This part of ISO 9015 specifies hardness tests on transverse sections of arc welded joints of metallic materials. It covers Vickers hardness tests. However, the principles may be applied to Brinell hardness testing and micro hardness testing. Testing should be carried out to ensure that the highest and the lowest level of hardness of both parent metal and weld metal is determined.This part of ISO 9015 does not apply to test welds in austenitic stainless steels.