Hardness Test Blocks

Hardness test blocks, also known as hardness reference blocks, are used for indirect calibration procedures and periodic daily checks of hardness testing instruments. Using high-quality, consistent hardness reference blocks with a minimal variation in hardness is vital to ensure the operational reliability of hardness testing machines. To ensure their traceability to the hardness standard, reference blocks must display a minimum hardness variation, and be calibrated with a small measurement uncertainty.

Vickers Test Block - Boxed and Certificate

Vickers Hardness Test Blocks

Rockwell Test Block - Boxed and Certificate

Rockwell & Superficial Hardness Test Blocks

Knoop Hardness Test Block - Boxed and Certificate

Knoop Hardness Test Blocks

Brinell Test Block Boxed and Certificate

Brinell Hardness Test Blocks

Our hardness test blocks cover the full range of hardness testing methods, scales, and values.

Hardness Test Block Methods

Common techniques for measuring hardness include the Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers, and Knoop hardness tests, which use various indenters and loads. Brinell testing entails pressing a hard sphere into a material to measure the diameter of the indentation, whereas Rockwell testing gauges the depth of penetration under a continuous force. A pyramid-shaped indenter is used in the Vickers and Knoop tests to determine the degree of hardness based on the size of the indentation.

Talk to our team today or give us a call
Hardness Testing Machine details
collection of hardness test blocks

Hardness Test Block Values

The numerical measurements derived from different hardness test techniques are called hardness testing values, and they show how resistant a material is to indentation or penetration. When describing a material’s characteristics and determining if it is appropriate for a given application, these values are essential. Typical hardness values are:
  • Vickers hardness (represented as HV)
  • Brinell hardness (measured in HB)
  • Knoop hardness (usually expressed in HK)
  • Rockwell hardness (expressed as HRC, HRB, etc.)
collection of hardness test blocks

Our Hardness Test Blocks are also used globally across a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, academia, engineering, manufacturing, medical and primary metal manufacturing.

Industries Using Hardness Reference Blocks

Hardness reference blocks are crucial reference points for a variety of industries:

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

Academia and Engineering Sectors: Hardness 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: Hardness test blocks support quality control procedures by making it easier to validate and calibrate hardness testing equipment to preserve accuracy and consistency.

get started today with our team
Hardness Testing Blocks being tested in Hardness Testing Machine

Hardness Test Blocks FAQ’s

What is the purpose of hardness test blocks?
Hardness test blocks are samples of materials with a known and consistent hardness. They are used to calibrate and verify the accuracy of hardness testing machines.

During the calibration process, a hardness test block is placed under the indenter of a hardness testing machine, and the hardness value is measured. This value is then compared to the known hardness value of the block to ensure that the testing equipment is providing accurate results.

Some common types of hardness test blocks include cylindrical, rectangular, and spherical blocks made of materials such as steel, tungsten carbide, or ceramics.

It is recommended to calibrate hardness testing machines using hardness test blocks at regular intervals, such as annually or after a certain number of tests, to ensure reliable results.

Contact Us Today For Hardness Reference Blocks

Whether you’re interested in our hardness test or reference blocks or need to find out more, our team is always ready to help you with your inquiry. Contact our team at +44 (0)1384 48 40 70 or send us an email at:zrb.sales@zwickroell.com.

Start a conversation with a member of our team