At Cutech, we provide accurate hardness test services for quality assurance, welding inspections, and post-treatment evaluation. We use industry-recognised techniques such as the Brinell Hardness Test, Rockwell Hardness Test, and Vickers Hardness Test to assess metal strength, durability, and conformance.
What is a Hardness Test?
Purpose and Importance in Quality Control
A hardness test is a crucial testing method used in quality control to determine a material’s resistance to deformation. It ensures that metals and alloys meet the mechanical requirements for their intended applications. This includes welding, fabrication, and structural use.
Hardness testing verifies the effects of heat treatment, material processing and wear.
How to Test Metal Hardness Accurately
Understanding the importance and how to test metal hardness is critical in evaluating strength, wear resistance, and performance under stress.
Our NDT team select the appropriate test method based on the material type, intended application, and sample size to ensure results are valid. Our expert team carry out hardness test procedures in line with ISO and ASTM standards.
Our Hardness Testing Methods
Brinell Hardness Test (BHN)
The Brinell Hardness Test is used to assess material hardness in castings and coarse-grained metals using a steel or tungsten carbide ball.
The BHN method leaves a large indentation and is suitable for identifying surface integrity over broader areas.
Rockwell Hardness Test (HR)
The Rockwell Hardness Test is frequently used in labs and production facilities due to its speed and simplicity in providing results.
The test offers a direct-read measurement using various scales depending on the material and depth of penetration. This hardness test is ideal for alloys and processed materials.
Vickers Hardness Test (VHN)
The Vickers Hardness Test provides precise microhardness readings using a diamond-shaped indenter.
This test is the preferred method for evaluating thin sections, coatings, or other small components where high accuracy is crucial.
Supporting Services for Material Integrity
Pre-heating Before Hardness Testing
At Cutech, we support clients with pre-heating services to relieve stress and stabilise material structure before testing, particularly after welding or heat treatment.
Our team can advise when this process is necessary to improve test reliability.
Roughness Testing for Surface Quality Evaluation
Roughness Testing is used to evaluate the surface finish of metals, which can affect both hardness test readings and functional performance.
This service is commonly paired with hardness inspection to provide a comprehensive picture of component integrity.
Applications of Hardness Testing
Welding and Fabrication Inspection
At Cutech, we use hardness testing to verify weld hardness and the surrounding heat-affected zone (HAZ). This process helps establish whether materials comply with approved welding procedures and relevant codes.
Accurate hardness measurements are crucial to confirm the structural integrity and longevity of performance of welded components.
Heat Treatment Verification
Our post-treatment hardness test procedures help to confirm that the materials' properties required have been achieved following quenching, tempering, annealing, or other heat-based processes.
We use this process to verify mechanical strength, to ensure compliance with specifications and to support quality control documentation.
Pipeline, Pressure Vessel, and Structural Steel Assessment
Hardness measurements are used to detect potential issues from stress, fatigue, or inconsistent material sourcing for pipework, pressure vessels and structural steel.
At Cutech, we perform both shop and field testing using portable tools for reliable onsite results.
Why Choose Cutech for Hardness Testing?
Mobile and Onsite Hardness Testing Capabilities: We offer mobile and onsite testing solutions that bring hardness test capabilities directly to project locations, reducing turnaround time and minimising disruption.
Skilled NDT Technicians with Standard Compliance: At Cutech, our trained NDT specialists carry out all tests in line with ISO, ASTM, and ASME guidelines to ensure reliable results across all materials and industries.
Brinell, Rockwell, and Vickers Methods Available: We deliver full coverage with Brinwell Hardness Test, Rockwell Hardness Test and Vickers Hardness Test methods to ensure flexibility for various job requirements and material types.
Hardness Test FAQs
What is a hardness test?
A hardness test measures how resistant a material is to indentation or deformation. It’s an essential step in quality control to evaluate strength and wear resistance. At Cutech, we use this test to assess metals and alloys across welding, fabrication, and structural applications to ensure they meet required standards.
Is a hardness test destructive?
No. A hardness test is classified as an NDT (Non-destructive testing) method. It leaves a small indentation but does not compromise the overall integrity of the tested component.
Why we do a hardness test?
At Cutech, we carry out hardness testing to verify that materials meet strict strength, safety and specification requirements. The test is often used after pre heating, welding or heat treatment processes to confirm that the mechanical properties required have been achieved and that the material is fit for purpose.