Hardness testing in powder metallurgy requires completely different parameters and procedures compared to classic hardness testing applications. Samples have to be prepared well to enable the hardness test. Powder has to be embedded in resin, e. g. with a hot mounting press, and afterwards the materialographic specimen has to be polished to obtain a clean surface for hardness testing.
Next to applications on steel and non-ferrous metals hardness testing on ceramic materials is an interesting and challenging application for any hardness tester. High hardness values and low fracture toughness are typical characteristics of technical ceramics. With advanced optic system quality and unique universality QNESS hardness testers can make daily hardness testing on ceramics a lot easier for the operator.