When selecting a hardness tester for your application, it is important for you to consider the following:
Choose the correct test method based on the application.

Plan to use the highest test force and largest indenter possible. Consider the effects of the shape and dimensions of your test sample.

Answer these key questions:
1, What kind of hardness scale to be used?
2, What is the material to be tested, and is this material suitable to the type of test method you are considering?
3, How large is the part, component or specimen to be tested?
4, Is the test point difficult to reach?
5, What is the quantity of testing that will be done?
6, How accurate does your test result need to be?
7, What is your budget?
8, What is the required return on investment and do you have ways to measure reductions in costs- yields, throughput, operator efficiency?
9, What testing problems have you experienced in your current method?
10, How knowledgeable are the users of the tester?

The Rockwell test consists of measuring the additional depth to which a carbide ball or diamond penetrator is forced by a heavy (major) load beyond the depth of a previously applied light (minor) load (SET point).

The minor load is applied first and a SET position is established on the dial gauge or displacement sensor of the Rockwell tester. Then the major load is applied. Without moving the piece being tested, the major load is removed and, with the minor load still applied, the Rockwell hardness number is automatically indicated on the dial gauge or digital display.

The diamond penetrator is used for testing materials such as hardened steels and cemented carbides. The carbide ball penetrators, available with 1/16 inch, 1/8 inch, 1/4 inch, and 1/2 inch diameter, are used when testing materials such as steel-copper alloys, aluminum and plastics to name a few.

Rockwell testing falls into two categories: Regular Rockwell testing (e.g., C and B scales) and Rockwell superficial testing (e.g., 30 N and 30 T scales).

High Rockwell hardness numbers represent hard materials and low numbers soft materials.


Technical Data: