Vickers Hardness Tester

The Vickers hardness tester series "Qness" takes Vickers hardness testing to a whole new level. Our high-end models of the latest generation combine short cycle times with maximum precision. Features like the 8-position tool changer, comprehensive software as well as connectivity via Qconnect make this Vickers hardness tester series the optimum choice for customers seeking the most innovative products on the market.

Micro Vickers Hardness Tester Test force range: 0.25 g – 62.5 kg

NEW

Vickers Hardness Tester QNESS 10/60 M

Semiautomatic
Test force range 20 gf – 10 kgf
Option: 0.25 gf – 62.5 kgf
Vickers, Knoop, Brinell, Option: Rockwell
Manual XY movable cross table
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NEW

Vickers Hardness Tester QNESS 10/60 A+

Fully automated
Test force range 20 gf – 10 kgf
Option: 0.25 gf – 62.5 kgf
Vickers, Knoop, Brinell, Option: Rockwell
Very precise XY slide ± 2µm
Sample image camera:
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NEW

Vickers Hardness Tester Qness 60 A+ EVO

High-End fully automated
Test force range 0.25 gf – 62.5 kgf
Vickers, Knoop, Brinell, Rockwell
High precision XY slide ± 0.2µm
Sample image camera
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Macro Vickers Hardness Tester Test force range: 0.3 kg – 3000 kg

Vickers Hardness Tester Version CS/C EVO

Proven concept – redefined
Ideal for small samples
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Vickers Hardness Tester Version M EVO

Manual height adjustable test head
Ideal for large samples
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Vickers Hardness Tester Version E EVO

Comfortable test head height-adjustment via motor
All work piece sizes and large clamping forces
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Fully Automatic Vickers Hardness Tester Test force range: 0.3 kg – 3000 kg

Vickers Hardness Tester Version CA/CA+ EVO

Test methods: Brinell, Knoop, Rockwell, Vickers
Test force range: 0.5 kg – 750 kg
Proven concept – full automation with high precise XY slide
For applications with consistent sample height
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Vickers Hardness Tester Version A/A+ EVO

Test methods: Brinell, Knoop, Rockwell, Vickers
Test force range: 0.3 kg – 3000 kg
Highly precise test head control by asynchronous motor
Automatic XYZ test progression for different sample heights
Base cabinet and safety fully integrated into machine design
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Background information Vickers Hardness Testing (DIN EN ISO 6507)

Based on the ideas of Smith and Sandland, a hardness testing method was developed in 1925 in the English Vickers works, using a diamond pyramid as the indenter. A regular four-sided diamond pyramid with a surface angle of 136° is pressed vertically into the preferably polished surface of the test specimen with a certain test load. After a certain exposure time, the test specimen is removed again and the two diagonals (d1 and d2) of the indentation are measured with a measuring microscope. The average length d is then calculated. The Vickers hardness is then determined according to the given formula.

1. Indentation of the diamond pyramid with test force F into the test specimen

2. Measurement of the indentation with diameter d

Calculation of the Vickers hardness

Vickers calculation formula:

Prerequisites for standard-compliant testing

Various prerequisites need to be fulfilled for standard-compliant testing:

Test temperature

normal requirements: 10°C bis 35°C
high requirements: 23°C ± 5°C

Workpiece thickness

t ≥ 1.5 * d with t = sample or layer thickness d = average length of the indentation diagonals

Distances between the indentations and from the edge

For steels, Cu and Cu alloys
- a ≥ 2.5 * d
- b ≥ 3 * d
For light metals, Pb, Zn as well as their alloys
- a ≥ 3 * d
- b ≥ 6 * d

It is distinguished between the macro, small force and micro hardness range.

Macro Hardness Range

General tests on relatively thick components

Recommended test forces	Name of value
980.70	HV 100
490.30	HV 50
294.20	HV 30
196.10	HV 20
98.67	HV 10
49.03	HV 5

Small Force Range

Tests on thin workpieces, thin surface layers and foils

Recommended test forces	Name of value
29.42	HV 3
19.6	HV 2
9.807	HV 1
4.903	HV 0.5
2.942	HV 0.3
1.961	HV 0.2

Micro Hardness Range

Measurements at individual structure components

Recommended test forces	Name of value
0.981	HV 0.1
0.490	HV 0.05
0.245	HV 0.025
0.196	HV 0.02
0.098	HV 0.01

Vickers hardness test results

According to DIN EN ISO 6507-1, the result of a Vickers test is given as follows:

700 HV 10 / 20 ⇒ Hardness value as per Vickers

700 HV 10 / 20 ⇒ Abbreviation for Vickers hardness

700 HV 10 / 20 ⇒ Test force specification: Test force [N] = 9.807 * test force specification

700 HV 10 / 20 ⇒ Application time of the test force (omitted if it is between 1-15 s)

measuring hardness depths

The Vickers test is also the preferred method for measuring hardness depths. A distinction is primarily made between the depth of hardening after case hardening (CHD), after nitriding (NHD) and after induction hardening (SHD).

Depth of hardening after case hardening (CHD)

When testing the case hardening depth (CHD), the hardness in HV1 is measured on the cross-section at regular distances from the surface. In order to comply with the above-mentioned rules of distance between the individual indentations, this is usually done as a 'zig-zag line'. The values are plotted graphically. The CHD is the distance at which the hardness falls below a certain limit. Usually, the limit is GH = 550 HV1 but a deviating value can be determined.

An example of this method is shown in the following image. The case hardening depth (CHD) can also be calculated from the pairs of values.

Distance from the surface [mm] ⇒ Hardness [HV1]

0.1 ⇒ 717
0.2 ⇒ 718
0.3 ⇒ 705
0.4 ⇒ 675
0.5 ⇒ 645
0.6 ⇒ 610
0.7 ⇒ 580
0.8 ⇒ 550
0.9 ⇒ 520
1.0 ⇒ 490
1.1 ⇒ 465
1.2 ⇒ 450
1.3 ⇒ 440
1.4 ⇒ 430
1.5 ⇒ 425

CHD = Case Hardening Depth

Depth of hardening after nitriding

When testing the nitriding hardening depth (NHD), the hardness in HV0.5 is measured on the cross-section at regular distances from the surface. In order to comply with the above-mentioned rules of distance between the individual indentations, this is usually done as a 'zig-zag line'. The values are plotted graphically. The NHD is the distance at which the hardness falls below a certain limit. Usually, the limit is defined as GH = core hardness + 50 HV, but a deviating value can be determined.

An example of this method is shown in the following image. The nitriding hardening depth (NHD) can also be calculated from the pairs of values.

Distance from the surface [mm] ⇒ Hardness [HV1]

0.05 ⇒ 1080
0.1 ⇒ 1050
0.2 ⇒ 350
0.3 ⇒ 257
0.4 ⇒ 250
0.5 ⇒ 250
0.6 ⇒ 250
0.7 ⇒ 250
0.8 ⇒ 250
0.9 ⇒ 250
1.0 ⇒ 250

NHD = Nitriding Hardening Depth

limit hardness GH = core hardness KH + 50 HV

Depth of hardening after induction hardening

When testing the induction hardening depth (SHD), the hardness in HV15 is measured on the cross-section at regular distances from the surface. In order to comply with the above-mentioned rules of distance between the individual indentations, this is usually done as a 'zig-zag line'. The values are plotted graphically. The SHD is the distance at which the hardness falls below a certain limit. Usually, the limit is defined as GH = 85% of the minimum surface hardness, but a deviating value can be determined.

An example of this method is shown in the following image. The induction hardening depth (SHD) can also be calculated from the pairs of values.

Distance from the surface [mm] ⇒ Hardness [HV1]

0.1 ⇒ 698
0.2 ⇒ 700
0.3 ⇒ 703
0.4 ⇒ 705
0.5 ⇒ 705
0.6 ⇒ 705
0.7 ⇒ 703
0.8 ⇒ 701
0.9 ⇒ 698
1.0 ⇒ 700
1.1 ⇒ 701
1.2 ⇒ 660
1.3 ⇒ 500
1.4 ⇒ 300
1.5 ⇒ 285
1.6 ⇒ 284
1.7 ⇒ 283
1.8 ⇒ 285
1.9 ⇒ 282
2.0 ⇒ 281

SHD = Surface Hardening Depth

Target	58+4 HRC
≈	650+100 HV10
⇒ GH	85%(650HV)
⇒ GH =	553 HV