Vickers Microhardness Testing (HV)
Engineering definition, metallurgical mechanisms, standard testing specifications, and manufacturing guidelines for closed-die forgings up to 50 kg.
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A microhardness indentation test utilizing a square-based diamond pyramid indenter with a 136° apex angle to measure precise localized hardness across weld zones and cases.
Technical Explanation & Metallurgical Principles
The Vickers test (HV) is universal because its diamond indenter produces geometrically similar impressions regardless of test load (from 10 gf microhardness to 50 kgf macrohardness). It is the mandatory method for surveying hardness traverses across the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of welds per NACE MR0175 and measuring carburized case depth.
Key Engineering Specifications & Parameters
| Technical Parameter / Metric | Engineering Benchmark / Value |
|---|---|
| Indenter | 136° square-based diamond pyramid |
| Test Loads | HV1 (1 kgf), HV5 (5 kgf), or HV10 (10 kgf) |
| NACE Cap | Max 248 HV10 in weld HAZ for sour service |
Application at Jayesh Forge (Rajkot Plant)
Utilized in our Rajkot metallurgy lab for microhardness depth traverses on induction-hardened and case-carburized gear components.
Related Materials, Standards & Products
Related Metallurgical & Testing Terms
Rockwell Hardness Testing (HRC / HRB)
A direct-reading indentation hardness test measuring the permanent depth of penetration produced by a diamond spheroconical indenter (Scale C) or steel ball (Scale B).
Brinell Hardness Testing (HBW)
A standardized hardness test that presses a 10mm tungsten carbide ball indenter into the metal surface under a 3000 kgf load to measure indentation diameter.
Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ)
The portion of the base forging metal adjacent to a weld seam that has not melted but whose microstructure and properties have been modified by the intense heat of welding.
Questions Regarding Vickers Microhardness Testing (HV)
The small diamond impression fits inside narrow sub-millimeter heat-affected zones where large Brinell balls cannot physically fit.
Request a Forging Quote with Vickers Microhardness Testing (HV) Compliance
Our Rajkot metallurgy desk is ready to review your technical drawings, testing protocols, and delivery schedules for custom closed-die forgings strictly up to 50 kg.