Factors That Affect the Accuracy of Indentation Hardness Tests

Rockwell, Brinell, and microhardness are the common indentation hardness tests discussed in this paper. Indentation hardness testing, in many cases, can be properly considered a nondestructive test since the part is usable after the test. The destructive effect at the test point, however, makes it impossible to retest the same point to verify the accuracy of the testing process. It is, therefore, critical that the first test be performed with a high degree of accuracy. The following items can seriously affect that accuracy: test material, testing instrument, operator, and environment.