Hardness testing applies to a range of materials, both metals, and nonmetals alike, and determines how resistant a material is against deformation, penetration, scratching, or other physical force. Our experts perform hardness testing according to the requirements of the material and its applications, with equipment precisely calibrated to the appropriate hardness scales.
What is hardness testing used for?
Hardness testing is used for identifying characteristics of metallic materials and is one of the most popular methods for engineers interested in materials selection, lot verification testing, the evaluation of material processing, or the comparison of hardness values across multiple material samples. Hardness values can be closely correlated with other material properties, such as tensile strength. These types of tests are relatively straightforward, timely, and cost-effective.
Hardness testing services
We offer a range of services using a variety of methods. Our experts can advise on which test is best for your specific requirements depending on the project goal if it requires material verification or further failure analysis. Surface hardness can be measured, or indentation can also give you ‘edge to core’ readings to understand how hard the material is from the center core to the outside surface.
Hardness tests include:
- Brinell hardness test
- Rockwell hardness test
- Vickers hardness test
- Knoop hardness test
- Hot hardness test
- Shore hardness test
- Barcol hardness test
- VST hardness tests
See our section below to give more detail about each test and what it entails.
Microhardness and macrohardness testing
Element’s expertise in static deformation hardness methods include both macrohardness test (applied loads of more than 1 kg) and microhardness test (applied loads of less than 1 kg) in accordance with a wide range of industry standards, most of which call for the use of a diamond indenter of known geometry together with a known mass which is forced into the material’s surface. The amount of force applied along with the depth/width of the indentation is recorded and used to calculate the appropriate hardness value for a given point on the sample. Multiple indentations are typically performed to provide a mean hardness value for the entire sample.
On-site hardness measurements and portable hardness
As part of our On-site Metallographic Analysis, we use portable versions of testing to make on-site hardness measurements on large installations or equipment that are either impossible or impractical to ship to a laboratory. We carry out on-site hardness measurements with the following methods:
- Leeb
- Rockwell C
- UCI
- TIV
The Element advantage
We can prepare the surface and advise you on the most suitable method for your project needs. With global access to a team of multidisciplinary engineers and advanced testing equipment, our hardness measurement services offer portability, flexibility, and high performance for on-site metals verification and a global network of hardness testing labs.
For more information about how we perform testing, or to request a quote, contact us today.
What is hot hardness testing?
Hot hardness testing is the measurement of material hardness while at elevated temperature. Find out how Element conducts hot hardness tests to measure multiple materials at the same time and which methods are used.
Read MOREOptimizing structure-property relationship
Through research, Element’s metallurgical experts characterize the relationship between the metal matrix, alloy content, and tensile properties in ductile iron to achieve a higher combination of strength and ductility.
Read MOREWhat is Destructive Testing?
Destructive testing, also known as mechanical testing, subjects a material to different loads and stresses to evaluate its strength and durability. Read the article to learn about the different methods used for destructive testing.
READ MOREReady to request a quote?
Our deliverable is certainty - high quality data, test reports and certificates that you can absolutely rely on when making decisions about your materials and compliance. Engage with an expert today.
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