Hardness Testers
Description
Hardness testers are used to measure the resistance of a material to indentation. Hardness is one of the characteristics of a material. Hardness can be determined by calculating the permanent projected or depth area of the indentation. In simple terms, when using a load (fixed force) and an indenter, the material is considered to be harder if the indentation is smaller. Indentation hardness value is determined by calculating the area or the depth of the indentation by using one of the several test methods. Methods for determining the hardness of a material include micro, macro, and superficial testing.
Types
Based on the indenter, hardness testers are classified as:
Other types of hardnes testers based on their applications are:
Tool room hardness testers
Laboratories hardness testers
Metal hardness testers
Rubber hardness tester
Superficial hardness testing machines
Portable hardness testers (also known as Equotip hardness testers or rebound hardness testers or Leeb hardness testers)
Portable durometers
Specification
While manufacturing hardness testers, some common specifications and hardness tester dimensions are used in order to use it effectively. They are
Load
Maximum test height
Initial load
Maximum depth of throat
Machine height
Depth of throat
Net weight
Dimensions
Working temperature
Power supply
Advantages
The advantages of portable hardness testers include:
Quick measurement
Direct reading of hardness
Built in memory for calibration and data points
Excellent precision and repeatability
Applications
Portable hardness testers are used for on-site hardness testing purposes
Hardness testers are used for grading materials
Brinell hardness tester are used in castings and forgings
Vickers hardness tester is used widely in research
Material engineers use hardness testers for determining the hardness of steel