Hardness Testing in Materials Science and Engineering

In the field of materials science and engineering, hardness testing plays a critical role in assessing a material's resistance to deformation. This property directly influences its durability, wear resistance, and overall performance in a wide range of applications. Understanding a material’s hardness is key to determining its suitability for specific functions.

The most commonly referenced hardness tests in material datasheets are Rockwell, Brinell, and Vickers. Among these, the Rockwell method is the most widely used due to its speed and simplicity, particularly in industrial settings. The Leeb and Knoop methods are more specialised and are less frequently cited in standard datasheets, as they are typically used in specific testing conditions and for particular applications.