Hard facts
Theory of hardness testing
Back to overviewThe Rockwell method is a static hardness testing method, which can be further characterised as follows:
- It is one of the standardised procedures (ISO 6508, ASTM E18).
- The process is used to test hardness in the macro range (test force >= 49.03 N), more precisely with a test force of 29.42 to 1471 N.
- It is a differential-depth method. This means that the residual depth of indentation left by the indenter is measured to determine the hardness value of a test specimen.
- Indenter shape and material: Depending upon the specific Rockwell method employed, the indenter is either a diamond cone (with a cone angle of 120°) or a hard metal ball (with various diameters depending on the method).