Metal hardness indicates the tensile and wear properties of a material. Conventional metal hardness testers apply a standard force on the testing material through a standard indentation tip. A standardized chart then calculates and shows the hardness of the testing material using the force applied and indentation tip used. Other hardness testing machines, like ultrasonic hardness testing machines, use frequency to measure the hardness of the testing material.

Before selecting a metal hardness tester, you need to know the following:

1. Level of accuracy required
2. Measuring range required
3. Load carrying capacity required for the hardness testing equipment

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy hardness testers or hardness testing machines from a reliable manufacturer

Once you understand the tests and identify your application requirements, you can buy hardness testing equipment from various manufacturers that offer portable testers, hardness testing machines and other hardness testing equipment.

I recommend: United Calibration Corp., one of the major manufacturers of material testing systems, offers a wide range of universal testing machines for various types of hardness tests. TIME Group Inc. is another manufacturer that provides a wide range of hardness testers and hardness testing machines. PortableTesters.com offers a lightweight portable rebound type hardness tester suitable for non-industrial applications like on-site testing. Corvib Precision Measurement Instruments also offers portable hardness testers.

Opt for pre-owned or rented hardness testing equipment from the manufacturers' websites

Many reputable manufacturers offer an option to buy pre-owned testers or rent metal hardness testers to their customers. You can use such options to reduce costs for the metal hardness test setup.

I recommend: GE Inspection Technologies offers metal hardness testers on a rental basis. The company also provides repair, training, calibration and ugrading services. Tinius Olsen Testing Machine Company, Inc. offers hardness testers of different specifications with a minimum 90-day warranty. Foundrax, which specializes in Brinell hardness testing products, offers rental equipment.

Buy metal hardness-testing equipment from distributors or retailers

You can compare metal hardness testers from various reputable manufacturers and choose an appropriate testing device for your requirements at retailers or distributors' websites.

I recommend: MSC Industrial Supply, a retailer of industrial supplies and equipment, also offers hardness testing machines and accessories. Precision Calibration Services, a distribution and service company for testing equipment, provides new as well as pre-owned metal hardness testing machines.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that the metal hardness tester meets all of the latest ASTM E-18 standards.
• •  Check if the manufacturer provides after-sale service and updates for the software.
• •  Before conducting a testing setup for metal hardness, guide your employees about the required safety measures.