How is a Vickers hardness value read and represented?

1. The numeric hardness value (between 1 and 3000)
2. The two letters "HV", standing for "Hardness according to Vickers"
3. The applied test load in kgf
4. According to ISO 6507: The dwell time of the test load, but only if this is not between 10 and 15 seconds (uncommon in practice)

Examples

640 HV30

• 640 …hardness value
• HV  …as per Vickers
• 30   …with test load of 30 kgf (or test force of 294.2 N )

610 HV10/30

• 610 …hardness value
• HV  …as per Vickers
• 10   …with test load of 10 kgf (or test force of 98.07 N)
• 30   …dwell time to test force outside recommended duration, in this case: 30 seconds