Hardness testers measure the resistance of a material to deformation by forcing a harder tool, such as a diamond cone or steel ball, into the surface of the workpiece. Depending on the testing method, these instruments can produce results that are accurate and consistent for a wide range of applications. For example, a rockwell hardness tester for sale can determine the hardness of metals and other materials by measuring the depth of the impression left by the indenter. Other test methods are available for specific metal alloys, including the Brinell and Vickers tests.
Choosing the right tester for your application depends on the hardness level you need and your budget. Grainger has a variety of models with different methods and scales. These include Rockwell regular, superficial and twin scales as well as Brinell and Vickers. Some models are designed to support multiple load levels for increased versatility, and others feature automatic load loading and unloading.
The Rockwell hardness tester uses a diamond indenter to determine the hardness of materials by measuring the amount of force required to create an impression in the sample. The depth of this impression is then used to determine the material’s hardness, which can be converted to other scales such as HB, HT and HRC. This technique is suitable for most types of steel and other metals as well as many non-metallic materials.
The Brinell method is a standard measurement for metals and other materials. It is preferred for rough samples that cannot be tested with other methods. The Brinell test is also more accurate than the Rockwell test because it uses a spherical indenter to distribute pressure evenly. However, it is important that the testing surface of the sample is properly prepared and clean to ensure an accurate result.
A Vickers hardness tester is a type of microhardness tester that measures the hardness of small precision parts and thin materials using the Vickers method. This method can be used on a wide variety of materials and produces similar results to the Brinell and Rockwell tests.
Buehler has a comprehensive selection of testing equipment and supplies for metallurgical laboratories, quality control departments and research centers. These products can help companies develop new manufacturing processes, improve quality and reduce production costs. This includes hardness testers that use the Rockwell, Brinell and Vickers methods as well as immersion and ultrasonic test systems. The company also manufactures a full line of metallographic equipment and consumables for cross-sectional analysis.