Hardness comparison plates & indenters – ISO/ASTM certified
Precise hardness testing depends entirely on the quality of the reference standards used. As an authorized distributor of INNOVATEST, SCHÜTZ+LICHT Prüftechnik offers certified hardness comparison plates and indenters for the daily inspection, verification, and calibration of hardness testing machines – compliant with ISO and ASTM standards. These reference standards are suitable for use in laboratories, quality assurance, and production, as well as in regulated industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical technology.
the essentials in brief
- Double calibrated ISO | ASTM by UPI Laboratories Europe BV
RvA K182 – accredited ISO/IEC 17025 - Traceable to ISO 6506, ISO 6507, ISO 6508, ISO 4545, ASTM E10, ASTM E18, ASTM E92
- DAkkS-equivalent: RvA certificates are fully recognized in Germany
- Suitable for accredited NADCAP, ISO, and ASTM companies and QM systems.
- For all Hardness testing method: Rockwell, Vickers, Micro-Vickers, Button, Brinell
- Indenters of all types available – calibrated and dual certified
What is a hardness comparison plate and what is it used for?
Hardness comparison plates, also known as hardness reference plates, are comparison standards made of steel, aluminum, or brass used for the daily, indirect verification and calibration of hardness testing machines. They ensure that a Hardness Tester It is correctly calibrated and delivers reproducible, standard-compliant measurement results. Calibrating the display of a hardness tester using ISO and ASTM-certified hardness values is an integral part of a standard quality assurance process.
Suitable hardness comparison plates are available for virtually all hardness testing methods and scales. Minor adjustments to the hardness tester can be made using the nominal value engraved on the hardness comparison plate, provided a correct and undamaged indenter is installed and the device is functioning properly. The hardness comparison plate thus forms an indispensable basis for every standard-compliant testing process in laboratories, production, and quality assurance.
Hardness comparison plates for all common hardness testing methods
SCHÜTZ+LICHT supplies certified hardness reference plates for virtually all relevant hardness testing methods and scales. These reference plates are used for the indirect verification and daily checks of hardness testing machines, ensuring reproducible and comparable test results. All plates are available in the sizes Ø 25 x 6 mm, Ø 60 x 10 mm, and Ø 90 x 16 mm and can also be supplied with a NADCAP-compliant grid upon special request.
Rockwell hardness comparison plates
INNOVATEST's Rockwell hardness reference plates are calibrated and dual-certified by UPI Laboratories Europe BV, traceable to national and international standards according to ISO 6508/3 and ASTM E18. Reference plates are available for diamond scales such as HRC, HRA, and HRD, as well as for ball scales such as HRB, HRG, and HRK in various hardness ranges. Depending on the scale, the plates are made of steel or aluminum and can optionally be supplied with a NADCAP-compliant grid.
Vickers hardness comparison plates
Vickers hardness reference plates are available for both macro-Vickers and micro-Vickers testing. Calibration is performed by UPI Laboratories Europe BV according to ISO 6507-3 and ASTM E92. Macro-Vickers plates are supplied with a standard high-gloss polish, while micro-Vickers plates feature an extremely high-gloss polish for the most precise indentations in the lower load range. Available hardness ranges span from 40 HV to 800 HV.
Knoop hardness comparison plates
Knoop hardness comparison plates are particularly suitable for micro-hardness testing of thin films and sensitive materials. They are calibrated and dual-certified by UPI Laboratories Europe BV, traceable to ISO 4545/3 and ASTM E92. The plates are available in various hardness levels from 40 HK to 800 HK.
Brinell hardness comparison plates
The Brinell hardness comparison plates are calibrated and dual-certified by UPI Laboratories Europe BV, traceable to ISO 6506/3 and ASTM E10. They are available in common test force scales such as HBW 10/3000, HBW 2.5/62.5, HBW 1/30, and others. Large-format plates measuring Ø 90 x 16 mm are also available for Brinell testing, particularly suitable for heavy test loads and large-area materials.
Certified indenters for precise hardness testing
In addition to hardness comparison plates, SCHÜTZ+LICHT supplies calibrated indenters for virtually all hardness testing methods. All indenters are dual-certified by UPI Laboratories Europe BV and are fully traceable to national and international standards. High manufacturing quality ensures precise indentations, long service life, and maximum repeatability.
Rockwell indenter
Rockwell indenters include diamond indenters and carbide balls in sizes 1/16″, 1/8″, 1/4″, and 1/2″. They are calibrated and dual-certified according to ISO 6508/2 and ASTM E18. Both embedded carbide balls and replaceable ball holders with interchangeable balls in various shank diameters are available.
Vickers and Knoop indenters
Vickers indenters are available for macro and micro Vickers testing and are calibrated and dual-certified according to ISO 6507/2 and ASTM E92. Knoop indenters are also available in two versions, including a 90-degree rotated variant for vertical orientation, calibrated according to ISO 4545/2 and ASTM E92.
Brinell indenter
Brinell indenters are supplied as embedded carbide balls and as replaceable ball holders with carbide balls in diameters of 1 mm, 2,5 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm. Calibration and dual certification are performed by UPI Laboratories Europe BV according to ISO 6506-2 and ASTM E10. Used indenters can be recalibrated upon request; this service is available for Rockwell C, Vickers, and micro-Vickers indenters.
Calibration kits for rapid daily verification
For efficient and standards-compliant daily verification, SCHÜTZ+LICHT offers complete calibration sets, each comprising three hardness comparison plates in different hardness ranges. All sets are dual-certified by UPI Laboratories Europe BV and traceable to national and international standards according to ISO and ASTM. The plates are supplied in a practical foam box and can be ordered with a NADCAP-compliant grid upon request.
Calibration kits are available for the following testing procedures:
- Rockwell calibration sets for HRA, HRB and HRC, each with three plates in the hardness levels 40, 65 and 81 HRA, 40, 70 and 90 HRB and 25, 45 and 60 HRC
- Macro-Vickers calibration sets for HV2, HV5, HV10 and HV50, each with three plates at 200 HV, 450 HV and 700 HV
- Micro-Vickers calibration sets for HMV0.1, HMV0.2, HMV0.3, HMV0.5, HMV1 and HMV2, each with three plates at 200 HV, 450 HV and 700 HV
Different scales and hardness grades can be requested on a special order basis.
DAkkS-equivalent – internationally recognized
INNOVATEST hardness comparison plates and indenters are calibrated by UPI Laboratories Europe BV, an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration laboratory with accreditation number RvA K182. The issued calibration certificates are fully traceable to international standards and are recognized worldwide.
Since both the Dutch RvA and the German DAkkS are members of ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation), there is mutual recognition between the two accreditation bodies. Certificates issued by UPI Laboratories Europe BV may therefore be used in Germany to the same extent as DAkkS-calibrated equipment. This also applies to audits, quality management systems, and NADCAP requirements.
Quality, repeatability and traceability
For reliable hardness testing, the quality of the reference standards used is crucial. INNOVATEST hardness comparison plates therefore undergo a strictly controlled manufacturing process, from raw material selection to final calibration. The material used – steel, brass, or aluminum – is tested for homogeneity to ensure low measurement variation and excellent repeatability. Supplier audits guarantee consistent raw material quality.
The plates undergo heat treatment under strictly controlled conditions with regard to temperature, time, and quenching. Subsequently, the surfaces are ground, polished, and lapped. Before final calibration and engraving, each plate undergoes a complete quality control inspection. The following parameters are checked:
| Test parameters | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Flatness and parallelism | According to ISO and ASTM |
| Surface roughness | According to ISO and ASTM |
| Homogeneity of the material | Low measurement variation |
| magnetism | Tested and checked |
| dimensional accuracy | Thickness according to standard |
| repeatability | Minimal measurement deviation |
Buy hardness comparison plates: Request a quote now!
SCHÜTZ+LICHT Prüftechnik is an authorized distributor of INNOVATEST in Germany and supplies certified hardness comparison plates and indenters for all common hardness testing methods. Whether you need a single plate, calibration set, or indenter: We provide expert advice and find the right solution for your requirements in the laboratory, quality assurance, or production.
Contact us now for a personalized quote. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have about scope of delivery, certification, and ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does a hardness comparison plate need to be recalibrated?
A hardness reference plate should be recalibrated regularly as soon as there is any doubt about its accuracy or the expiry date of the calibration certificate is reached. The exact intervals depend on the company's internal quality specifications as well as the requirements of the relevant standard or audit system.
Are the calibration certificates also accepted for NADCAP audits?
Yes. The certificates issued by UPI Laboratories Europe BV meet and exceed the relevant ISO and ASTM requirements and comply with the requirements for NADCAP-accredited and certified organizations.
What is the difference between a hardness comparison plate and an indenter?
A hardness comparison plate is a reference standard for the indirect verification and calibration of the entire hardness testing machine. An indenter is the tool that creates the actual indentation in the test material. Both must be regularly checked and calibrated to ensure test results that comply with standards.
Can I also order custom-made items?
Yes, different scales, hardness levels, and sizes can be manufactured upon special order. Please feel free to contact us.
Are the hardness comparison plates suitable for all hardness testing machines?
INNOVATEST's hardness comparison plates are available in standardized dimensions and are suitable for use on all common hardness testing machines, regardless of the manufacturer.
