Covers the Vickers hardness test for metallic materials using a square-based diamond pyramid indenter and a defined test force. Suitable for thin sections, coatings, and microstructural evaluation when indentation diagonals can be measured reliably.

ISO

ISO 6507-1

Revision: 2023

Material testing

Metallic materials — Vickers hardness test

Covers the Vickers hardness test for metallic materials using a square-based diamond pyramid indenter and a defined test force. Suitable for thin sections, coatings, and microstructural evaluation when indentation diagonals can be measured reliably.

Test method

A prescribed force is applied for a specified dwell time; the two indentation diagonals are measured optically and converted to Vickers hardness (HV) using the indenter geometry and applied force relationship.

Specimen requirements

Surface preparation must allow clear diagonal measurement. Specimen thickness should be sufficient to avoid anvil effects; for thin samples, mounting may be required. Temperature and vibration should be controlled per laboratory procedures.

Vickers hardness is widely used when Rockwell scales are unsuitable due to load, scale, or surface constraints.