A precision diamond indenter is impressed into the material at loads from 2 kilograms to less than 1 gram. The impression length, measured microscopically, and the test load are used to calculate a hardness value. The hardness values obtained are useful indicators of a material’s properties and expected service behavior. Microhardness testing can provide the following: bulk hardness, localized hardness, and hardness surveys through a hardened case or coating. The MEE laboratory has the ability to test samples using either a Vickers or a Knoop indenter.
