Hardness testing methods overview

Here you will find useful information on the basics of hardness testing, the most common standardized test methods Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers and Knoop as well as other test methods such as carbon, plastic and Leeb testing.

Rockwell

This is a depth difference method.

Rockwell

Vickers

It is one of the optical processes.

Vickers

Knoop

Developed as an alternative to the Vickers method.

Knoop

Brinell

Has a test load range from 1 to 3000 kgf.

Brinell

The Rockwell hardness test method

The Rockwell method is a standardised hardness testing procedure in accordance with ISO 6508 and ASTM E18. It measures not the size of the indentation, but the permanent depth of penetration of an indenter. This allows the hardness value to be determined directly, without the need for visual assessment. Rockwell is particularly suitable for rapid testing procedures in the macro range and is frequently used in industrial quality assurance.

About Rockwell hardness testing

The Vickers hardness test method

The Vickers hardness test is a visual method in accordance with ISO 6507 and ASTM E384. In this method, a diamond pyramid creates a permanent indentation, the diagonals of which are measured. The method is suitable for micro, low-load and macro applications and delivers precise results, particularly for hard materials, thin layers and small test areas.

About Vickers hardness testing

The Knoop hardness test method

The Knoop method is an optical hardness testing method in accordance with ISO 4545 and ASTM E384. It was developed for applications involving very small or delicate test surfaces. Due to the elongated indentation, Knoop is particularly suitable for thin layers, brittle materials and materials such as glass or ceramics, where other methods reach their limits.

About the Knoop hardness test

The Brinell hardness test method

The Brinell method is a standardised hardness testing procedure in accordance with ISO 6506 and ASTM E10. It involves pressing a carbide ball into the surface with a defined test force and visually measuring the resulting indentation. Brinell is particularly suitable for coarse-grained or inhomogeneous materials such as castings, as the larger indentation provides a representative average value.

About Brinell hardness test