What is this? Something to do with hardness?

[Mike DonnerstagParticipant @mikedonnerstag]

I acquired this metal block many years ago. It appears to be etched and comes with its own wooden box. Can anyone tell me what it is used for?

Many thanks,

Mike

[Mike DonnerstagParticipant @mikedonnerstag]

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Your starter, for 10

**LINK**

https://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail/?pid=000000000000163551

MichaelG.

.

… and a useful Wikipedia page :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brinell_scale

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 23/02/2021 17:10:36

[Mike DonnerstagParticipant @mikedonnerstag]

Thanks Michael.

Perhaps a better question would have been: Is it worth anything to anyone or should I scrap it?

Mike

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

I've never seen such a thing previously but you could be right, judging by the faint words along the front. There is a hardness-test technique based on indentation made by a hared steel ball, so this may be part of such a hardness-testing kit, but I am foxed by the disposition of the hollows.

Might have been for some specific trade.

Have you tried investigating the company itself – Avery Denison? (Probably long gone but worth a try.)

[David JuppParticipant @davidjupp51506]

It's a calibration standard for the Brinell hardness test. Used to verify that the test device / microscope / operator are giving sensible results.

The ID of the standard, and the square used will be recorded in the calibration log.

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

The part number could be RS. A hardness tester where each square is a test ?

Next question ? Noel

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Notes available from NPL : **LINK**

https://www.npl.co.uk/products-services/advanced-materials/hardness-testing

MichaelG.

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

My guess is the plate was used to check a hardness testing machine is delivering the right whack and the ball isn't damaged. It tests the test machine, which is how I read David Jupp's answer.

The plate would have started blank and then been dinged periodically to confirm the test machine is in good order. The dents should be identical, but will gradually deteriorate as the machine ages. The plate is evidence of how consistent the machine is. I suspect it's naughty to put more than one ding per square because a too close dent might effect the local hardness.

If the plate was made to confirm a hardness tester was performing to standard, then the plate was also made to a standard. Expensive when new, I suggest this one is used up and useless.

Could be completely wrong!

Dave

[Grindstone CowboyParticipant @grindstonecowboy]

Could you turn it over and use it as something flattish to stick wet and dry on? Thus saving your surface plate the indignity.

Rob

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

Posted by David Jupp on 23/02/2021 17:03:49:

It's a calibration standard for the Brinell hardness test. Used to verify that the test device / microscope / operator are giving sensible results.

The ID of the standard, and the square used will be recorded in the calibration log.

It has BRINELL HARDNESS on the bottom.

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

It would probably been part of the kit supplied with an Avery Denison Hardness Test Machine. And somewhere along the line, they become separated.

Howard

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Intergallactic multidimensional dominos.

Anyone watching 'Fringe' will know it came from the parallel earth in exchange for a box of ballpoint pens.

[HollowpointParticipant @hollowpoint]

Predecessor to swiss cheese?

Seriously though, don't scrap it! Its a nice looking thing in its own right.

[Jon LawesParticipant @jonlawes51698]

Someone might be looking for one of those. Whack it on eBay with a sensible reserve and someone somewhere might be very glad to have it.

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