Hardness is defined as the "Resistance to Deformation". When doing a hardness test, the hardness tester applies a fixed load and the depth of penetration is measured by different means and converted to different units. More simply put, when using a fixed force (load) and a given indenter, the smaller the indentation, the harder the material. Indentation hardness value is obtained by measuring the depth or the area of the indentation using one of over 12 different test methods.
Magna Chek can do hardness testing on a variety of alloys and metals. Email or call us today for a quote on your particular project.
However, the term may also refer to stiffness or temper, or to resistance to scratching, abrasion, or cutting. It is the property of a metal, which gives it the ability to resist being permanently, deformed (bent, broken, or have its shape changed), when a load is applied. The greater the hardness of the metal, the greater resistance it has to deformation.
Why do a hardness test?
- Easy to perform
- Quick - 1 to 30 seconds
- Relatively inexpensive
- Non-destructive
- Finished parts can be tested - but not ruined
- Virtually any size and shape can be tested
- Practical QC device - incoming, outgoing
The most common uses for hardness tests is to verify the heat treatment of a part and to determine if a material has the properties necessary for its intended use. Establishing a correlation between the hardness result and the desired material property allows this, making hardness tests very useful in industrial and R&D applications.
Email or call us today for a quote on your particular project.