness tester with one or two support
feet so that the indenter can be positioned straight above the test specimen.
Impressions should not be made within 3 mm of the edge of the specimen or of other impressions.
8.3 Apply by hand a large and quick force, preferably ≥ 80 N, on the top cover of the Barcol hardness tester
while the highest number on the display unit is recorded, preferably within 1 s after applying the force. The
time period of 1 s starts as soon as the indenter's movement exceeds 5 Barcol units.

A slow fall in the reading on the indicating dial is sometimes noted for materials which are susceptible to creep.
It is particularly important for such materials to record the highest instantaneous reading on the indicating
dial.
A sliding of the indenter on the test surface during the test shall be avoided.
NOTE For materials which are subject to deformation and cannot be fully restored, fluctuations can occur on the
display during the measurement In such cases, it is important to detect the maximum value on the display.

An automatic registration of time and indentation depth at a sufficient data collection frequency with an
analysis algorithm may be used to calculate the initial hardness value. Registration of time dependence
indentation depth offers the possibility to analyse and quantify the creep effects.

9 Number of measurements
Reinforced plastics materials are inherently heterogeneous and a large scatter of readings is observed. This is
mainly caused by the differences in hardness between the resin and the reinforcement material in contact with
the small diameter indenter. The number of measurements shall be such that the average result has a standard
deviation of ± 4 % (at a 95 % probability level).

10 Test report
The test report shall include the following information:
a) a reference to this European Standard (i.e. EN 59);

b) all details necessary for identification of the material tested;

c) a detailed description of the test specimen (5.2);

d) conditioning and testing conditions (Clause 7);

e) the number of measurements;

f) the mean value of the indentation hardness rounded to the nearest whole integer;

g) the date of testing.

9
BS EN 59:2016
EN 59:2016 (E)

Bibliography

ASTM D2583-13A, Standard Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Rigid Plastics by Means of a Barcol
Impressor

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