Abrasion Testing
Accelerated Life Testing
Chemistry Laboratory
Computer Modeling
Salt Spray Testing
Density
Electrical Properties
Electron Microscopy
Experimental Foundry
Failure Analysis
Hardness Laboratory
Heat Treatment Studies
Light Microscopy
Lubrication Testing
Machine Shop
Materials Databases
Mechanical Testing
Metallography
Paint & Coatings
Product Testing
Rolling Mill
Thermal Testing
The following is a list of hardness measuring instruments at Touchstone:
The microhardness tester works by aligning a diamond pyramid indenter under a light microscope and loading it onto a surface with a standard weight. The deeper it penetrates, the softer the material. The width of the penetration is measured under the microscope attached to the microhardness tester. It has two types of diamond indentors, called Vicker’s and Knoop. Loads can vary from 1g to 3 Kg.
Sample preparation required: flat, parallel surfaces; one metallographically polished surface. This instrument can be used for metal, adhesive, plastic or paint hardness.