NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.

Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information

Designation: E384 − 17

Standard Test Method for

Microindentation Hardness of Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E384; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers determination of the microin- 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
dentation hardness of materials. C1326 Test Method for Knoop Indentation Hardness of
1.2 This test method covers microindentation tests made Advanced Ceramics
with Knoop and Vickers indenters under test forces in the range C1327 Test Method for Vickers Indentation Hardness of
from 9.8 × 10-3 to 9.8 N (1 to 1000 gf). Advanced Ceramics
1.3 This test method includes an analysis of the possible E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
sources of errors that can occur during microindentation testing E7 Terminology Relating to Metallography
and how these factors affect the precision, bias, repeatability, E92 Test Methods for Vickers Hardness and Knoop Hard-
and reproducibility of test results. ness of Metallic Materials
E140 Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals Relationship
1.4 Information pertaining to the requirements for direct
iTeh Standards
verification and calibration of the testing machine and the
requirements for the manufacture and calibration of Vickers
Among Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell
Hardness, Superficial Hardness, Knoop Hardness, Sclero-

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and Knoop reference hardness test blocks are in Test Method scope Hardness, and Leeb Hardness
E92. E175 Terminology of Microscopy (Withdrawn 2019)3
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
Document Preview
NOTE 1—While Committee E04 is primarily concerned with metals, the
test procedures described are applicable to other materials.
ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1.5 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded Determine the Precision of a Test Method
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard. ASTM E384-17
E766 Practice for Calibrating the Magnification of a Scan-
ning Electron Microscope
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1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the E1268 Practice for Assessing the Degree of Banding or
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Orientation of Microstructures
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- E2554 Practice for Estimating and Monitoring the Uncer-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- tainty of Test Results of a Test Method Using Control
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Chart Techniques
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
E2587 Practice for Use of Control Charts in Statistical
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Process Control
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 2.2 ISO Standard:4
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. of Testing and Calibration Laboratories

1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E04 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Metallography and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E04.05 on Micro- contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
indentation Hardness Testing. With this revision the test method was expanded to Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
include the requirements previously defined in E28.92, Standard Test Method for the ASTM website.
3
Vickers Hardness Testing of Metallic Material that was under the jurisdiction of The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
E28.06 www.astm.org.
4
Current edition approved June 1, 2017. Published August 2017. Originally Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as E384 – 16. DOI: la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://
10.1520/E0384-17 www.iso.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 E384 − 17
3. Terminology 3.3 Formulae—The formulae presented in 3.3.1 – 3.3.4 for
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test calculating microindentation hardness are based upon an ideal
method, see Terminology E7. tester and conditions. The measured value of the microinden-
tation hardness of a material is subjected to several sources of
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: errors. Based on Eq 1-9, variations in the applied force,
3.2.1 calibrating, v—determining the values of the signifi- geometrical variations between diamond indenters, and human
cant parameters by comparison with values indicated by a errors in measuring indentation lengths will affect the precision
reference instrument or by a set of reference standards. of the calculated material hardness. The magnitude of the error
3.2.2 Knoop hardness number, HK, n—an expression of that variations of each of these parameters have on the
hardness obtained by dividing the force applied to the Knoop calculated value of a microindentation measurement is dis-
indenter by the projected area of the permanent impression cussed in Section 10.
made by the indenter. 3.3.1 For Knoop hardness tests, in practice, test loads are in
3.2.3 Knoop indenter, n—a rhombic-based pyramidal- grams-force and indentation diagonals are in micrometers. The
shaped diamond indenter with edge angles of / A = 172° 30' Knoop hardness number is calculated using the following:
and / B = 130° 0' (see Fig. 1). HK 5 1.000 3 103 3 ~ P/A p ! 5 1.000 3 103 3 P/ ~ c p 3 d 2 ! (1)
3.2.4 microindentation hardness test, n—a hardness test or
using a calibrated machine to force a diamond indenter of
specific geometry into the surface of the material being HK 5 14229 3 P/d 2 (2)
evaluated, in which the test forces range from 1 to 1000 gf (9.8 /B
tan
× 10-3 to 9.8 N), and the indentation diagonal, or diagonals, are 2
cp 5 (3)
measured with a light microscope after load removal; for any /A
2tan
microindentation hardness test, it is assumed that the indenta- 2
tion does not undergo elastic recovery after force removal.
where:
NOTE 2—Use of the term microhardness should be avoided because it P = force, gf,
very low. iTeh Standards
implies that the hardness, rather than the force or the indentation size, is
d
Ap =
= length of long diagonal, µm,
projected area of indentation, µm 2
3.2.5 verifying, v—checking or testing the instrument to
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/A = included longitudinal edge angle, 172° 30’
assure conformance with the specification. /B = included transverse edge angle, 130° 0’ (see Fig. 1
3.2.6 Vickers hardness number, HV, n—an expression of and,
Document Preview
hardness obtained by dividing the force applied to a Vickers
indenter by the surface area of the permanent impression made
cp = indenter constant relating projected area of the inden-
tation to the square of the length of the long diagonal,
by the indenter. ideally 0.07028.
ASTM E384-17
3.2.7 Vickers indenter, n—a square-based pyramidal-shaped 3.3.2 The Knoop hardness, kgf/mm2 is determined as fol-
diamond indenter with face angles of 136° (see Fig. 2). lows:
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FIG. 1 Knoop Indenter

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 E384 − 17

FIG. 2 Vickers Indenter

HK 5 14.229 3 P 1 /d 1 2 (4) where:

P2 = force, N, and
iTeh Standards
where:
d2 = mean diagonal length of the indentations, mm.
P1 = force, kgf, and
d1 = length of long diagonal, mm. 3.4 Equations for calculating % Error and Repeatability for
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3.3.3 The Knoop hardness reported with units of GPa is periodic verification is determined as follows:
determined as follows:
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HK 5 0.014229 3 P 2 /d 2 2 (5) S D E 5 100
d̄ 2 d ref
d ref
(10)

where: where:
P2 = force, N, and ASTM E384-17 E = % error in performance of the periodic verification,
d2 = length of the long diagonal of the indentation, mm. d̄ = the measured mean diagonal length in µm, and
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dref = the reported certified mean diagonal length, µm.
3.3.4 For the Vickers hardness test, in practice, test loads are
in grams-force and indentation diagonals are in micrometers.
The Vickers hardness number is calculated as follows: R 5 100 S
d max 2 d min
d̄
D(11)
HV 5 1.000 3 103 3 P/A s 5 2.000 3 103 3 Psin~ α/2 ! /d 2 (6)
where:
or
R = repeatability in performance of the periodic
HV 5 1854.4 3 P/d 2 (7) verification,
where: dmax = the longest diagonal length measurement on the
standardized test block, µm,
P = force, gf, dmin = the shortest diagonal length measurement on the
As = surface area of the indentation, µm2, standardized test block, µm, and
d = mean diagonal length of the indentation, µm, and d̄ = the measured mean diagonal length in µm.
α = face angle of the indenter, 136° 0’ (see Fig. 2).
3.3.5 The Vickers hardness, kgf/mm2 is determined as 4. Summary of Test Method
follows:
4.1 In this test method, a hardness number is determined
HV 5 1.8544 3 P 1 /d 1 2 (8)
based on the formation of a very small indentation by appli-
where: cation of a relatively low force, in comparison to traditional
P1 = force, kgf, and bulk indentation hardness tests.
d1 = mean diagonal length of the indentations, mm.
4.2 A Knoop or Vickers indenter, made from diamond of
3.3.6 The Vickers hardness reported with units of GPa is specific geometry, is pressed into the test specimen surface
determined as follows: under an applied force in the range of 1 to 1000 gf using a test
HV 5 0.0018544 3 P 2 /d 2 2 (9) machine specifically designed for such work.

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 E384 − 17
4.3 The size of the indentation is measured using a light identical as a function of depth and there will be variations in
microscope equipped with a filar type eyepiece, or other type Knoop hardness, particularly at test forces <200 gf, over the
of measuring device (see Terminology E175). force range defined in 1.2 (and above this range); consequently,
4.4 The Knoop hardness number is based upon the force Knoop hardness is not normally used to define bulk hardness,
divided by the projected area of the indentation. The Vickers except at 500 gf where E140 gives conversions to other test
hardness number is based upon the force divided by the surface scales, and Knoop tests should not be performed at test forces
area of the indentation. above 1000 gf. The majority of Knoop tests of case hardness
variations are conducted at forces from 100 to 500 gf. If the test
4.5 It is assumed that elastic recovery does not occur when is being conducted to meet a specified bulk hardness value,
the indenter is removed after the loading cycle, that is, it is such as HRC, then most such tests will be conducted with
assumed that the indentation retains the shape of the indenter Knoop at a 500 gf load. Because of the large difference
after the force is removed, but this is not always true. In Knoop between the long and short Knoop diagonals, the Knoop
testing, it is assumed that the ratio of the long diagonal to the indenter is often better suited for determining variations of
short diagonal of the impression is the same as for the indenter, hardness over very small distances compared to the Vickers
7.114, but this is not always true due to elastic recovery. indenter. Vickers and Knoop tests at forces ≤25 gf are
susceptible to imprecision due to the difficulty in measuring
5. Significance and Use
extremely small indents (<20 µm) by light microscopy with
5.1 Hardness tests have been found to be very useful for high precision and reproducibility. Tests made at forces ≤25 gf
materials evaluation, quality control of manufacturing pro- should be considered to be qualitative in nature. Likewise, test
cesses and research and development efforts. Hardness, al- forces that create indents <20 µm in length should be avoided
though empirical in nature, can be correlated to tensile strength whenever possible and should be considered to be qualitative
for many metals and alloys, and is also an indicator of in nature. The success of the specimen preparation procedure in
machinability, wear resistance, toughness and ductility. removing preparation-induced damage can, and will, influence
5.2 Microindentation tests are utilized to evaluate and quan- test results; this problem becomes more critical as the test force
tify hardness variations that occur over a small distance. These decreases.
iTeh Standards
variations may be intentional, such as produced by localized
surface hardening, for example, from shot blasting, cold 6. Apparatus

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drawing, flame hardening, induction hardening, etc., or from
processes such as carburization, nitriding, carbonitriding, etc.;
6.1 Test Machine—The test machine must support the test
specimen and control the movement of the indenter into the
or, they may be unintentional variations due to problems, such
Document Preview
specimen under a preselected test force, and should have a light
as decarburization, localized softening in service, or from optical microscope to select the desired test locations and to
compositional/microstructural segregation problems. Low test measure the size of the indentations produced by the test. The
forces also extend hardness testing to materials too thin or too plane of the surface of the test specimen must be perpendicular
ASTM
small for macroindentation tests. Microindentation tests E384-17
permit to the axis of the indenter and the direction of the force
hardness testing of specific phases or constituents and regions
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or gradients too small for evaluation by macroindentation tests.
application. The plane of the test specimen surface must be flat,
and free of surface relief, in order to obtain valid, usable test
5.3 Because microindentation hardness tests will reveal data. The hardness test machine must meet the verification
hardness variations that commonly exist within most materials, requirements defined in Test Method E92.
a single test value may not be representative of the bulk 6.1.1 Force Application—The test machine shall be capable
hardness. Vickers tests at 1000 gf can be utilized for determi- of applying the test forces according to the following:
nation of the bulk hardness, but, as for any hardness test, it is 6.1.1.1 The time from the initial application of the force
recommended that a number of indents are made and the until the full test force is reached shall not exceed 10 s.
average and standard deviation are calculated, as needed or as 6.1.1.2 The indenter shall contact the specimen at a velocity
required. between 15 and 70 µm/s. Indenter velocity is not usually
5.4 Microindentation hardness testing is generally per- adjustable by the user.
formed to quantify variations in hardness that occur over small 6.1.1.3 The full test force shall be applied for 10 to 15 s
distances. To determine these differences requires a very small unless otherwise specified.
physical indentation. Testers that create indents at very low test 6.1.1.4 For some applications it may be necessary to apply
forces must be carefully constructed to accurately apply the test the test force for longer times. In these instances the tolerance
forces exactly at the desired location and must have a high- for the time of the applied force is 6 2 s.
quality optical system to precisely measure the diagonal (or 6.1.2 Vibration Control—During the entire test cycle, the
diagonals) of the small indents. Test forces in the upper range test machine should be protected from shock or vibration. To
of the force range defined in 1.2 may be used to evaluate bulk minimize vibrations, the operator should avoid contacting the
hardness. In general, the Vickers indenter is better suited for machine, or the support table, in any manner during the entire
determining bulk (average) properties as Vickers hardness is test cycle.
not altered by the choice of the test force, from 25 to 1000 gf, 6.2 Vickers Indenter—The Vickers indenter normally pro-
because the indent geometry is constant as a function of indent duces geometrically-similar indentation shapes at all test
depth. The Knoop indentation, however, is not geometrically forces. Except for tests at very low forces that produce

4
 E384 − 17
indentations with diagonals smaller than about 20 µm, the separated from the mounting material. Never touch the in-
Vickers hardness number will be the same, within statistical denter tip with your finger.
precision limits, as produced using test forces that produce 6.4 Measuring Equipment—The test machine’s measuring
diagonal lengths ≥20 µm, using either a microindentation test device should report the diagonal lengths in 0.1 µm increments
machine up to 1000 gf or a macroindentation test machine with for indentations with diagonals from 1 to 200 µm.
test forces ≥ 1 kgf, as long as the material being tested is
reasonably homogeneous and the magnification and image NOTE 3—This is the reported length and not the resolution of the system
quality are optimal (see Appendix X4). For isotropic materials, used for performing the measurements. As an example, if a length of 200
µm corresponds to 300 filar units or pixels, the corresponding calibration
the two diagonals of a Vickers indentation are equal in size. constant would be 200/300 = 0.66666667. This value would be used to
Metals/alloys with preferred crystallographic textures may compute diagonal lengths, but the reported length would only be reported
produce distorted indents and invalid or questionable test to the nearest 0.1 µm.
results. The Vickers indenter must meet the verification re- 6.4.1 The optical portion of the measuring device should
quirements defined in Test Method E92. utilize Köhler illumination. Consult the manufacturer’s instruc-
6.2.1 The ideal Vickers indenter is a highly polished, tion manual for the adjustments that can be made on your
pointed, square-based pyramidal diamond with face angles of tester.
136° 0'. The effect that geometrical variations of these angles 6.4.2 To obtain maximum resolution, the measuring micro-
have on the measured values of Vickers hardness is discussed scope should have high quality objectives with adequate
in Section 10. numerical apertures, a suitable eyepiece, adjustable illumina-
6.2.2 The four faces of the Vickers indenter shall be equally tion intensity, adjustable alignment and aperture and field
inclined to the axis of the indenter (within 6 30') and shall diaphragms. These are adjusted in the same manner as on a
meet at a sharp point. The line of junction between opposite reflected light microscope or metallograph. Some systems are
faces (offset) shall be not more than 0.5 µm in length as shown now designed using computer monitors and indent length
in Fig. 2. detection by image analysis and may not utilize a traditional
6.3 Knoop Indenter—The Knoop indenter does not produce eyepiece, but have a projection lens connected to a CCD
camera. While a traditional eyepiece has a circular field of
iTeh Standards
geometrically-similar indentation shapes as a function of test
force and indent depth. Consequently, the Knoop hardness will view, the computer monitor is rectangular and its height-to-
vary with test force (see Appendix X4). Due to its rhombic width ratio can vary.
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shape, the indentation depth is shallower for a Knoop inden-
tation compared to a Vickers indentation under identical test
6.4.3 Magnifications should be provided so that the diago-
nal can be enlarged to greater than 25 % but less than 75 % of

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conditions. But, for the same test force, the Knoop long the field width. If the computer screen has a 4 to 3 ratio of
diagonal will be substantially longer than the mean of the two width to height, or a greater difference between the screen
Vickers diagonals. The two diagonals of a Knoop indentation width and height, the maximum field height must be <75% of
are markedly different. Ideally, the long diagonal is 7.114 times the width to measure both Vickers diagonals. A 40× or 50×
longer than the short diagonal, but this ratio is influenced ASTMby E384-17
objective may not be adequate for precise measurement of
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elastic recovery. Because of its shape, the Knoop indenter is indents <30 µm in length. Measurements of diagonal lengths
very useful for evaluating hardness gradients or thin coatings. <20 µm in length with the light microscope may be imprecise,
The Knoop test is not recommended for use above a 1 kgf test regardless of the objective magnification used, with the prob-
load. The Knoop indenter must meet the verification require- lem becoming more acute as the diagonal length decreases
ments defined in Test Method E92. below 20 µm.
6.3.1 The Knoop indenter is a highly polished, pointed,
rhombic-based, pyramidal diamond (1).5 The ideal included 7. Test Specimen
longitudinal edge angles are 172° 30' and 130° 0'. The ideal 7.1 For optimum accuracy of measurement, the test should
indenter constant, cp, is 0.07028. The effect that geometrical be performed on a flat specimen with a polished surface free of
variations of these angles have on the measured values of preparation-induced damage. The surface must be free of any
Knoop hardness is discussed in Section 10. problems that could affect the indentation or the subsequent
6.3.2 The four faces of the Knoop indenter shall be equally measurement of the diagonals. Conducting tests on non-planar
inclined to the axis of the indenter (within 6 30') and shall surfaces is not recommended. Results will be affected even in
meet at a sharp point. The line of junction between opposite the case of the Knoop test where the radius of curvature is in
faces (offset) shall be not more than 1.0 µm in length for the direction of the short diagonal.
indentations greater than 20 µm in length, as shown in Fig. 1. 7.1.1 In all tests, the indentation perimeter, and the inden-
For shorter indentations, the offset should be proportionately tation tips in particular, must be clearly defined in the micro-
less. scope field of view.
6.3.3 Indenters should be examined periodically and re- 7.1.2 For best results, the specimen surface should not be
placed if they become worn, dulled, chipped, cracked or etched before making an indentation (2), although etching is
often necessary to aid indent location. Deeply etched surfaces
will obscure the edge of the indentation, making an accurate
5
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of measurement of the size of the indentation difficult or impos-
this standard. sible. When determining the microindentation hardness of an

5
 E384 − 17
isolated phase or constituent, or when evaluating segregated 8.7 Adjust the tester so that the indenter is in the proper
compared to non-segregated areas, and other similar situations, place for force application. Select the desired force.
a light etch is required to delineate the object or area of interest
8.8 Activate the tester so that the indenter is automatically
so that the indentations can be placed in the desired locations.
lowered and makes contact with the specimen for the normally
The necessary quality of the required surface preparation does
required time period. Then, remove the force either manually
vary with the forces and magnifications used in microindenta-
or automatically.
tion hardness testing. The lighter the force and the smaller the
indentation size, the more critical is the surface preparation. 8.9 After the force is removed, switch to the measuring
Some materials are more sensitive to preparation-induced mode, and select the proper objective lens. Focus the image,
damage than others. In general, face-centered cubic metals (for adjust the light intensity if necessary, and adjust the apertures
example, austenitic stainless steels, copper and its alloys, for maximum resolution and contrast.
nickel and its alloys, gold and silver) exhibit a larger deforma- 8.10 Examine the indentation for its position relative to the
tion field around the indent than an indent of the same test force desired location and for its symmetry.
made in a body-centered cubic metal (for example, ferritic and
8.10.1 If the indentation did not occur at the desired spot,
martensitic steels).
the tester is out of alignment. Consult the manufacturer’s
7.1.3 Due to the small size of the indentations, special
instruction manual for the proper procedure to produce align-
precautions must be taken during specimen preparation. It is
ment. Make another indentation and recheck the indentation
well known that improper preparation can alter test results.
location. Readjust and repeat as necessary.
Specimen preparation must remove any damage introduced
during these steps, either due to excessive heating or cold 8.10.2 For a Knoop indentation, if one half of the long
work, for example. diagonal is more than 10 % longer than the other diagonal half,
7.1.4 Specimen preparation should be performed in accor- or if both ends of the indentation are not in sharp focus, the test
dance with Guide E3. specimen surface may not be perpendicular to the indenter
axis. Such an indent may yield incorrect data and the calculated
7.2 In many instances, it is necessary to mount the specimen HK based upon it should be reported outside these limits.

iTeh Standards
for convenience in preparation and for best edge retention. Check the specimen alignment and make another test to be sure
When mounting is required, the specimen must be adequately that the test data is correct.
supported by the mounting medium so that the specimen does
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8.10.3 For a Vickers indentation, if one half of either
not move during force application, such as might happen in an diagonal is more than 5 % longer than the other half of that
improperly cured polymer mount. diagonal, or if the four corners of the indentation are not in
8. Procedure Document Preview sharp focus, the test surface may not be perpendicular to the
indenter axis. Such an indent may yield incorrect data and the
8.1 Turn on the illumination system and power for the tester. calculated HV based upon it should be reported outside these
limits. Check the specimen alignment and make another test to
8.2 Select the desired indenter. If it is necessaryASTM E384-17
to physi-
be sure that the test data is correct.
cally change indenters, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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With some machines, both indenters can be mounted on the 8.10.4 If the diagonal legs are unequal as described in 8.10.2
turret and changed by a simple switch or computer command. or 8.10.3, rotate the specimen 90° and make another indenta-
Occasionally clean the indenter with a cotton swab and tion in an untested region. If the nonsymmetrical aspect of the
alcohol. Avoid creating static charges during cleaning. Never indentations has rotated 90°, then the specimen surface is not
touch the indenter tip with your fingers as this will alter the perpendicular to the indenter axis. If the nonsymmetrical
measurements. nature of the indentation remains in the same orientation, check
the indenter for misalignment or damage.
8.3 Place the specimen on the stage or in the stage clamps, 8.10.5 Some materials may have nonsymmetrical indenta-
so that the specimen surface is perpendicular to the indenter tions even if the indenter and the specimen surface are
axis. A top-referenced clamping system for mounts is an perfectly aligned. Tests on single crystals or on textured
excellent device for aligning the test plane perpendicular to the materials may produce such results. When this occurs, check
indenter, particularly if the back face of the mount is not the alignment using a test specimen, such as a standard, known
parallel to the polished front surface. If clay is used on a slide, to produce uniformly shaped indentations.
use very stiff clay and use high pressure when seating the
8.10.6 Brittle materials, such as ceramics, may crack as a
specimen against the clay.
result of being indented. Specific details for testing ceramics
8.4 Focus the measuring microscope with a low power are contained in Test Methods C1326 and C1327.
objective so that the specimen surface can be observed.
8.11 Measure the long diagonal of a Knoop indentation, or
8.5 Adjust the light intensity and adjust the apertures for both diagonals of a Vickers indentation, in accordance with the
optimum resolution and contrast. Zero the measuring device manufacturer’s instruction manual.
according to the manufacturer’s recommended method. 8.11.1 Determine the length of the long diagonal of a Knoop
8.6 Select the area desired for hardness determination. indentation or both diagonals of a Vickers indentation to within
Before applying the force, make a final focus using the 0.1 µm (see 6.3). For the Vickers indentations, average the two
measuring objective. diagonal length measurements.

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 E384 − 17
8.12 Compute the Knoop or Vickers hardness number using part of the SI system, the calculated numbers will be reported
the appropriate equation in Section 3 or using tables supplied without mention of the units. Also, due to the general unfamil-
with the tester, respectively. Modern testers usually give an iarity of the metallurgical community with hardness numbers
automatic readout of the hardness after the diagonal or diago- in GPa, and the rather narrow range of GPa values for metals,
nals have been measured. a “soft” SI system approach is recommended.
8.13 Spacing of Indentations—Generally, more than one 9.1.2 Test force, and
indentation is made on a test specimen. It is necessary to ensure 9.1.3 Any unusual conditions encountered during the test.
that the spacing between indentations is large enough so that 9.2 The symbols HK for Knoop hardness and HV for
adjacent tests do not interfere with each other. Because Vickers hardness shall be used with the reported numerical
face-centered cubic (FCC) metals (for example, austenitic values.
stainless steels, copper, nickel, silver and gold) work harden 9.2.1 For this standard, the microindentation hardness test
more dramatically than body-centered cubic (BCC) metals results can be reported in several different ways. For example,
(ferritic steels, for example), the indent spacing distance is if the Knoop hardness was found to be 400, and the test force
more critical for FCC metals as the deformation zone around was 100 gf, the test results may be reported as follows:
the indent is larger than for a BCC metal, as mentioned in 9.2.1.1 For microindentation hardness tests, where the test
7.1.2. force is generally in gram force units, with test forces ≤1000 gf,
8.13.1 For most testing purposes, the minimum recom- this result can be reported as 400 HK 0.1, for example, when
mended spacing between separate tests and the minimum a test at 100 gf yields a Knoop hardness of 400. The same
distance between an indentation and the surface of the approach is used to report the Vickers hardness.
specimen, are illustrated in Fig. 3. 9.2.1.2 In the SI system the hardness would be reported as
8.13.2 For some applications, closer spacing of indentations 3.92 GPa, but this practice is not preferred for the reasons
than those shown in Fig. 3 may be necessary. If a closer stated in 9.1.1.
indentation spacing is used, it shall be the responsibility of the 9.2.1.3 For nonstandard dwell times, other than 10 to 15 s,
testing laboratory to verify the accuracy of the testing proce- the hardness would be reported as 400 HK 0.1/22 s. In this
dure. Parallel, staggered bands of indents from the surface
iTeh Standards
inward can be utilized to obtain closer overall spacing of
indents with respect to the distance from the surface than can
case, 22 s would be the actual time of the full load dwell time.
9.2.1.4 For macro-Vickers tests with forces >1 kgf, see Test
Method E92 for the recommended notation.
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be safely done with a single line of indents from the surface
inward, or within the interior of the specimen. 9.3 Examples of the calculation of measurement uncertainty
are given in Test Method E92.
9. Report Document Preview
9.1 Report the following information: 10. Precision and Bias
9.1.1 The number of tests and, where appropriate or 10.1 The precision and bias of microindentation hardness
ASTM E384-17
required, the mean, standard deviation and 95% confidence measurements depend on strict adherence to the stated test
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interval for the tests. Due to the long history of hardness procedure and are influenced by instrumental and material
calculations, and because the traditional kg/mm2 unit is not factors and indentation measurement errors.

FIG. 3 Minimum Recommended Spacing for Knoop and Vickers Indentations

7
 E384 − 17
10.2 The consistency of agreement for repeated tests on the variables: force, indenter geometry and diagonal measurement.
same material is dependent on the homogeneity of the material, For the Vickers test, the error in measuring the diagonals has a
reproducibility of the hardness tester, and consistent, careful bigger effect on the precision of the HV value than a larger
measurement of the indents by a competent operator. error in the test force or the face geometry. For the Knoop test,
10.3 Instrumental factors that can affect test results include: an error in measuring the long diagonal has a bigger influence
accuracy of loading; inertia effects; speed of loading; vibra- on the precision of the HK value than a larger error in the test
tions; the angle of indentation; lateral movement of the force. But, errors in the two face angles, Fig. 1, have a very
indenter or specimen; and, indentation and indenter shape significant effect on the precision of the HK value.
deviations. 10.8 Three separate interlaboratory studies have been con-
10.3.1 Vibrations during indenting will produce larger in- ducted in accordance with Practice E691 to determine the
dentations with the potential influence of vibrations becoming precision, repeatability, and reproducibility of this test method.
greater as the force decreases (2, 3). The three studies are defined as follows: (a) Knoop and Vickers
10.3.2 The angle between the indenter and specimen surface tests, six test forces in the micro range, twelve laboratories,
should be within 2° of perpendicular. Greater amounts of tilting manual measurements, and seven different hardness level
may produce non-uniform indentations and incorrect test specimens (see 10.8.1 and Appendix X1). Results were pub-
results. lished in 1989 (7, 8) and in ASTM Research Report RR:E04-
10.4 Material factors that can affect test results include: 1004.6(b) Knoop and Vickers tests, two test forces in the micro
specimen homogeneity, orientation or texture effects; improper range, seven laboratories, image analysis and manual
specimen preparation; low specimen surface reflectivity; and, measurements, four different hardness level specimens (see
transparency of the specimen. 10.8.2, Appendix X2 and ASTM Research Report RR:E04-
7
10.4.1 Residual deformation from mechanical polishing 1006). (c) Knoop and Vickers tests, six test forces in the micro
must be removed, particularly for low-force (≤200 gf) testing. range, twenty-five laboratories, manual measurements, six
10.4.2 Distortion of the indentation shape, due to either different hardness level specimens (see 10.8.3, Appendix X3
crystallographic or microstructural texture, influences diagonal and ASTM Research Report RR:E04-1007).8
10.8.1 An interlaboratory test program was conducted in
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lengths and the validity of the calculated hardness.
10.4.3 Plastic deformation during indentation can produce accordance
ing the
with Practice E691 to develop information regard-
precision, repeatability, and reproducibility of the
ridging around the indentation periphery that will affect diago-
nal measurement accuracy. (https://standards.iteh.ai)
10.4.4 Testing of etched surfaces, depending on the extent
measurement
data have
6
been
of Knoop
filed at
and Vickers indentations (supporting
ASTM Headquarters; request RR:E04-

Document Preview
of etching, may produce results that are different from those 1004). The test forces were 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 gf
obtained on unetched surfaces (2). on three ferrous and four nonferrous specimens (7, 8). Twelve
laboratories measured the indentations, five of each type at
10.5 Measurement errors that can affect test results include: each force on each sample. Additional details of this study are
ASTM E384-17
inaccurate calibration of the measuring device; inadequate given in Appendix X1.
resolving power of the objective; insufficient magnification;
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operator bias in sizing the indentations; poor image contrast;
10.8.1.1 Tests of the three ferrous specimens revealed that
nine laboratories produced similar measurements while two
non-uniform illumination; and, improper zeroing of the mea- laboratories consistently undersized the indentations and one
suring device. laboratory consistently oversized the indentations; that is,
10.5.1 The accuracy of microindentation hardness testing is biased results were produced. These latter results were most
strongly influenced by the accuracy to which the indentations pronounced as the force decreased and specimen hardness
can be measured. increased (that is, as the diagonal size decreased) and were
10.5.2 The error in measuring the diagonals increases as the observed for both Vickers and Knoop indentations. Results for
numerical aperture of the measuring objective decreases (4, 5). the lower hardness nonferrous indentations produced better
In general, indents <30 µm in length should be measured with agreement. However, none of the laboratories that obtained
objectives having greater magnification than 40 or 50×. Image higher or lower results on the ferrous specimens measured the
contrast between the indent and the specimen is critical for nonferrous indentations.
precise measurement of diagonal length. 10.8.1.2 Repeatability Interval—The difference due to test
10.5.3 Bias is introduced if the operator consistently under- error between two test results in the same laboratory on the
sizes or over-sizes the indentations. same material increases with increasing specimen hardness and
10.6 Some of the factors that affect test results produce with decreasing test force (see X1.4.4).
systematic errors that influence all test results while others
primarily influence low-force (≤25 gf) test results (6). Some of 6
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
these problems occur continually, others may occur in an be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:E04-1004. Contact ASTM Customer
Service at [email protected].
undefined, sporadic manner. Low-force hardness tests are 7
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
influenced by these factors to a greater extent than higher force be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:E04-1006. Contact ASTM Customer
tests. Service at [email protected].
8
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
10.7 For both the Vickers and Knoop hardness tests, the be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:E04-1007. Contact ASTM Customer
calculated microindentation hardness is a function of three Service at [email protected].

8
 E384 − 17
10.8.1.3 Reproducibility Interval—The difference in test 10.8.2.3 Neither Practice E691, nor any other ASTM
results on the same material tested in different laboratories standard, deals with comparing test results of a single property
increased with increasing specimen hardness and with decreas- made by two different test methods. Hence, it is not possible to
ing test force (see X1.4.5). statistically and accurately compare the hardness measure-
10.8.1.4 The within-laboratory and between-laboratory pre- ments made by the manual and automated procedures.
cision values improved as specimen hardness decreased and However, this information is graphically represented for com-
test force increased. The repeatability interval and reproduc- parative purposes, X2.6.
ibility interval were generally larger than the precision 10.8.3 Tests of six ferrous alloys with hardness values of
estimate, particularly at low test forces and high specimen <20 HRC, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 67 HRC were tested using Knoop
hardness. and Vickers tests at a variety of test forces, usually 25, 50, 100,
10.8.2 An interlaboratory test program was conducted in 300, 500 and 1000 gf (except that the lowest test forces for
accordance with Practice E691 to develop information regard- Vickers tests of the 60 and 67 HRC specimens were not
ing the repeatability and reproducibility of Knoop and Vickers performed). Twenty-five different laboratories tested the steels
measurements made with automated image analysis systems using the Vickers test while thirteen different laboratories
compared to measurements by manual procedures. Four fer- tested the steels using the Knoop test. Additional details of this
rous specimens were used in the round robin. The tests were study are given in Appendix X3.
conducted at 100 gf and 300 gf. The participants in the test 10.8.3.1 Repeatability and reproducibility statistics were
program measured the same indentations on the four speci- determined for the Knoop and Vickers diagonal measurements.
mens. Seven labs measured the specimens using both proce- Results are tabulated in Table X3.1 and Table X3.2 and are
dures. The Knoop indentations on specimen C1 were too long shown graphically in Fig. X3.1 and Fig. X3.2.
for accurate measurements to be made by one lab; hence, only 10.8.3.2 Repeatability and reproducibility statistics were
six sets of measurements were made on this specimen. Near the determined for the Knoop and Vickers hardness values. Results
end of the test program, specimen B1 was lost in shipping; thus are tabulated in Table X3.3 and Table X3.4 and are shown
only six sets of measurements were made on this specimen. graphically in Fig. X3.3 and Fig. X3.4.
Additional details of the study are contained in Appendix X2.
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10.8.2.1 Repeatability concerns the variability between in-
dividual test results obtained within a single laboratory by a
11. Conversion to Other Hardness Scales or Tensile
Strength Values

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single operator with a specific set of test apparatus. For both
the manual and automated measurements, the repeatability
interval increased with specimen hardness and decreasing test
11.1 There is no generally accepted method for precise
conversion of Knoop or Vickers microindentation hardness
numbers to other hardness scales or tensile strength values.
Document Preview
force, Appendix X2. For equivalent testing conditions, the
repeatability interval for automated measurements was slightly
Such conversions are empirical and are limited in precision and
should be used with caution, except for special cases where a
larger than for manual measurements. reliable basis for the conversion has been obtained by com-
ASTM
10.8.2.2 Reproducibility deals with the variability betweenE384-17
parison tests. For loads ≥ 25 gf microindentation Vickers
single test results obtained by different laboratories applying hardness numbers are in statistical agreement with macro-
the https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/7c9f140c-cf8a-499f-a199-09fb6b94ed09/astm-e384-17
same test methods to the same or similar test specimens. Vickers hardness numbers. Refer to Standard Hardness Con-
For both the manual and automated measurements, the repro- version Tables in E140.
ducibility interval increased with specimen hardness and de-
creasing test force, Appendix X2. For equivalent testing 12. Keywords
conditions, the reproducibility interval for automated measure- 12.1 hardness; indentation; Knoop; microindentation; Vick-
ments was slightly larger than for manual measurements. ers

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. VERIFICATION OF KNOOP AND VICKERS HARDNESS TESTING MACHINES AND INDENTERS

A1.1 Scope ing the consistency of microindentation measurements based

A1.1.1 Annex A1 specifies three types of procedures for on the periodic verification tests and detecting measurement
verifying microindentation (Knoop and Vickers) hardness test- deviations is described in Practices E2554 and E2587.
ing machines: direct verification, indirect verification, and A1.1.2 Direct verification is a process normally performed
periodic verification. This annex also contains geometric speci- by the manufacture for verifying that critical components of the
fications for the indenter. A control chart method for monitor- hardness testing machine are within allowable tolerances by

9
 E384 − 17
direct measurement of the applied test forces, the indentation formed in accordance with the schedule given in Table A1.1 for
measuring system, and the testing cycle. For additional infor- each microindentation hardness indenter that will be used.
mation about direct verification see Test Method E92. A1.3.2 It is recommended that the periodic verification
A1.1.3 Indirect verification is a process performed by the procedures be performed whenever the indenter is changed,
user of the machine, or by an outside certification agency, to that is, if one indenter is physically removed from the port and
periodically verify the performance of the testing machine by another is inserted into its place. This is not required with
means of standardized test blocks. For additional information machines that have both types of indenter mounted on the same
about the indirect verification procedure, see Test Method E92. turret. It is also recommended to perform a periodic verifica-
A1.1.4 The periodic (formerly called “weekly”) verification tion when loads are changed (to verify that the load is not
is a process for monitoring the performance of the testing “hanging up”).
machine between indirect verifications by means of standard- A1.3.3 Periodic Verification Procedures—The procedure to
ized test blocks and is performed by the user. use when performing a periodic verification is as follows.
A1.3.3.1 At least one standardized test block that meets the
A1.2 General Requirements requirements of Annex A2 shall be used for each microinden-
A1.2.1 The testing machine shall be verified at specific tation hardness indenter to be used. When test blocks are
instances and at periodic intervals as specified in Table A1.1, commercially available, the hardness level of the test blocks
and when circumstances occur that may affect the performance shall be chosen at approximately the same hardness value as
of the testing machine. See Annex A1 in Test Method E92 for the material to be measured. If various hardness ranges are to
interval details for direct and indirect verifications. be made, it is recommended to take a test block from each
A1.2.2 All instruments used to make measurements re- range of hardness as described in Table A1.2.
quired by this Annex shall be calibrated traceable to national A1.3.3.2 The indenter to be used for the periodic verifica-
standards when a system of traceability exists, except as noted tion shall be the indenter that is normally used for testing.
otherwise. A1.3.3.3 Before performing the periodic verification tests,
ensure that the testing machine is working freely, the stage and

iTeh Standards
A1.2.3 Periodic verification and the indirect verification of test block are clean, and the measuring device is properly
the testing machine shall be performed at the location where adjusted and zeroed.
the tester is used. A1.3.3.4 Make at least three hardness measurements on
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A1.2.4 Direct verification of newly manufactured or rebuilt
testing machines may be performed at the place of
each of the verification test blocks. The tests shall be distrib-
uted uniformly over the surface of the test blocks.

Document Preview
manufacture, rebuild or the location of use. Details of this
procedure can be found in Test Method E92.
A1.3.3.5 Let d̄ be the average of the measurements. Deter-
mine the error E and the repeatability R in the performance of
NOTE A1.1—It is recommended that the calibration agency that is used the testing machine using Eq 10 and Eq 11 from 3.4 for each
to conduct the verifications of microindentation hardness testing machines standardized test block that is measured.
ASTMbyE384-17
be accredited to the requirements of ISO 17025 (or an equivalent) a (1) If the error E and the repeatability R calculated for each
recognized accrediting body that operates to the requirements of ISO
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Guide 58. test block is within the tolerances given in Table A1.3, the
testing machine with the indenter may be regarded as perform-
A1.2.5 Verification of Indenter—The geometry of the in-
ing satisfactorily.
denter is verified at the time of manufacturing and it is
(2) If the error E and the repeatability R calculated for any
mandatory for new machines. Subsequent verifications of the
of the test blocks is outside the tolerances, the periodic
indenter are performed by visual inspection of the resulting
verification may be repeated with a different indenter. If the
indentation; it is usually sufficient for the user to verify the
average of the hardness measurements again falls outside of
absence of defects from the shape of indentations performed on
tolerances for any of the test blocks, an indirect verification
test blocks. Details of this process are given in Test Meth-
shall be performed.
odE92.
A1.3.3.6 If a testing machine fails a periodic verification,
A1.3 Periodic Verification the hardness tests made since the last valid periodic verification
may be suspect.
A1.3.1 The periodic (formerly known as the “weekly”)
verification is intended as a tool for the user to monitor the NOTE A1.2—It is highly recommended that the results obtained from
performance of the testing machine between indirect verifica- the periodic verification testing be recorded using accepted Statistical
Process Control techniques, such as, but not limited to, X-bar (measure-
tions. At a minimum, the periodic verification shall be per- ment averages) and R-charts (measurement ranges), and histograms (see
Practices E2554 and E2587).
TABLE A1.1 Verification Schedule for a Microindentation
Hardness Testing Machine
TABLE A1.2 Hardness Ranges Used for Periodic Verification
Verification
Schedule
Procedure Range Knoop Vickers
Periodic Verification Required each week that the machine is used. Low < 250 < 240
Recommended whenever the indenter is physically Mid 250–650 240–600
removed and replaced by another indenter. High > 650 > 600

10
 E384 − 17
TABLE A1.3 Repeatability and Error of Test Machines— Periodic Verification by Standardized Test Blocks Based on Measured
Diagonal LengthsA
R E
Hardness Range of Force, Maximum Maximum
Standardized Test Blocks gf Repeatability Error
(%) (%)
Knoop Vickers

HK > 0 HV > 0 1 # F <100 13 3

HK < 100 HV < 100 100 # F # 1000 13 3

100 # HK # 250 100 # HV # 240 100 # F < 500 13 2

250 < HK # 650 240 < HV # 600 5 2
HK > 650 HV > 600 4 2

100 # HK # 250 100 # HV # 240 500 # F # 1000 8 2

250 < HK # 650 240 < HV # 600 4 2
HK > 650 HV > 600 3 2
A
In all cases, the repeatability is the greater of the percentage given or 1 µm; the maximum error is the greater of the value obtained or 0.5 µm.

A1.4 Verification Report (2) Means of verification (test blocks, elastic proving
A1.4.1 A verification report is required for direct and devices, etc.) with statements defining traceability to a national
indirect verifications. A verification report is not required for a standard.
periodic verification. Additional details concerning creation of (3) The microindentation hardness scale(s) verified.
the verification report can be found in Test Method E92. (4) The individual or calculated results used to determine
whether the testing machine meets the requirements of the
A1.4.2 The verification report shall be produced by the
verification performed. Measurements made to determine the
person performing the verification and include the following
iTeh Standards
information when available as a result of the verification
performed.
as-found condition of the testing machine shall be included
whenever they are made.

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A1.4.2.1 Full details of the verification report can be found (5) Description of adjustments or maintenance done to the
in Test Method E92. testing machine.
A1.4.2.2 The basic components of the verification report, as (6) Date of verification and reference to the verifying
Document Preview
defined in detail in Test Method E92, are summarized below.
(1) Identification of the hardness testing machine and the
agency or department.
(7) Signature of the person performing the verification.
indenters used.
ASTM E384-17
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A2. CALIBRATION OF STANDARDIZED HARDNESS TEST BLOCKS FOR MICROINDENTATION HARDNESS

TEST MACHINES

A2.1 Scope A2.2 Certification of Standardized Test Block

A2.1.1 The calibration of standardized hardness test blocks A2.2.1 The certificate accompanying each standardized
used to verify microindentation hardness test machines is hardness test block shall include the following information: the
described in Test Method E92. The standardizing machine shall arithmetic mean of each group of five impression diagonals;
meet the direct verification method described in Test Method the arithmetic mean and standard deviation of all impression
E92.
diagonals, the corresponding hardness value, the test force,
A2.1.2 Re-polishing of the test block will invalidate the serial number of the test block, name of the manufacturer and
standardization and is not recommended. Cleaning of the certifying organization, magnification used, and the date.
polished test block surface is often required in normal usage
but must not alter the hardness or quality of the polished test
surface.

11
 E384 − 17
APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. RESULTS OF INTERLABORATORY TEST OF THE MEASUREMENT OF MICROINDENTATIONS

X1.1 Introduction hardness. For specimens below about 300 HV, there was
X1.1.1 This interlaboratory test program (7, 8) was con- relatively little difference in HV over the test force range.
ducted to develop precision and bias estimates for the mea- X1.4.3 For the Knoop test data, most of the laboratories
surement of both Knoop and Vickers indentations using forces agreed that the hardness decreased continually with increasing
of 25 to 1000 gf for ferrous and nonferrous specimens covering test force and then became reasonably constant. However, the
a wide range of hardness (see Research Report RR:E04- two laboratories that exhibited outlier data for the ferrous
1004).6 specimens did show the opposite trend; this is highly unusual.
X1.2 Scope The difference in HK values between low forces and high
forces increased with increasing specimen hardness. For speci-
X1.2.1 This interlaboratory test program provides informa- mens with hardness below about 300 HK, the difference in
tion on the measurement of the same indentations by different hardness was quite small over the test force range.
laboratories according to the procedures of Practice E691.
X1.4.4 Repeatability Interval—The difference due to test
X1.3 Procedure error between two test results in the laboratory on the same
X1.3.1 Five indentations were made under controlled con- material was calculated using the (Sr)j values, the pooled
ditions at each force (25, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 gf), with within-laboratory standard deviation. (Sr)j increased with di-
both Knoop and Vickers indenters using three ferrous and four agonal size and the relationship varied for each material and
nonferrous specimens. test type. Table X1.1 lists regression equations that show the

iTeh Standards
relationship between (Sr)j and the diagonal length, µm. The
X1.3.2 Twelve laboratories measured the indentations on
the ferrous specimens and the nonferrous specimens. Two repeatability interval (Ir)j, was calculated based on the rela-
tionships in Table X1.1. Because the repeatability intervals are
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laboratories measured the hardness of both groups.
also a function of diagonal length, regression equations were
X1.3.3 Each laboratory used the same stage micrometer to also calculated, Table X1.2. The repeatability intervals, in

X1.3.4 Results were tabulated andDocument

analyzed in accordance Preview
calibrate their measuring device. terms of Knoop and Vickers values for ferrous and nonferrous
specimens, are shown in Figs. X1.1-X1.4.
with Practice E691.
X1.4.5 Reproducibility Interval—The difference in test re-
X1.4 Results ASTM E384-17
sults on the same material in different laboratories was calcu-
lated using the (SR)j values, the between-laboratory estimate of
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X1.4.1 For the three ferrous specimens, results from nine
precision. (S )j increased with diagonal size and the relation-
R
laboratories showed general agreement as to the diagonal sizes.
ship varied for each material and test type. Table X1.3 lists the
Two other laboratories consistently undersized the indentations
regression equations that show the relationship between (SR)j
(higher hardness) and one laboratory consistently oversized the
and the diagonal length, µm. The reproducibility intervals (IR)j,
indentations (lower hardness). This bias was observed with
both Vickers and Knoop indentations sized by these laborato- were calculated based on the relationships shown in Table
ries with the degree of bias increasing as the indentation size X1.3. Because the reproducibility intervals are also a function
decreased and the specimen hardness increased. Test on the of diagonal length, regression equations were also calculated,
four nonferrous specimens produced general agreement, but Table X1.4. The reproducibility intervals, in terms of Knoop
none of the three laboratories that produced biased results for and Vickers values for the ferrous and nonferrous specimens,
the ferrous specimens measured the nonferrous specimens. are shown in Figs. X1.1-X1.4.
X1.4.2 For the Vickers test data, the calculated hardness X1.4.6 The within-laboratory and between-laboratory pre-
increased with increasing force and then became reasonably cision values were calculated from (Vr(%))j and (VL(%))j
constant. This trend was apparent in the data from the nine which are the coefficients of variation for within-laboratory and
consistent laboratories (ferrous specimens) and for the labora- between-laboratory tests. Both are a function of the length of
tory that oversized the indentations. The two laboratories that the diagonal. The within-laboratory and between-laboratory
consistently undersized the Vickers indentations exhibited precision values were relatively similar for both Vickers and
substantial data scatter for the tests with forces of less than 100 Knoop test data, either ferrous or nonferrous. In general, the
gf. However for higher forces, their indentation measurements repeatability intervals and reproducibility intervals were larger
were relatively constant. The force at which the hardness than the precision estimates, particularly at low test forces and
became relatively constant increased with increasing specimen high specimen hardness.

12