MSi is a corporate sponsor to Triton Community College Engineering Technology Curriculum. Read More
Hardness Testing Services
Hardness testing services are one of most misunderstood tests required by all of manufacturing when buying metal components and/or purchasing heat treatment services. The engineers who created many of the current material specifications for large and medium sized manufacturing companies have long since retired. Their own laboratories did not have price constraints when they performed in house testing at various locations around a forging. But many suppliers must now have this testing performed at an independent accredited laboratory. Variables that affect hardness testing prices are:
Engineering Evaluation Prior To Testing
1. Blueprint Evaluation
2. Specification Review
3. Hardness Test Scale Identification
4. Client Discussion to Verify
5. Testing and Charges
Saw Time
Band Saw Time
Abrasive Cut-Off (Surface Hardened Parts)
Tests at Specific Depths Require Additional Operator Time
High Volume (100%) Hardness Testing Requirements
Handling (Size / Weight)
Part Serializing
Time Per Test
Reporting Requirements
Small Parts
Sample Support During Testing
Correct Scale Selection
Scale Conversion
Engineering Supervision
ASTM E18 Rockwell Hardness Testing
Rockwell hardness testing is the most widely used hardness test in manufacturing and heat treating. The Rockwell hardness tester is required to be verified in all hardness ranges within a particular scale during daily use. ASTM E18 identifies diameter conversions, minimum thickness tables to prevent invalid test data due to over penetration. There are also rules for the minimum distances between indentations and the edge of a specimen. All of the above-noted variables can affect the hardness data and can require supervision by an engineer during testing and review of the data prior to release to the client.
Contact MSi’s team of engineers to answer your hardness testing questions.
