What are the different types of hardness test?

Hardness is an essential property of materials that helps determine their resistance to deformation, wear, and scratching. Various testing methods have been developed over the years to measure hardness accurately. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of hardness tests commonly used in the industry today. Whether you're a materials engineer or a researcher, here you can learn about different types of hardness testing machines.

Different types of hardness test you need to know

Do you want to learn about the different types of hardness tests available in the industry? Then, here we have enlisted different types of hardness test that you need to know here.

So, here we go:

1. Rockwell Hardness Test

The Rockwell hardness test is one of the most commonly used hardness tests in industry. It measures the depth of penetration of an indenter into the material under a specific load. The Rockwell scale consists of different scales, denoted by letters such as A, B, C, etc., These scales indicate the type of indenter and the applied load. This test is suitable for a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.

2. Brinell Hardness Test

The Brinell hardness test is primarily used for materials with coarse microstructures, such as cast iron and non-ferrous alloys. It involves applying a hardened steel ball indenter under a specific load and measuring the diameter of the resulting indentation. The Brinell hardness number (BHN) is calculated using the applied load and the indentation diameter. This test provides valuable information about the material's hardness and toughness.

3. Vickers Hardness Test

The Vickers hardness test is widely used for measuring the hardness of brittle materials, thin films, coatings, ceramics, and hard materials. It utilizes a pyramidal diamond indenter with a specific load applied to the material's surface. Diagonal lengths of square indentation are properly measured. Next step is calculating the Vickers hardness number with a formula. The Vickers test provides precise and reliable results.

4. Knoop Hardness Test

The Knoop hardness test is also suitable for evaluating the hardness of brittle materials, thin films, and ceramics. It employs a rhombic-based diamond indenter that creates an elongated indentation. The Knoop hardness number (HK) is calculated based on the indentation length. This test is particularly useful for evaluating the hardness of small or delicate samples.

5. Shore Hardness Test

The Shore hardness test is specifically designed for measuring the hardness of elastomers, rubbers, and plastics. It utilizes a durometer, which is a device with a specific geometry and spring-loaded indenter. The indenter is pressed into the material, and the hardness value is read on a scale.

Shore hardness is expressed in different scales, such as Shore A, Shore D, etc., depending on the material being tested. This test is valuable for assessing the material's resistance to indentation or deformation.

6. Webster Hardness Test

The Webster hardness test is primarily used for measuring the hardness of light metals, such as aluminum alloys. It employs a spherical indenter that is impacted into the material's surface using a spring-loaded hammer. The rebound distance of the hammer is measured, and the hardness value is determined using a formula. The Webster test provides a quick and non-destructive way to assess the hardness of light metals.

7. Leeb Hardness Test

The Leeb hardness test is a portable and non-destructive method used for measuring the hardness of metals. It utilizes an impact body that is struck against the material's surface, and the rebound velocity is measured. You can calculate the hardness value as per the rebound velocity.

The Leeb test is particularly useful for on-site hardness testing. This is because it does not require sample preparation and provides instant results.

Get reliable hardness testing machines from Sinowon

Whether you are looking for Brinell hardness testing machines, Vickers hardness testing machines, or any other, don’t worry. Sinowon offers a comprehensive collection of hardness testing machines suitable for different applications.

For instance, AutoVicky Macro Vickers Hardness Tester uses Vickers hardness testing. It uses a light load range with a diamond intender. This hardness testing machine is suitable for testing different material types.

iRock DR2/DS2/TR2 Digital Rockwell is another hardness tester available at Sinowon. This digital Rockwell hardness tester can calculate and display the calculated hardness value automatically. It also offers a Bluetooth printer with which you can print your calculated data without any hassle.

Conclusion

Hardness testing machines play a crucial role in different industries. These help in determining the mechanical properties and quality of materials. The process usually involves measuring the resistance of a material to indentation or penetration. Different types of hardness tests are utilized depending on the specific application, material type, and desired accuracy.

Each test offers unique advantages and is suitable for specific materials and applications. By understanding these different hardness tests, engineers and researchers can make informed decisions regarding material selection, quality control, and performance evaluation.