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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.
Vickers calculation formula:
Various prerequisites need to be fulfilled for standard-compliant testing:
Test temperature
Workpiece thickness
Distances between the indentations and from the edge
It is distinguished between the macro, small force and micro hardness range.
General tests on relatively thick components
| 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 |
Tests on thin workpieces, thin surface layers and foils
| 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 |
Measurements at individual structure components
| 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 |
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)
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).
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
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
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 |
Vickers hardness testing is a method used to measure the hardness of materials. It involves pressing a diamond indenter with a specific force into the material's surface and measuring the size of the indentation. This test is known for its accuracy and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of materials, from metals to ceramics.
A Vickers hardness tester works by pressing a diamond indenter into the material's surface with a specific force. The size of the indentation is then measured using a microscope or an automated system. The hardness value is calculated based on the indentation size and the applied force.
Vickers hardness testing is used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. It is essential for quality control, material selection, and research and development. The test helps determine the hardness of materials, which is a critical factor in assessing their wear resistance, strength, and durability.
There are two main types of Vickers hardness testers: micro Vickers hardness testers and macro Vickers hardness testers. Micro Vickers hardness testers are used for testing small samples or thin coatings and apply lower forces. Macro Vickers hardness testers are used for testing larger samples and apply higher forces, making them suitable for bulk materials.
QATM Vickers hardness testers offer high precision, user-friendly interfaces, versatility, and durability. They provide accurate and repeatable measurements, making them suitable for a wide range of materials and applications. QATM testers are built with high-quality materials to withstand rigorous testing environments.