Hardness Testing
Test inspect can provide Hardness Testing both on-site and in our fully equipped laboratory.
In our laboratory, we can perform Vickers Hardness Testing on prepared samples to BS EN ISO 6507 & BS EN ISO 9015.
Using this method, samples are first machined to a suitable size, and the testing face is polished to 2500 grit. Once placed into the Vickers Hardness Tester, the sample is brought into focus through the microscope optic and then indented for a period of at least 10 seconds using a calibrated square-based diamond point. The force placed on the diamond indenter is dependent on the testing scale with the scales of HV5 or HV10 commonly used. This equates to 5 kg/f & 10 kg/f or 49.03 N & 98.07 respectively.
Once the indenter has been removed, the diagonal lengths of the indent are measured in millimeters and the arithmetic mean, d, is calculated. The Vickers Hardness Number (HV) is then given by;
Vickers hardness (HV) = Test force (kgf) / Surface area of indentation (mm²)
On-site, we can perform Leeb Hardness Testing to BS EN ISO 16859 on large components that can’t be transported to our laboratory or are unsuitable for Vickers Hardness Testing.
This method is a dynamic or rebound method whereby a tungsten carbide ball is dropped or fired at the sample from inside a hand-held testing probe. Impact velocity and the rebound velocity is then measured and the ratio between the two is used to calculate the Leeb Hardness Number (L);
L= (Rebound Velocity / Impact Velocity) x 1000
Destructive
Testimonials
“Test Inspect is our go-to company for non-destructive testing and welding inspection. We use them almost on a weekly basis for magnetic particle and visual on our Sellafield projects where a great deal of oversight is placed on the NDT and the quality of our welding and fabrication.”
Richard Tubman -Numech Managing Director
“My dealings with Test Inspect have been extremely easy due to their professional proactive working ethics. The service was very efficient and all of my expectations were met. I chose Test Inspect to carry out the works on my project as I have worked with Lee for many years and know that he and his team will always provide exactly what I require and to the highest standard. I would certainly recommend others utilising Test Inspect services.”
Callum Woodend WCELOperations Director
“Cheers Tony, and thanks again for your help. Great turnaround and service from Test Inspect,
John IrvingMechanical Quality Inspector
Service Delivered - Sellafield Welder Qualification,
Turnaround Time - <24hrs”
“Firstly I'd like to thank you both for your contribution to the last phase of work for RR SMR to help identify the benefits of digital image capture with gamma sources and the potential for reducing the working space envelope. Your assistance and expert knowledge was very much appreciated.
Doug WylieTWI Ltd
Service Delivered - Level 3 Radiography and Digital Radiography R&D”
