Reduce risk and maintain compliance with our specialist risk management services.
We’re proud to be a leading provider of complete life cycle risk management solutions. From ensuring asset safety and legal compliance with our thorough engineering inspections to driving operational efficiency with our specialist non-destructive testing services, (and much more in between), we’re proud of the long-lasting partnerships we have formed with our customers over the last 160 years, based on the value of our solutions.
Hardness Testing
At BES Group, we take pride in our varied range of hardness testing services, offering precise and reliable assessments using industry-standard methodologies.
Hardness testing on metals is used to evaluate the resistance of a metal to deformation or permanent damage, specifically in terms of indentations or scratching. It involves applying a consistent force using a rounded or pointed object under controlled conditions to create a small dent on the surface of a metal. The size of the dent is then measured to determine the hardness of the material.
To carry out a hardness test, a constant force must be applied to the material, using a rounded or pointed indenter to form an indentation on the surface of the material. The type of indenter used depends on the type of hardness test being performed. The indentation created on the surface is then measured to determine the material’s hardness.
There are many methods of hardness testing available, each with their own standards and benefits, but selecting the right hardness test is usually determined by:
- The shape and size of the material sample
- The area of the sample that needs to be tested
- Ease of application
In our mechanical department, we specialise in Rockwell, Brinell, and Vickers hardness tests. Our metallurgical department also offers micro-hardness and Knoop hardness testing.
Our Hardness Testing services
Brinell Hardness Testing
Microhardness Testing
Rockwell Hardness Testing
Vickers Hardness Testing
Want to know more about our destructive hardness tests?
Get in touch today! Get in touch today! Get in touch today!Our Hardness Testing Services
Brinell
Brinell hardness testing is a method used to determine the hardness of a material, measuring its resistance to deformation when a known force is applied. This test is particularly suited for materials with coarse or granular structures.
- Ideal for testing forgings, castings and larger coarse samples
- Uses a spherical indenter to measure hardness of materials
- Brinell hardness is often denoted as HB.
Brinell Hardness Testing standards and specifications we work with:
- 5mm ball diameter and 750kg load
- 10mm ball diameter and 3000kg load
- BS EN ISO 6506-1:2014
- ASTM E10:18
Rockwell
The Rockwell Hardness test is a widely used method for measuring the hardness of metal materials. It involves indenting and measuring the depth of penetration, making it a popular choice in laboratories.
- Ideal for testing soft steels, aluminium, brass and hard carbon steels
- Uses a diamond cone or hard steel ball to apply stress to samples
- Known for its simplicity, speed and versatility
- This method measures the depth of penetration of an indenter into the metal under the application of a minor load, followed by a major load.
- The hardness value is determined by the difference in depth between the two loads
Vickers (Macro and Micro)
Using a pyramid-shaped diamond indenter to carry out the hardness measurement to lighter loads, Vickers macro and microhardness tests are suitable for softer materials. The specific size, shape, and location requirements of the hardness test determine the use of the Vickers method.
One of the key advantages of the Vickers Hardness test is its versatility, as it can be applied to a wide range of materials and properties.
Vickers Macro Hardness testing standards we work with:
- BS EN ISO 6507-1:2018 (HV1, HV5, HV10)
- ASTM E92-17 (HV1, HV5, HV10)
- Low force Vickers Hardness tests (HV0.3, 0.5, and 1)
Vickers Micro Hardness testing standards we work with:
- BS EN ISO 6507-1:2018
- ASTM E384 Micro indentations
Micro-hardness Vickers tests (HV0.1)
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Knoop
Knoop hardness testing is a microhardness testing method used to measure the hardness of materials at a microscopic scale, making it particularly advantageous for testing thin coatings, brittle materials, and materials with a fine microstructure. Hardness is calculated based on the indentation size and is often denoted as HK.
Micro-hardness testing is ideal for the following applications:
- Coating hardness
- Surface hardness
- Case depth
- Hardness of fragile or brittle metals
- Microstructural hardness variations
Are you looking for on-site NDT hardness testing?
In addition to our destructive hardness testing services, we also offer convenient on-site NDT hardness testing using industry-leading equipment.
We offer standard hardness testing to NACE MR-01-75 (ISO 15156) using portable Krautkramer MIC10-DL hardness testers. The small arrow probes allow our technicians to take precise measurements even in hard-to-reach areas. This advanced technology is suitable for:
- Heavy, fixed components
- Difficult to access locations
- Series parts during production
- Material identification
- A range of materials including solid, coarse-grained objects, forged parts with homogeneous surface structures, and cast items
We also carry out Barcol hardness testing to determine the hardness of reinforced and non-reinforced plastics.
Our NDT testing team is equipped with various types of portable hardness testing machines, ensuring flexibility and accuracy in different scenarios.
All your destructive metals testing needs, under one roof.
We know how frustrating it can be to have to send samples to multiple labs for different testing methods. Not only is it expensive to machine and send multiple samples, but there is also a risk of inconsistent results if the labs have used samples from different heat-treated batches.
We’re here to take care of all your metals testing needs, under one roof.
With our full suite of tests, we conduct a thorough examination of your sample’s properties, structure, and behaviour. Our in-house workshop prepares the samples, which are then tested in our UKAS accredited laboratory. This ensures that your samples receive a comprehensive and professional service from start to finish, without the hassle of using multiple laboratories.
To ensure efficient tracking, each sample is given a unique barcode to book all your samples into our laboratory. This allows us to monitor each sample from the moment it arrives, throughout the testing process, until its completion.
We aim to complete our full suite of destructive tests within a 3-day turnaround, which includes:
- Full machining and preparation of samples
- Tensile, impact and hardness testing
- Chemical analysis
- Metallurgical examinations
- Corrosion analysis
- Optional services include Salt Spray testing, weld assessments and coating finish testing.
Key Benefits
Material Strength Assessment
Hardness testing provides valuable information of a material's resistance to deformation, a gives and insight into its strength and durability. This is crucial for ensuring that materials meet the required mechanical properties for specific applications.
Quality Control
Hardness tests are integral to quality control processes, allowing manufacturers to verify the consistency and reliability of materials. This helps ensure that products meet industry standards and specifications.
Process Optimisation
Hardness testing is used to optimise heat treatment processes. It helps determine the effectiveness of heat treatments in achieving the desired hardness levels, leading to improved material performance.
Material Strength Assessment
Hardness testing provides valuable information of a material's resistance to deformation, a gives and insight into its strength and durability. This is crucial for ensuring that materials meet the required mechanical properties for specific applications.
Quality Control
Hardness tests are integral to quality control processes, allowing manufacturers to verify the consistency and reliability of materials. This helps ensure that products meet industry standards and specifications.
Process Optimisation
Hardness testing is used to optimise heat treatment processes. It helps determine the effectiveness of heat treatments in achieving the desired hardness levels, leading to improved material performance.
Sectors we work with
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