Metrology Glossary: Hardness Tester
What Is A Hardness Tester?
A hardness tester is an instrument designed to gauge a material’s ability to withstand permanent deformation. Hardness is a significant characteristic of materials, impacting their strength, longevity, and resistance to wear. These testers find applications across various industries such as manufacturing, construction, and aerospace. Although they come in various forms, all hardness testers function by exerting a known force on a specific area of the material under examination. The resulting indentation’s depth or dimensions are then measured to determine the material’s hardness.
What Are Hardness Testers Used For?
Hardness testers have diverse applications across many industries. In manufacturing, they verify material quality and uniformity, ensuring adherence to specified hardness standards. Within construction, these testers assess the durability of materials like concrete and steel, ensuring structures can withstand expected loads. In aerospace, hardness testing is critical for aircraft component safety and reliability, ensuring compliance with strict standards for extreme conditions.
