MICROHARDNESS TESTING

* Micro hardness Testing (Knoop and Vickers): Hardness testing in general is performed to assess the strength of the material. With micro hardness testing the strength is examined on a micro scale by determining the strength of a carburized case for example or by determining the strength of a certain micro constituent in the microstructure. Usually micro hardness is specified with relatively smaller loads 500 grams or lower to measure an effective case depth or effective decarburization, etc.

* Effective/Total Case Depth Measurement: Case depth or case hardening is specified on many types of parts and components that require  surface fatigue strength and wear resistance. When specified by the engineering print it is typically specified with a required case depth. This case depth is specified as either effective or total case depth. We can measure both per standard ASTM or SAE test methods. The effective case depth is measured with micro hardness to determine the depth of the hardening layer at which the micro hardness of the material drops to 50 Rc or specific hardness number that is typically 5 Rc points or more above the core hardness or 5 Rc points or more below the surface hardness. The standard effective case depth measurement is to measure the distance from the surface to a location below the surface at which the hardness is 50 Rc. The total case depth measures the visual / chemical change in the material from the surface after a polish and etch process effected by the additions of carbon to the surface of the component and does not typically involve hardness measurements. Let us know your requirement and we can provide you with accurate results.

 * Hardness Measurements (Rockwell, Superficial, Brinell, Portable): Full range of direct hardness testing capabilities of all scales and methods. We understand ASTM E10 and E18 and we perform our hardness testing per required specifications . We also have digital portable hardness testers.