Hardness Tester
A Hardness tester is a precise instrument used to measure material's resistance to indentation or scratching. It helps assess mechanical properties like strength and wear resistance, aiding in material selection and quality control across industries such as manufacturing, metallurgy and engineering.
This measurement helps assess important mechanical properties such as hardness, strength, wear resistance, and ductility. Industries use hardness testing to evaluate material quality, ensure product reliability, determine material suitability for specific applications, and monitor manufacturing processes. Hardness test results inform engineers, manufacturers, and quality control professionals about material performance, durability, and potential weaknesses, guiding decisions in material selection, process optimization, and product design.
Types of Hardness Tester
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Rockwell Hardness Tester: This tester measures the depth of penetration of an indenter into the material under a specified load. It provides hardness values on different scales, such as HRA, HRB, and HRC, depending on the material and testing requirements.
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Brinell Hardness Tester: Using a spherical indenter and a specified load, this tester measures the diameter of the indentation produced on the material's surface. It is suitable for softer materials and provides hardness values in Brinell hardness numbers (BHN).
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Vickers Hardness Tester: This tester applies a diamond-shaped pyramid-shaped indenter under a controlled load to measure the size of the indentation. It is suitable for a wide range of materials and provides hardness values in Vickers hardness numbers (HV).
Features of Rockwell Hardness Tester
- Touch Screen Interface: Many modern Rockwell hardness testers feature a user-friendly touch screen interface, allowing for easy operation and navigation of settings and results.
- Multiple Hardness Scales: Rockwell hardness testers typically offer a range of scales to accommodate different materials and hardness levels. Common scales include Rockwell A, B, C, and others.
- Automatic Data Logging: Equipped with automatic data logging capabilities, enabling the storage and retrieval of hardness measurements for later analysis and documentation.
- Motorized Loading and Unloading: Motorized loading and unloading systems can enhance efficiency and accuracy by ensuring consistent application of the testing force.
- Integrated Software: Models come with integrated software for data analysis, reporting, and connectivity with other devices or systems.
Features of Brinell Hardness Tester
- Wide Range of Test Forces: The tester offers a wide range of test forces, including 62.5 kgf, 100 kgf, 125 kgf, 187.5 kgf, 250 kgf, 500 kgf, 750 kgf, 1000 kgf, 1500 kgf, and 3000 kgf. This allows for testing a broad spectrum of materials with different hardness levels.
- Ball and Load Scale Combination: Different combinations of ball sizes and test forces are available to suit the hardness testing requirements of various materials. Common combinations include HBW2.5/62.5, HBW5/250, HBW10/1000, etc.
- Suitable for Various Materials: The Brinell Hardness Tester is suitable for determining the hardness of a wide range of materials, including cast iron, steel, non-ferrous metals, soft alloys, hard plastics, and bakelite. This versatility makes it valuable in many industries, including manufacturing, engineering, and quality control.
- Simple Operation: While the test force applied by the Brinell Hardness Tester is high, the operation of the machine is typically straightforward. Operators place the specimen under the indenter, apply the desired load, and measure the diameter of the resulting impression.
- Touch Screen Interface: Many modern Rockwell hardness testers feature a user-friendly touch screen interface, allowing for easy operation and navigation of settings and results.
- Integrated Software: Models come with integrated software for data analysis, reporting, and connectivity with other devices or systems.
Features of Vickers Hardness Tester
- Adopts a closed-loop loading control system to improve the accuracy of the test force.
- New display screen LCD
- 10 times digital measurement microscope and 20 times objective lens
Standard of Rockwell Hardness Tester
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ASTM E10: Defines procedures for Rockwell hardness tests on metallic materials. It guides scale selection, test force application, depth measurement, and hardness number calculation. Widely adopted in the US and globally.
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ISO 6508-2: Specifies procedures for Rockwell hardness tests on metallic materials, ensuring result consistency worldwide. Aligns with ASTM E10, promoting global harmonization in Rockwell hardness testing practices and terminology.
Standard of Vickers Hardness Tester
- ISO 6507: An international standard governing Vickers hardness testing procedures. It details test methods, equipment requirements, calibration procedures, and reporting formats for accurate and consistent hardness testing across materials.
- ASTM E384: An American standard specifying Vickers hardness testing procedures. It aligns with ISO 6507, ensuring uniformity in hardness testing practices, equipment calibration, and result reporting in laboratories and industries globally.
Test Procedure of Hardness tester
1. Prepare Equipment: Ensure the hardness tester is calibrated and in good working condition.
2. Prepare Sample: Clean and prepare the sample surface to be free from contaminants or irregularities.
3. Select Test Method: Choose the appropriate test method and scale (e.g., Rockwell, Vickers, Brinell) based on material and hardness range.
4. Apply Test Load: Apply the specified test load to the sample surface using the testing indenter.
5. Measure Indentation: Measure the indentation size using the tester's measurement system (depth, diameter, or diagonal length).
6. Calculate Hardness: Use the measured indentation and test parameters to calculate the hardness value using relevant formulas or conversion tables.
7. Record Results: Record the hardness value along with test conditions (load, dwell time) and sample information.
8. Repeat if Necessary: Repeat the test in different locations or with varying loads for comprehensive hardness assessment, if needed.
9. Evaluate and Interpret: Evaluate the hardness results in the context of material specifications, standards, or application requirements.
10. Clean and Maintain: Clean the testing indenter and equipment after testing to prevent contamination or damage. Maintain the hardness tester regularly as per manufacturer guidelines for accurate and reliable testing.
Technical Specifications of Rockwell Hardness Tester
| Model Number |
TT 6004 X / 005 |
| Initial Test Force |
10kgf (98.07N) |
| Measuring Range |
20-88HRA, 20-100HRBW, 20-70HRC |
| Indenter Specifications |
Diamond Rockwell, Ø 1.588mm Ball Indenter |
| Testing Force |
60 kgf (588.4N), 100 kgf (980.7N), 150kgf (1471N) |
| Max. Height of Specimen |
210 mm |
Distance of center of indenter
to machine wall |
165 mm |
| Hardness Resolution |
0.1 HR |
| Indication of Hardness Value |
Digital Display with Large Touch Screen |
| Dimensions |
220(L) x 510(W) x 694(H) mm |
| Net Weight |
98 kg |
| Power Supply |
220~240 V, 100 W, 0.2 A, 1 Ph, 50/60 Hz, 0.13 Hp |
Technical Specifications of Brinell Hardness Tester
| Model Number |
TT 6004 X / 004 |
| Testing Range |
8 ~ 650 HBW |
| Indication of Hardness Value |
Digital Display LCD Touch Screen to Read Hardness Value |
| Data Output |
Build-in Printer |
| Microscope |
20x Digital Micrometer Eyepiece |
| Minimum Value of Micrometer Drum |
1.25 μm |
| Dwell/Holding Time |
0 ~ 60s |
| Max. Height of Sample |
250 mm |
| Distance from Center Indenter to Wall |
150 mm |
| Power |
AC220V, 50 Hz |
| Product Dimensions |
230 (L) x 600 (W) x 920 (H) mm |
| Approx. Weight |
130 kg |
Technical Specifications of Vickers Hardness Tester
| Model Number |
TT 6004 X / 006 |
| Test Force |
0.3、0.5、1、2、2.5、3、5、10、20、30 kgf
2.94、4.90、9.80、19.6、24.5、29.4、49、98、196、294 N |
| Measurement Range |
5HV~3000HV |
| Test Mode |
HV / HK |
| Test Force Application |
Automatic (loading, dwelling, unloading) |
| Objective and Indenter Switching |
Automatic Turret |
| Objective Lens |
10X (Observe)，20X(measurement ) |
| Eyepiece |
10X micrometer |
| Total Magnification |
100X，200X |
| Dwelling Time |
1~60s |
| Date Output |
LCD Digital Display, Build-in Printer |
| Light Source |
Halogen Light Source |
| Max, Height of Specimen |
175 mm |
| Distance from Indenter to Machine Wall |
125 mm |
| Power |
220~240 V, 100 W, 0.2 A, 1 Ph, 50/60 Hz, 0.13 Hp |
| Dimension |
320(L) x 580(W) x 650(H) mm |
| Weight |
55 kg |
Unit Consists Of (Rockwell Hardness Tester):
| Model Number |
Parts Description |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 001 |
Ø1.5875 mm Steel ball |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 002 |
Ø1.5875 mm Steel Ball Indenter |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 003 |
Small Flat Test Bench |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 004 |
Large Flat Test Bench |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 005 |
V-Shaped Test Bench |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 006 |
Standard hardness block |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 007 |
Power Cable |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 008 |
Screwdriver |
Unit Consists Of (Brinell Hardness Tester) :
| Model Number |
Parts Description |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 001 |
Ø1.5875 mm Steel ball |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 002 |
Ø1.5875 mm Steel Ball Indenter |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 003 |
Small Flat Test Bench |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 004 |
Large Flat Test Bench |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 005 |
V-Shaped Test Bench |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 006 |
Standard hardness block |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 007 |
Power Cable |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 008 |
Screwdriver |
Unit Consists Of (Vickers Hardness Tester):
| Model Number |
Parts Description |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 001 |
Accessory Case |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 002 |
Micrometer Eyepiece |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 003 |
Small Flat Test Bench |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 004 |
Large Flat Test Bench |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 005 |
V-Shaped Test Bench |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 006 |
Vickers Hardness Block |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 007 |
Power Cable |
| TT 6004 X / 005 – P 008 |
Horizontal Adjusting Screw |
* 1 copy of instruction manual
