HARDNESS TESTING

Hardness is not an intrinsic material property dictated by precise definitions in terms of fundamental units of mass, length and time. A hardness property value is the result of a defined measurement procedure.

Common hardness testing types include :

• Rockwell testing is the most commonly used method by virtue of the quick results generated and is typically used on metals and alloys; advantages: No optical system required, not depent on operator’s skill, less affected by the surface roughness.

Rockwell hardness tester DAKOMASTER 300

• Vickers testing are more suitable for thin materials, coatings, and mounted metallographic components.

Vicker hardness tester WIKI 200 JS4

• Brinell testing applications generally include large, inaccurate devices such as cast irons, large steel frames and aluminum; not for testing hard materials, thin plates or curved surfaces.

Brinell hardness tester Integral 1

Scale:

• Rockwell testing: HRA, HRB, HRC, HRD...
• Vickers tessting: HV
• Brinell testing: HB

Source: TECOTEC HCM