CCT TEST , a trusted and accredited independent testing laboratory and calibration company

HARDNESS TESTING

ROCKWELL, BRINELL, VICKERS HARDNESS TEST & MORE

Material Hardness Testing is a critical process that determines a material's strength by measuring its resistance to penetration. The results of hardness testing can be invaluable when selecting materials, as they provide insights into the material's machinability and wear resistance. Additionally, hardness testing is routinely performed on metals to assess the value of treatments and coatings.

 

At CCT in China, we specialize in providing hardness testing services for metallic materials. Our testing methods include a variety of micro and macro hardness testing services, such as Rockwell, Superficial Rockwell, Brinell, and Vickers testing. We conduct all testing in accordance with GB, ISO, ASTM specifications, as well as other standards and customer requirements for the type of material and application.

 

To ensure quick turnaround times, all test specimens can be prepared on-site by our machine shop. Our commitment to accuracy and efficiency ensures that our customers receive reliable and timely results for their hardness testing needs.


ASSORTMENT OF METAL HARDNESS TEST METHODS

The Rockwell Hardness Test and Superficial Rockwell are ideal for testing the hardness of castings, forgings, and other large metal products and samples. These tests produce a visible indentation that is easy to measure and analyze.

On the other hand, the Brinell Hardness Test is suitable for almost any metallic material, making it the most commonly used method for testing castings and forgings that have a coarse grain structure that cannot be accurately measured by other types of hardness testing.

Microhardness testing, conducted by Vickers Hardness Test methods, is typically used to measure the hardness of small samples or specific regions in a larger sample. This method is particularly useful for measuring the surface or coating hardness of carburized or case-hardened parts, as well as surface conditions such as grinding burns or decarburization. With our extensive range of hardness testing methods and equipment, we at CCT can accurately measure the hardness of any metallic material, providing reliable results for all your testing needs.


TEST METHODS/SPECIFICATIONS

· Rockwell –GB/T230.1,ISO6508-1, ASTM E18; NASM-1312-6

· Superficial Rockwell – GB/T230.1,ISO6508-1, ASTM E18; NASM-1312-6

· Brinell –  GB/T231.1,ISO6506-1, ASTM E10

· Microhardness –GB/T4340.1,ISO6507-1 ASTM E384; NASM-1312-6

· Vickers – GB/T4340.1,ISO6507-1,ASTM E384, ASTM E92

Request a quote for testing to your hardness testing requirements.


THE TEST PROCESSES

To conduct Hardness Testing, test machines are used which consist of an indenter that is pressed into the material being tested for a specific duration. The shape of the indenter used depends on the type of hardness test being performed and can be a cone, ball, or pyramid shape. Different test machines also apply different forces or loads and record the indentation hardness value in kilograms-force based on their individual hardness scales.

BRINELL HARDNESS TEST

In the Brinell Hardness Test, a carbide ball indenter is pressed into the sample with a precisely controlled force for a set duration. After the removal of the indenter, the material has a circular indentation that is measured to calculate the material hardness using a specific formula.

ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST

The Superficial Rockwell is another type of hardness test in addition to the Rockwell Hardness Test. Both tests involve applying a minor load to establish a zero reference position and a major load for a specified amount of time, which leaves the minor load applied after release. The difference in depth between the zero reference position and the indent made by the major load is used to determine the Rockwell hardness number. The choice of indenter depends on the characteristics of the material being tested.

 

The Rockwell test typically uses larger minor and major load values than the Superficial Rockwell test, although both offer three different major load options. Between the Rockwell and Superficial Rockwell hardness testing methods, more than thirty different scales are available due to the various combinations of tests, indenters, and major loads used.

VICKERS HARDNESS TEST

 

The Vickers Hardness Test can measure both micro and macro hardness scales with a maximum load of 50 kilograms. This hardness test also applies controlled force to a square-based diamond pyramid indenter for a specific amount of time. The Vickers hardness value is calculated using the impression measurement and test load with the appropriate formula. Unlike Rockwell and Superficial Rockwell hardness testing, the Vickers hardness test has only one scale that covers its entire hardness range.



CCT  CAPABILITIES

· Materials Tested – metals

· Test Methods

· Rockwell and Superficial Rockwell – used to assist in determining the grade of metal

· Brinell – typically used with castings, forgings and thicker samples

· Microhardness – Vickers (applied loads up to 50 kg)

Test Specimens – all hardness test specimens can be prepared at CCT