Mechanical Testing
Tensile, compression, flexural, shear and impact tests that show how a material behaves under load.
Hardness Testing
Micro Vickers, Brinell, Rockwell and Shore hardness measurements for metals and polymers.
Hardness is a material’s resistance to indentation. It is a quick, widely used check that relates to strength, wear resistance and the effect of heat treatment.
What the Test Evaluates
- Surface and bulk hardness of metals
- Hardness variation across a weld, case-hardened layer or coating
- Hardness of rubbers and plastics (Shore scales)
Why It Matters
Hardness testing needs only a small area and leaves a tiny mark, so it suits finished parts and small samples. A hardness survey across a section shows how a process such as welding or heat treatment has changed the material.
Common Applications
- Checking heat treatment and case depth
- Hardness profiles across welds and heat-affected zones
- Quality control of castings and machined parts
- Grading of polymer and rubber materials
Available Methods
- Micro Vickers hardness (individual indentations)
- Micro hardness survey (multiple readings across a section)
- Brinell hardness
- Rockwell hardness
- Shore A and Shore D hardness
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hardness test should I choose?
It depends on the material, its thickness and what you need to learn. Micro Vickers suits small areas, thin layers and profiles; Brinell and Rockwell suit bulk metals; Shore is used for polymers and rubbers. We can advise.
Does the sample need preparation?
Micro hardness testing needs a flat, polished surface. We can mount and polish the sample for you.
Related Services
Material Characterization
Microscopy, SEM with EDS, XRD and related techniques that reveal a material’s structure and composition.
Sample Preparation & Processing
Cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing and etching to prepare specimens for testing and microscopy.
Have a Material Testing Requirement?
Tell us about your sample and testing objective, and our team will help you decide the appropriate next step.