Hardness Testing for Reliable Material Verification
At the Hermans Spring Factory measurement lab, we perform hardness tests to determine the resistance of materials to indentation and deformation. For this, we use the Affri System and our Hardness Tester. These tests are a vital part of our quality control, both during production and during final inspection of our own tooling (small machine parts and dies), stamped parts, and other metal components. Hardness is a key indicator of wear resistance, strength, and service life.
What is a hardness test?
A hardness test determines how well a material resists permanent deformation from an indentation. Depending on the application, a specific method is chosen, such as Rockwell (HRA to HRM) or Vickers (HV10, HV60, HV100). Each method is suited to a specific material type, thickness, or hardness level.
What are these tests used for?
Hardness tests are used to:
- Verify material quality
- Check heat treatments or surface hardening
- Determine whether a material is suitable for spring loads
- Compare with material specifications or customer requirements
