Material Hardness Measurement

Material hardness can be measured using portable or benchtop hardness testers. To perform a hardness test, the tester penetrates the material’s surface, leaving an indentation at the test point.

Portable hardness testers come in various types depending on the material or test requirements. For example, rebound hardness testers use the Leeb principle to evaluate the elastic properties of metals and alloys. They can measure hardness on scales like HRC, HB, and HV and are commonly used for inspecting materials from suppliers, performing quality control during production, and maintaining components subject to wear.

Benchtop hardness testers work by applying a fixed load for a set amount of time using a penetrator that makes contact with the sample’s surface. The penetrator’s characteristics—such as shape, size, material, and weight—determine the hardness scale used. These testers are highly reliable and precise, making them ideal for laboratories, production monitoring, and applications where accuracy is essential.

Vickers microhardness testers are designed for precise measurements on small components, hardened surface layers, and coatings. They operate by applying low to medium loads to a Vickers pyramidal penetrator.

Shore hardness testers, a type of portable tester, are used to measure the hardness of materials like rubber, plastic, sponges, and similar substances. Different types of Shore testers are available for specific measurement scales. For instance, Shore A testers are typically used for softer materials such as rubber, elastomers, neoprene, silicone, and vinyl. Shore D testers are better suited for harder materials like plastics, formica, epoxy resins, and plexiglass.

Other portable options include Barcol testers, Webster pliers, and ultrasonic hardness testers, which are versatile tools for assessing the hardness of various materials.