Hardness testing (HT) is a non-destructive method used to evaluate a material’s resistance to plastic deformation by pressing an indenter into the surface of the tested component. This technique enables the assessment of material homogeneity, material selection, and verification of the effectiveness of technological processes such as heat and plastic treatment.
The test involves pressing a specially designed indenter into the surface of the material under a defined load. After removing the load, the dimensions of the resulting indentation are measured. Hardness tests can be performed using portable hardness testers or stationary testing devices.
Hardness measurement is a vital part of quality control for metallic materials and is used for verification of material homogeneity, material selection, and validation of correctly performed heat treatment and forming processes. Performing these tests does not significantly affect the condition of the tested asset, as the indentation left on the surface is minimal.