Hardness tests are used to determine the resistance of a material to deformation. Material type, size, configuration, etc. determines the type of load and indenter used. Tensile Testing does four different kinds of indentations (See Metallurgical Lab for more information on Knoop & Vickers):

• Brinell (HB) (ASTM E10)

Brinell Testing includes the Portable King Tester which allows testing large samples in-house or at your facility.

• Rockwell (HR) (ASTM E18)

The Rockwell Scales include:

HRA, HRB, HRC, HRD, HRE

HRF, HRG, HRH, HRK

Superficial scales used when material is very thin include:

HR15T, HR30T, HR45T, HR15N, HR30N, HR45N

• Knoop (HK) (ASTM E384) – Applied forces range from 1 to 1000 gf
• Vickers (HV) (ASTM E92) – Applied forces range from 300 gf to 10 kgf