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Hardness Test

Last updated: July 19, 2024

What Does Hardness Test Mean?

A hardness test is a method employed to measure the hardness of a material. Hardness refers to a material’s resistance to permanent indentation.

There are numerous techniques to measure hardness and each of these tests can identify varying hardness values for a single material under testing. Hence, hardness test as a method can be dependent and each test's outcome needs to be labeled to determine the kind of hardness test used.

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Corrosionpedia Explains Hardness Test

Hardness tests are extensively used to characterize a certain material and to identify if it is appropriate for its intended purpose. All hardness tests involve the utilization of a particularly shaped indenter that is harder than the material under testing. The indenter is pressed onto the test surface with the use of a certain amount of force. The size of the depth of the indent is measured in order to determine the hardness value.

Hardness tests are beneficial because:

  • The hardness test is easy to conduct.
  • Results can be obtained within 30 seconds.
  • Tests are relatively cost effective.
  • Finished components can be subjected to testing without being damaged.
  • Any shape and surface size can be subjected to testing.

The major applications of hardness tests are to verify the type of heat treatment to be used on a part and to identify if a material possesses the required properties for its intended use. This makes hardness tests beneficial in industrial applications.

The five most common hardness scales are:

  • Knoop
  • Vickers
  • Rockwell
  • Brinell
  • Shore
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