hardness test blocks West Midlands

Hardness Reference Blocks

Indentec have been manufacturing hardness reference blocks since 1976, making us a leading provider within the industry. Thanks to our years of experience, we have built up our in-house calibration laboratory to provide precision-engineered reference blocks. All engineered to ensure accurate and consistent results across various testing methods. Our hardness reference blocks are an essential step for industries across the UK and Europe, such as laboratories, industrial applications, forging, quality control processes and many more. When it comes to accuracy and reliability, our range of test blocks is there to ensure your processes continue to run smoothly.

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The Importance of Hardness Reference Blocks

Hardness reference blocks are an essential part of the calibration and verification process for hardness testing machines. These blocks are a crucial step for ensuring accurate hardness readings across various scales, including Rockwell, Vickers, Brinell, and Knoop. By using calibrated hardness reference blocks, you can ensure your testing equipment is providing you with the most precise and reliable results, which is crucial for product quality assurance and regulatory compliance across a wide range of industries.

At Indentec, we provide a wide range of hardness reference blocks, each one designed and calibrated for its specific use. This varies depending on the industry, for example, engineering, manufacturing, scientific research and many others. Each reference block is carefully manufactured and tested in-house at Indentec to meet international standards, ensuring compliance with the ISO and ASTM standards for hardness testing.

hardness test blocks

Hardness Reference Blocks We Manufacture

Rockwell Hardness Test Blocks

For most metals, the Rockwell hardness test is a reliable method, and it excels at testing how a metal resists indentation under a controlled pressure. However, the Rockwell hardness test is not suitable for every situation. They include:

  • Thin Metals: If the metal is too thin, the indentation from the test might be too large and distort the results.
  • Oddly Shaped Samples: Samples with unusual shapes might not provide a good surface for the test to be performed accurately.

Brinell Hardness Test Blocks

The Brinell hardness test is used in situations involving broad or rough surfaces, coarse-grained materials, or heavy loads. It works especially well for determining the hardness of materials with narrow hardness ranges, such as castings, softer steels, and non-ferrous metals.

Brinell hardness testing may not be appropriate for materials with extremely high hardness or for thin and tiny components where a smaller indentation size is required.

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Vickers Hardness Test Blocks

The Vickers Hardness Test is versatile and suitable for a range of applications; however, it may not be suitable for very soft or highly textured materials. For these situations, other hardness test methods like Brinell or Rockwell may be more appropriate.

In the Vickers hardness test, using a higher load is usually preferred because it reduces the influence of surface treatments and provides more results. However, for thin materials or coatings, lighter loads are essential to avoid compromising the material’s integrity.

Knoop Hardness Test Blocks

Knoop hardness test blocks are used for thin, small, or anisotropic materials. It works especially well for determining the hardness of individual microscopically sized features, thin coatings, and brittle materials. The following are some particular situations in which Knoop hardness testing is frequently used:

● Thin Films and Coatings
● Anisotropic Materials
● Micro Indentation
● Ceramic Materials
● Composite Materials
● Research and Development

The Advantage Of Hardness Reference Blocks From Indentec

From supplying hardness reference blocks for a wide range of businesses, we’ve been able to structure the hardness testing services we provide to suit each client, whether you’re after a one-time service or a long-term partnership.

  • Manufactured For Precision: Every hardness reference block we manufacture and calibrate is done with the utmost precision, using only the highest quality materials. Our team of engineers and technicians ensure that each test block undergoes strict quality control checks to meet the highest industry standards.
  • Wide Range of Scales: We supply Rockwell, Brinell, Knoop and Vickers reference blocks for a range of different hardness testing scales and values.
  • Certificate of Calibration:  Our reference blocks come with a certificate of calibration. These certifications ensure that your hardness blocks are working within specifications, providing reliable results.
  • Compliance With Global Standards: All Indentec hardness reference blocks adhere to strict international standards, ensuring your testing processes remain compliant with regulatory requirements.

Industries That Utilise Test Blocks

Hardness reference blocks are utilised in a range of different industries and businesses. Sectors where material hardness is a key factor that affects performance, safety and quality are likely to need testing blocks in recurrence. Here are a few industries that we manufacture and calibrate reference blocks for:

Aerospace and Automotive Sectors: Reference blocks assure the accuracy and dependability of hardness testing equipment, ensuring the integrity of crucial components such as engine parts, structural elements, and landing gear components, where strict quality standards are important.

Academia and Engineering Sectors: Test blocks give researchers and students standardised materials to examine material qualities and mechanical behaviour, which is important for research, experimentation, and education.

Primary Metal Manufacturing & Medical Sectors: Our calibrated test blocks support quality control procedures by making it easier to validate hardness testing equipment to preserve accuracy and consistency.

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Hardness Reference Blocks From Indentec

From supplying hardness reference blocks for a wide range of businesses, we’ve been able to structure the hardness testing services we provide to suit each client, whether you’re after a one-time service or a long-term partnership.

Thanks to our decades of experience in hardness testing and calibrating reference blocks, we provide products that enhance your business and keep operations moving. Our certified reference blocks are manufactured to industry standards, offering accuracy that strengthens your quality assurance processes. Our reference blocks are all compliant with international testing standards and help support regulatory compliance across a wide range of industries. 

At Indentec, we combine advanced manufacturing techniques with the latest testing equipment, and backed by a global network with responsive local services, we ensure your hardness testing blocks remain efficient for your specific industry needs.

Get Started Today With Indentec 

Shop our range of hardness reference blocks today, including Rockwell, Brinell, Knoop and Vickers or get in touch to find out more about our hardness testing services. Our team is always happy to answer any questions or to help you identify what test blocks you might need.

All of our reference blocks are engineered with precision, providing you with the confidence that your testing results are accurate and trustworthy. With a global reputation for international standard compliance and dedicated customer support, we are always happy to discuss how our hardness testing blocks can benefit your business.

Get in touch today to learn more about our hardness reference blocks or place your order!

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hardness test blocks from Indentec, West Midlands

Hardness Reference Blocks FAQs

Hardness test blocks are precision-engineered samples with a known hardness value. They serve to calibrate and validate the performance of hardness testing machines, ensuring consistent and accurate readings.

In the calibration process, a hardness test block is positioned beneath the machine’s indenter, which then measures its hardness. The result is compared with the block’s certified hardness value, allowing verification that the testing machine delivers accurate measurements.

Hardness test blocks come in various shapes, such as cylindrical, rectangular, and spherical forms, and are made from materials like steel, tungsten carbide, or ceramics to suit different testing requirements.

To maintain measurement accuracy, it’s recommended to calibrate hardness testing machines at set intervals—typically once a year or after a defined number of uses—using certified hardness test blocks.