ISO 2039-2-1987 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 2039-2-1987 — "Plastics — Determination of hardness — Part 2: Rockwell hardness". This International Standard specifies the method for determining the indentation hardness of plastics using the Rockwell hardness tester and the Rockwell M, L and R hardness scales; the Rockwell hardness number is derived from the net increase in depth of impression when the applied load is increased from a fixed minor load to a major load and returned to the minor load.

Abstract

Provides procedures, test conditions and reporting requirements for Rockwell hardness testing of plastics (scales M, L and R). It highlights the effect of creep and recovery on measured values and the importance of specified time-factors (dwell/settling times) when testing materials with significant viscoelastic behaviour.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed in periodic reviews, with revision activity noted by the technical committee).
• Publication date: July 1987 (Edition 2, 1987-07).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 83.080.01 — Plastics in general.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (1987).
• Number of pages: 5.

Scope

This part of ISO 2039 specifies the Rockwell method for measuring indentation hardness of rigid and semi-rigid plastics, including selection of appropriate Rockwell scales (M, L, R), description of indenter types and loads, test procedure (minor and major load application, dwell times), specimen preparation and condition, and the format of test reports. It draws attention to time-dependent effects (creep and recovery) that significantly influence results for viscoelastic plastics, and therefore prescribes controlled timing for load application and measurement.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of Rockwell M, L and R scales as applied to plastics and the relationship to depth-of-indent measurements.
• Specification of indenters, minor and major loads, and required machine calibration and verification procedures.
• Procedures for specimen preparation, dimensions and conditioning to ensure repeatable results.
• Mandatory timing/dwell requirements and guidance on handling materials with high creep and recovery to minimise variability.
• Required reporting elements (scale used, loads, indenter type, specimen details, measured hardness values and any deviations from standard procedure).

Typical use and users

Used by materials testing laboratories, quality control departments in plastics manufacturing, design and R&D teams assessing mechanical properties, and regulatory or certification bodies that reference standardised hardness measurements for specification/compliance. It is often used alongside other plastics hardness methods when characterising materials for part design, selection, or acceptance testing.

Related standards

ISO 2039 is a multi-part series on hardness of plastics. Relevant related standards include ISO 2039-1 (Ball indentation method) and later revisions of Part 1 and other international methods for hardness and indentation testing (standards covering durometer/Shore and instrumented indentation tests are commonly cross-referenced). Practitioners often consult related ISO/ASTM test methods for complementary hardness data.

Keywords

ISO 2039-2, plastics, hardness, Rockwell hardness, Rockwell M, Rockwell L, Rockwell R, indentation, dwell time, creep, specimen preparation, mechanical testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 2039-2:1987 is the International Standard that specifies the Rockwell indentation method for determining the hardness of plastics (Rockwell M, L and R scales).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test methods, indenter/load specifications, timing/dwell procedures, specimen preparation and reporting requirements for Rockwell hardness testing of plastics, plus guidance on dealing with time-dependent behaviour (creep/recovery).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials and quality-control laboratories, plastics manufacturers, R&D engineers and regulatory bodies that need standardised hardness data for specification, comparison and acceptance testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 2039-2:1987 is recorded as Edition 2 (published July 1987) and was confirmed in periodic ISO reviews; the ISO catalogue entry shows the published 1987 edition as the current published text while noting review/revision activity by the technical committee. Users should check the ISO catalogue or their national standards body for any amendments or a newer revision after 1987 before relying on it for regulatory compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of the ISO 2039 series (plastics — determination of hardness); Part 1 covers the ball indentation method and other related parts and revisions exist within the ISO 2039 family.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Plastics, hardness, Rockwell, indentation, Rockwell M/L/R, creep, dwell time, specimen conditioning, ISO 2039.