Hardness testers are used to assess the strength of a material by means of a harder tool. In most cases, it is a steel ball or a diamond cone which penetrates the surface of the material that is being tested. The hardness tester then measures the depth of the penetration of the tool and the impression left by the tool on the surface of the sample.

The hardness test helps you to understand the strength, wear and tear and ductility of the material. It also aids to determine whether the material that you have selected is suitable enough for the purpose.

Now, before you choose a hardness tester, you need to follow some ground rules. Did you measure the load? Do you know the hardness range? Are you aware of the adaptability of the device? This is important as it differs according to the shape and size of the samples that you are going to test.

Different types of hardness testers

Hardness testers are classified based on the following methods:

  • Rockwell method
  • Vickers method
  • Brinell method
  • Knoop method

Rockwell method: One of the most popular methods of hardness testing, the Rockwell method uses both the steel ball and the diamond cone to measure the hardness of the sample. Now, the steel ball is utilized in case of soft material and the diamond cone is used for hard metals. If you are in a hurry, use this method as it is fast and you can measure cylindrical, spherical or conical samples.

Vickers method: This is similar to the Brinell method but then in the Brinell method, a diamond penetrating pyramid with a square base and a fixed load is used. This method is ideal for metallic and solid materials.  

Vickers method allows light test loads and macro loads up to 30 kg. In the case of this technique, the measuring range is very wide.  Also, one can easily perform the test and the calculations are independent of the size of the diamond pyramid. If you have a lab, then this method is ideal for laboratory tests.

Brinell method: Widely used hardness testing technique, this method can take loads as high as 3,000 kg. And don’t worry about the metals — all types of metals are allowed. The hardness testing results of the Brinell method are more accurate and even reliable than the data obtained by the Rockwell method.

Knoop method: Mostly seen as an alternative to Vickers technique, this testing method uses a narrow diamond-shaped indenter. The method allows test loads of just a few grams. If you are dealing with brittle materials such as ceramic, then try this method.

For those in need of an automatic hardness tester with cutting-edge modular frame, optic design and user interface, the Wilson fully automated hardness testing system is the perfect choice. Buehler’s automatic hardness testers come with DiaMet operation software which makes it easy even for the inexperienced operators to use. If you are looking for a live demo of the awesome product, visit the Dutco Tennant stall 437 in hall 3 at Arablab 2021.