Hardness Testing Methods

A hardness test is the measurement of a materials ability to resist permanent indentation or deformation. A hardness test is performed by pressing an indenter of a known geometry under a known force, into the test material's surface. The depth of penetration, or the size of the impression, is the measure of the material's hardness. The most common methods for testing hardness are Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers, Knoop and Shore.