1. Evaluation by measuring magnifier
The simplest way to measure and subsequently evaluate a hardness test indent is to use a measuring magnifier (loupe). Measuring magnifiers are available with different magnification strengths, scales and accuracies.
Three steps are required to evaluate a hardness test indent and obtain a measurement result:
- First, the two diagonals of an indentation must be measured using the measuring magnifier.
- Then the average diameter of the two diagonals must be calculated.
- Finally, the respective hardness value can either be calculated using a formula or taken directly from the relevant standard hardness table for the respective test method.