ASTM E384
Full Name
ASTM E384 – Standard Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Materials
Scope
ASTM E384 is a standard test method used to determine the microindentation hardness of materials. Microindentation hardness is a measure of a material’s resistance to indentation at a microscopic level. It is determined by pressing a diamond indenter into the surface of the material with a known load and measuring the dimensions of the resulting indentation.
Indenters:
- Knoop indenter: a rhombohedral diamond indenter with a specific geometry.
- Vickers indenter: a square-based pyramid diamond indenter.
Test procedure:
- Sample preparation: ensure the test surface is smooth and free of defects.
- Indentation: apply a specified load to the indenter, typically ranging from 1 to 500 grams.
- Measurement: measure the diagonal lengths of the indentation using a microscope.
- Calculation: microindentation hardness number (MHN) is calculated based on the applied load and the dimensions of the indentation.
Applications – microindentation hardness testing is used in various industries, including:
- Manufacturing: quality control, materials selection, and process monitoring.
- Research and development: material characterization and performance evaluation.
- Electronics: testing of thin films and coatings.
Resources
Keywords
microindentation hardness; materials; test method; indentation; diamond indenter; Knoop indenter; Vickers indenter; load; measurement; calculation; MHN; quality control; material selection; process monitoring; research and development; manufacturing; electronics; thin films; coatings; testing services; ASTM E384