Hardnesss know-how

Hardness testing technologies

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Formerly, the test force was applied in hardness testing machines by means of dead loading with weights. This means that a specific test force is applied by means of a directly acting mass. The test force often can be adjusted via a lever mechanism or via changing weights.

For differential-depth methods (e.g. Rockwell), the application of the pre and main force is carried out by coupling in additional weights for the main force.

Dead load systems of this construction type usually come with damping elements, to be able to apply the test forces shock-free. Still, an overshooting of the test force cannot be avoided due to the system. Furthermore, hardness measurements are relatively strong influenced by vibrations and shocks.