Static Hardness Testing
Static hardness testing measures a material's strength by continuous application of loads, without impact or shock. It is done using methods like Brinell, Vickers, and Rockwell.
Physical-chemical mechanism of action
Static hardness testing refers to methods in which a continuous load is applied to the material being tested. This can be done by impact or blow (dynamic testing methods) or by continuous application of force (static testing methods). The best-known static hardness testing methods are Brinell, Vickers, and Rockwell.
Metallurgical relevance & risks in welding
The hardness of a material is an important factor for its mechanical properties such as toughness and deformability. Too high hardness can lead to fractures or cracks, while too low hardness makes the material deformable. For the weld seam, it is crucial to ensure the correct hardness to achieve a stable and secure joint.
Workshop practice & instructions
To test the static hardness of a material, a special testing device is used. In the Brinell test, a heavy ball-shaped steel indenter is pressed into the material and the size of the resulting indentation is measured. In the Vickers test, a pyramid-shaped indenter is used, and in the Rockwell test, a specific load is applied to the material and the depth of the indentation is measured. The results are given in hardness numbers (e.g., HB for Brinell, HV for Vickers, HR for Rockwell).