Hardness testing device for industrial and materials engineering tests
A hardness tester is used to determine the hardness of a material. High hardness generally serves as wear protection. On the other hand, hardness is also an indicator of deformability and a criterion for assessing formability, because hard usually also means brittle and susceptible to cracking. Hardness testers measure the resistance of a material to the penetration of a test specimen under defined conditions. Depending on the material type and requirements, various methods are used, such as Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell and Button for use.
The most important information about hardness testing devices at a glance
- hardness testers Determine the hardness of a material by the controlled penetration of a test specimen under a defined force.
- The most common methods are Brinell, Vickers and Rockwell. Each is designed for specific materials and testing tasks.
- Which method is suitable depends on the material, sample geometry and the required standard.
- Valid testing standards include DIN EN ISO 6506 (Brinell), 6507 (Vickers) and 6508 (Rockwell).
- Hardness testing devices must be calibrated regularly; the requirements for this are regulated by standards.
Hardness testing devices in various designs
Various hardness testing devices are available on the market, differing in design, level of automation, and application. The range extends from compact benchtop models for simple testing tasks to fully automated systems for continuous operation in testing laboratories or production lines. The selection of a suitable device depends on the material, testing method, sample geometry, and required testing standard.
Modern hardness testers feature a robust mechanical structure, digital force application, and customizable testing software. Depending on the model, predefined test sequences can be saved, executed automatically, and documented in accordance with standards. This makes the devices suitable for both Individual tests as well as for Serial applications in quality assurance.
Standards for hardness testing
Hardness testing is regulated by international standards that define binding testing procedures, force application, and evaluation. This is the only way to ensure that measurement results are comparable between different laboratories, locations, and countries.
The most important standards at a glance:
- DIN EN ISO 6506 – Hardness test according to Brinell
- DIN EN ISO 6507 – Vickers hardness test
- DIN EN ISO 6508 – Rockwell hardness test
- DIN EN ISO 4545 – Knoop hardness test
Compliance with these standards is particularly relevant for quality assurance, product release and external audits.
Functions of a modern hardness tester
Modern hardness testers deliver precise, standardized measurement results and are designed for both individual tests and automated test cycles in continuous operation. Stored test programs can be quickly accessed, significantly reducing manual effort.
Certain models automatically recognize the sample surface and adjust the test force accordingly – an advantage when dealing with high sample volumes or test tasks involving many impressions in a short time, such as hardness profile tests or weld seam testing.
The most important features at a glance:
- Force application via electronic measuring cell with closed control loop
- Large selection of support tables and motorized XY tables
- Compliant with DIN EN ISO 6506-1 (Brinell), 6507-1 (Vickers), 6508-1 (Rockwell)
- High reliability with minimal maintenance
- Expandable software functions for specific testing requirements
Typical applications of a hardness tester
Hardness testing equipment is used in almost all metalworking industries:
- Automotive industry: Testing of drive shafts, gears, springs and crankshafts
- Aviation: Quality control of high-strength aluminum alloys and safety-relevant components
- Medical technology: Hardness testing of implant materials and surgical instruments
- Toolmaking: Inspection of tool steels and cutting tools after heat treatment
- Metalworking industry: Quality assurance of semi-finished products, castings and welds
- Research & Development: Material characterization and layer thickness measurements in the laboratory
How to find the right hardness tester for your requirements
Selecting a suitable hardness tester depends on several factors: the material being tested, the specimen geometry, the required testing standards, and the intended operating environment. Not every method is suitable for every material, and certain testing tasks place additional demands on the device and accessories.
The most important selection criteria at a glance:
- materialThe appropriate process is determined by hardness, homogeneity, and microstructure.
- sample geometryThe size, shape, and accessibility of the test area influence the choice of equipment.
- Test standardIndustry-specific or customer-specific standard requirements limit the possible procedures.
- Degree of automation: Individual testing or serial operation with high sample volume
- Installation conditionsSpace constraints, freedom from vibration and temperature stability at the test site
Overview of hardness testing methods
The operation of a hardness tester is based on measuring the resistance a material offers to an applied force. Depending on the material, component geometry, and required standard, different methods are used:
Brinell
A hard metal ball is pressed into the material with a defined test force. The resulting spherical indentation is optically measured along two diagonals, and the hardness value is calculated from this measurement. The method is suitable for soft to medium-hard materials – typical applications include iron castings, unalloyed steels, and aluminum alloys.
Vickers
A pyramid-shaped diamond tip is pressed into the material surface with a defined force. The resulting pyramid impression is then optically evaluated. Vickers testing is considered the most versatile method: The test force range extends from 0,001 kgf to 120 kgf, allowing materials from very soft (e.g., lead) to very hard (e.g., cemented carbide, ceramics) to be tested. It is used, among other things, for thin coatings, surface layers, and in research.
Rockwell
Hardness is determined by depth difference measurement: A diamond cone or a carbide ball is loaded with preload and main force and then unloaded to the preload. The HRC method is the most commonly used variant – typical applications include ball bearings, crankshafts, spring steels, and tools. By varying the test force and indenter, the Rockwell method is also applicable to medium-hard and soft metals.
Button
Knoop uses a rhombic diamond indenter and, like Vickers, operates in the low-load and microhardness range. The method is particularly suitable for brittle materials such as ceramics and for very thin layers where cracking caused by the indentation must be avoided.
Would you like more information about the individual hardness testing methods?
The following links will help you expand your knowledge about the Hardness testing method deepen
Buy hardness tester at SCHÜTZ+LICHT
Since 1970, our company has specialized in the supply and service of new and used materials testing machines and has been the main dealer in Germany for INNOVATEST hardness testers since 2006.
In addition to hardness testing instruments, SCHÜTZ+LICHT offers other testing instruments for materials testing:
Advantages of hardness testers from SCHÜTZ+LICHT
Since 1970, SCHÜTZ+LICHT has specialized in the supply and service of new and used materials testing machines – with a special focus on hardness testing machines and tensile testing machinesWe have been the exclusive main dealer for INNOVATEST in Germany since 2006. When you purchase from SCHÜTZ+LICHT, you benefit from these advantages:
Lived quality
All INNOVATEST hardness testers come with a 2-year warranty, with an optional extension available.
Serving customers since 1970
Professional testing to determine whether the hardness testing task can be carried out efficiently and in compliance with standards.
quality at a fair price
Our equipment offers the best quality-price ratio.
Our know-how
We provide application advice with over 50 years of experience.
DAkkS test certificate
The delivery includes a DAkkS test certificate and detailed training.
Free support
Calibration customers receive free support.
Frequently asked questions about the hardness tester
Which metal hardness tester is suitable for my needs?
With manually operated devices, each individual test must be initiated by the operator. These less expensive hardness testers are the first choice for occasional tests.
For high-volume testing, we recommend our fully automated hardness testers, which can quickly save several hours of work per day. Qualified personnel are also becoming increasingly scarce, so personnel deployment must be optimized through automation, and operation should be error-free even for semi-skilled personnel. We recommend consulting an expert to make the best choice for your requirements.
Why should I choose a hardness tester from INNOVATEST?
An INNOVATEST hardness tester is manufactured in the Netherlands according to European quality standards and is characterized by the following features:
- High mechanical quality for long service life and reliability
- Intuitive operation: easy training even for complex testing tasks
- Globally unique features and innovations
- 2-year warranty – optionally extendable to up to 25 years, without additional framework agreement
Who calibrates my hardness tester and how do I get spare parts?
SCHÜTZ+LICHT stocks typical spare parts. Other spare parts can usually be sent by express from Maastricht within one day.
Spare parts are usually installed by our service technicians. However, simple repairs (replacing a power supply, lenses, etc.) can also be performed by the operator or your maintenance department. DAkkS calibration and maintenance of the devices are performed by SCHÜTZ+LICHT, with support from the manufacturer in special cases.
However, in approximately 90% of all "faults," troubleshooting is possible via remote maintenance (TeamViewer). All that's required is (temporary) internet access.
How often does a hardness tester need to be calibrated?
Hardness testers should be calibrated regularly to ensure reliable results that meet standards. Calibration is typically performed annually, depending on usage frequency and internal quality guidelines. For certified testing, calibration according to DAkkS standards is required.
What requirements must a test bench for a hardness testing device meet?
A suitable test setup should have a low-vibration, level surface and be protected from extreme temperature fluctuations. For automated devices, stable power connections and, if necessary, network access are also required. For heavy models, we recommend placing them on a special machine table or stand.
