All you need to
know.

Depending on the magnitude of the test force according to ISO standard (and hence on the Vickers Method, e.g.: HV 0.01; HV 1; HV 10), the Vickers process can be subdivided into three hardness testing load ranges: in the micro, low-load and conventional (macro) hardness range.

Applications of Vickers methods depending on the respective load range

 Factors for the selection of the correct test force (test load) and test method

• The specimen size (the minimum clearances between test points (indent spacing) and from the specimen edge (edge clearance) for Vickers defined in the standard must be observed);
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• The specimen thickness (the specimen thickness must be at least 1.5 times the indentation diagonals, i.e. the minimum specimen thickness must be between 0.085 and 6.5 mm);
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• The surface quality of the specimen (the specimen should be polished resp. ground; particularly for very low test loads, a good specimen surface is essential for a correct measurement result, because the Vickers indent is very small in this case, so the smallest of irregularities can affect the measurement result).

In general, it should be measured with the highest possible test force, in order to minimise potential influencing factors that could distort the measurement result.