What Type of Hardness Tester Do I Need?

• Age and reliability: Is the old tester still providing consistent and repeatable results? Is it failing calibration? 

• Test method used: Was the previous tester based on Rockwell, Vickers, Brinell, Knoop, or another method? 

• Obsolescence: Is the old tester still supported with parts and service, or has it become obsolete? 

• Changes in testing requirements: Have the material, specifications, or industry standards evolved since the last tester was purchased? 

• Customer service: Did your previous supplier really give you the support that your team deserves?
  
   

• The test method to be used 

• The required hardness scale (e.g., Rockwell HRC, Vickers HV, Brinell HBW 10/3000) 

• Any industry or company standards that must be followed 

• The acceptance criteria for hardness values 

• Locations of any tests 
  
  
  

• Small parts may require a microhardness tester (Vickers or Knoop) with precise indentation control. 

• Large parts may require a portable hardness tester (Leeb, UCI, or Rockwell) or a bench or floor standing Brinell or Rockwell tester. 
  
  
  
  

Our range of Portable Leeb Hardness Testers work great for larger items that can't fit on a regular benchtop system

• Heavy components may not be suitable for small benchtop testers and may require a dedicated floor-standing system or even a portable hardness tester 

• Lightweight components may be tested with a microhardness tester, provided they are securely held in place and may struggle with portable testers 
  
  
  
  

• Thin parts (such as coatings, case-hardened layers, or sheet metals) are best tested using microhardness methods (Vickers or Knoop). 

• Bulk materials can typically be tested using Rockwell or Brinell methods. 
  
  
  
  

• Highly polished surfaces are suitable for Vickers hardness testers and Knoop microhardness testing. 

• Rough surfaces may require surface preparation or a more robust test like Brinell or Rockwell Hardness Tester. 
  
  
  
  

• Some materials and coatings require polishing or etching to ensure a reliable measurement. 

• Poorly prepared surfaces can lead to inaccurate results, particularly for microhardness testing. 
  
  
  
  

• Metals: Rockwell, Brinell, and Vickers are commonly used. 

• Polymers and Rubbers: Shore hardness tests (Shore A, Shore D) are suitable. 

• Ceramics: Vickers or Knoop testing is often preferred due to the brittle nature of the material. 

• Composites: May require specialized methods depending on the material composition, often based around the Rockwell test method. 
  
  
  
  

• Soft materials (e.g., lead, aluminum): Consider Brinell with (F/d² ratio of 5 or 10), Vickers, Rockwell HRE 

• Medium hardness materials (e.g., mild steel): Possibly Rockwell HRB, Vickers or Brinell (F/d² ratio of 15 or 30). 

• Hard materials (e.g., hardened steel, ceramics): Rockwell HRC, Vickers, Micro-Vickers Knoop or Brinell (F/d² ratio of 30).
  
  
   

• Manual: Suitable for low-volume testing with maximum operator interaction. 

• Semi-automatic: Might include automatic indentation measurement but could require the operator to manually move an XY stage 

• Fully automatic: Automatic measurement and movement is ideal for high-throughput environments, reducing operator involvement, improving repeatability and reducing measurement uncertainty.
  
  

  

  The Falcon 600 Automatic Vickers Hardness Tester offers a great solution for automatic testing

  
   

• Laboratory Testing: Ensures controlled conditions and high precision, ideal for research and development. 

• Shop Floor Testing: Requires robust testers resistant to dust, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations. 

• Off-Site Testing: Portable testers (e.g., Leeb, UCI) allow hardness measurements in the field. 

• Single test per sample: Suitable for homogeneous materials with minimal variability. 

• Multiple tests per sample: Required for case-hardened materials, coatings, or composites with varying hardness profiles as well as testing welds. 

• Low volume testing: Manual or semi-automatic testers may suffice. 

• High volume testing: Requires automated systems to improve efficiency and consistency. You can benefit from multiple sample holders. 

• Quality Control: Ensure compliance with specifications. 

• Process Monitoring: Detect variations in manufacturing processes. 

• Failure Analysis: Investigate material defects or deviations. 

• Data Logging and Reporting: Modern testers can store and export data for statistical analysis and traceability. 

• Create Reports: Does your machine need to be able to produce professional looking reports, quickly and easily?