Precautions for choosing a Hardness Tester

When selecting a Hardness Tester for your application, it is important to consider the following:

Select the correct test method according to the application. 

Plan to use maximum test force and maximum indenter. Consider the effect of the shape and size of the test sample.

Answer the following key questions:

1. Does your test specify a specific hardness grade to use?

2. What is the material to be tested, and is that material suitable for the type of test method you are considering?

3. How big is the part, component or sample to be tested?

4. Are the test points hard to reach?

5. What is the volume of testing that will be performed?

6. How accurate do your test results need to be?

7. What is your budget?

8. What is the required return on investment? Do you have a way to measure cost - yield, production capacity, reduction in operator efficiency?

9. What testing issues did you encounter with your current approach?

10. How knowledgeable is the Tester?

Verify that test results meet your requirements for accuracy and repeatability. 

Consider performing Gage R&R to gather quantitative data on the amount of error attributable to the operator and the measurement system used. 

There were significant differences between performance levels within each Tester category. A tough job on one Tester might be easy and quick on another. Therefore, although Hardness Testers in the test method and assortment may look similar, there are a number of features that can significantly affect productivity and accuracy. Benchtop Rockwell hardness testing systems demonstrate a good example of characteristics that affect performance. All can handle medium length parts with larger anvils or jack stands, but the Versitron series can generally test larger parts faster and more accurately than other bench Testers that require external supports or fixtures . The Indentron series, on the other hand, is much easier to use with small, clumsy parts.