Hardness Material Testing
By: Jennifer Hill - Troy

An example of Hardness testing for metals is called Rockwell testing.  This test is used to determine what the material is or if the material meets specified requirements.  This involves a specified indenter (120° diamond and 1/8” ball are the most common) to press into the surface loaded with a specified weight.  The results are measured in Rockwell scales B or C.

Hardness testing for softer plastics and rubbers is referred to as Durometer or Shore Hardness.  This involves a durometer (Shore A or D depending on the hardness of the material) which has a calibrated metal indenter that you manually press down on the test specimen.  The durometer’s gage is then read for the results, usually after being held for 10 seconds.

Painted surfaces are also often tested for hardness.  These tests include pencil, dime, and thumbnail hardness as well as with an adhesive tape test.

For any questions, comments, or materials testing needs please contact Jennifer Hill at (jennifer.hill@mgaresearch.com) or by phone at (248) 577-5001.