hardness test blocks West Midlands

Knoop Hardness Test

Advanced Knoop Hardness Test Blocks for Micro-Level Material Analysis

At Indentec, we deliver high-precision Knoop hardness test solutions tailored for microhardness evaluation of delicate materials, thin films, and coated surfaces. As specialists in hardness testing, we understand the need for accuracy, repeatability, and compliance in advanced materials testing environments.

Whether you’re working in electronics, medical device manufacturing, metallurgy, or research and development, our Knoop hardness testers provide the resolution and reliability required to meet modern testing demands. Backed by decades of engineering experience and a global reputation for quality, Indentec is your trusted partner in microhardness testing.

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What is the Knoop Hardness Test?

The Knoop hardness test is a microhardness testing method used to measure the hardness of extremely thin materials or small components with minimal damage to the sample. Named after Frederic Knoop, who developed the test in 1939 at the National Bureau of Standards, it uses an elongated diamond-shaped indenter applied with very low loads.

Unlike other hardness tests, the Knoop method creates a shallow, asymmetrical indentation, making it ideal for:

  • Thin films and surface coatings

  • Small, brittle materials
  • Cross-sectional analysis of layered composites

  • Microelectronics and solder joints

  • Biomaterials such as tooth enamel or bone

The test result is expressed in Knoop Hardness Number (KHN), calculated based on the applied force and the length of the indentation’s long diagonal.

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Why Use the Knoop Hardness Test?

The Knoop hardness test offers several key advantages over other microhardness methods:

  • Minimal Penetration Depth: The unique indenter geometry reduces penetration depth, making it ideal for testing thin coatings and fragile materials without distortion.

  • Excellent Resolution: High sensitivity to surface features allows for detailed hardness mapping at the micro scale.

  • Non-Destructive: Particularly suited for specimens where minimal material damage is essential.

  • Broad Material Compatibility: Applicable to ceramics, metals, polymers, glasses, and biological materials.

  • Precise Small Area Testing: Allows hardness measurements in very confined spaces, including solder joints, micro welds, and grain boundaries.

  • International Standardisation: Fully compliant with ASTM E384, ISO 4545, and other relevant testing standards.

 

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How the Knoop Hardness Test Works

The Knoop test procedure involves several carefully controlled steps:

  1. Indenter Application: A narrow, rhombic-based diamond indenter is pressed into the sample surface under a low test force (typically 10–1000 gf) for a set dwell time (commonly 10–15 seconds).

  2. Indentation Formation: The indenter creates a shallow, elongated impression that is easier to measure on thin materials than deeper indentations used in other hardness tests.

  3. Measurement: The long diagonal of the indentation is measured using an optical microscope or digital image analysis system.

  4. KHN Calculation: The Knoop Hardness Number is calculated using a standard formula based on the test load and the measured diagonal.

Because the indentation is so small and shallow, the Knoop test is ideal for cross-sectioned samples or fragile surfaces that could be damaged by traditional hardness methods.

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Indentec’s Knoop Hardness Testing Solutions

At Indentec, we offer a complete portfolio of Knoop microhardness testing systems, designed to meet the specific needs of high-precision industries and research facilities:

  • Manual Microhardness Testers
     Compact and easy-to-operate systems are ideal for routine lab testing and educational settings. High-quality optics and mechanical controls ensure accurate measurements under low-load conditions.

  • Digital Microhardness Testers
     Integrated with digital load selection, user-friendly touchscreen displays, and high-resolution imaging for precise and consistent testing across multiple samples.

  • Fully Automated Knoop Test Systems
     Ideal for high-volume environments, our automated solutions offer motorised stages, autofocus, programmable test patterns, automatic indentation measurement, and comprehensive data reporting. Perfect for QA/QC in advanced manufacturing.

  • Dual-Mode Vickers/Knoop Testers
     Flexible systems that allow seamless switching between Vickers and Knoop hardness testing, saving time and expanding testing capabilities in one unit.

All Indentec Knoop hardness testers are engineered and manufactured in accordance with ASTM E384, ISO 4545, and DIN standards. Each machine is delivered with traceable calibration certificates and user training to ensure correct operation and ongoing compliance.

Applications of the Knoop Hardness Test

The Knoop method is a go-to choice across industries where precision surface analysis is critical:

  • Electronics and Semiconductors: Testing solder joints, metallised layers, wafer materials, and microelectronic components.

  • Medical Devices and Biomaterials: Assessing the hardness of implants, coatings, and biological structures like enamel and bone.

  • Metallurgy and Heat Treatment: Evaluating case depth, diffusion layers, and microstructural differences in metallic components.

  • Thin Film Technology: Measuring coatings such as PVD, CVD, anodised surfaces, and decorative or functional layers.

  • Research and Development: Used extensively in materials research, academic institutions, and innovation centres for advanced characterisation.

Why Choose Indentec for Knoop Hardness Testing?

  1. Decades of Industry Expertise
     With a long history in designing and manufacturing hardness testing equipment, Indentec is trusted worldwide for quality and technical excellence.

  2. Superior Accuracy and Repeatability
     Our systems deliver outstanding precision, ensuring you can reliably test small and sensitive materials.

  3. Compliance and Traceability
     All systems meet or exceed international hardness testing standards and are supported with certified calibration services.

  4. Flexible, Scalable Solutions
     From standalone lab testers to integrated automated systems, Indentec offers Knoop solutions tailored to your production or research environment.

  5. World-Class Support and Service
     Our customer service includes technical support, on-site training, software updates, maintenance, and calibration — ensuring optimal performance at all times.

  6. Global Presence, Local Support
     With distribution and service partners across the globe, Indentec is always within reach when you need assistance.

 

Request a Quote or Consultation for Knoop Hardness Test Services

Partner with Indentec to ensure the accuracy and reliability of your Knoop hardness test equipment. Our certified Knoop hardness test blocks provide consistent, traceable results, enabling your business to achieve precise microhardness measurements and uphold the highest levels of quality assurance.

Contact our specialist team today to learn more about our Knoop test blocks or to place your order with confidence.

We also specialise in Rockwell, Brinell and Vickers hardness testing.

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