NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.

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Designation: E92 − 17

Standard Test Methods for

Vickers Hardness and Knoop Hardness of Metallic
Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E92; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* continued common usage, force values in gf and kgf units are
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the provided for information and much of the discussion in this
Vickers hardness and Knoop hardness of metallic materials by standard as well as the method of reporting the test results
the Vickers and Knoop indentation hardness principles. This refers to these units.
NOTE 1—The Vickers and Knoop hardness numbers were originally
standard provides the requirements for Vickers and Knoop defined in terms of the test force in kilogram-force (kgf) and the surface
hardness machines and the procedures for performing Vickers area or projected area in millimetres squared (mm2). Today, the hardness
and Knoop hardness tests. numbers are internationally defined in terms of SI units, that is, the test
force in Newtons (N). However, in practice, the most commonly used
1.2 This standard includes additional requirements in an- force units are kilogram-force (kgf) and gram-force (gf). When Newton
nexes: units of force are used, the force must be divided by the conversion factor
9.80665 N/kgf.
iTeh Standards
Verification of Vickers and Knoop Hardness Testing Machines Annex A1
Vickers and Knoop Hardness Standardizing Machines Annex A2
Standardization of Vickers and Knoop Indenters
1.7 The test principles, testing procedures, and verification
Annex A3
Standardization of Vickers and Knoop Hardness Test Blocks procedures are essentially identical for both the Vickers and
Annex A4

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Correction Factors for Vickers Hardness Tests Made on
Spherical and Cylindrical Surfaces
Knoop hardness tests. The significant differences between the
Annex A5
two tests are the geometries of the respective indenters, the

appendix which relates to the Vickers Document Preview

1.3 This standard includes nonmandatory information in an method of calculation of the hardness numbers, and that
and Knoop hardness Vickers hardness may be used at higher force levels than
tests: Knoop hardness.
Examples of Procedures for Determining Vickers and Appendix X1 NOTE 2—While Committee E28 is primarily concerned with metallic
Knoop Hardness Uncertainty ASTM E92-17
materials, the test procedures described are applicable to other materials.
Other materials may require special considerations, for example see
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1.4 This test method covers Vickers hardness tests made
-3 C1326 and C1327 for ceramic testing.
utilizing test forces ranging from 9.807 × 10 N to 1176.80 N
(1 gf to 120 kgf), and Knoop hardness tests made utilizing test 1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
forces from 9.807 × 10-3 N to 19.613 N (1 gf to 2 kgf). safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.5 Additional information on the procedures and guidance priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
when testing in the microindentation force range (forces ≤ 1 bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
kgf) may be found in Test Method E384, Test Method for 1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
Microindentation Hardness of Materials. dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.6 Units—When the Vickers and Knoop hardness tests ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
were developed, the force levels were specified in units of Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
grams-force (gf) and kilograms-force (kgf). This standard mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
specifies the units of force and length in the International Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
System of Units (SI); that is, force in Newtons (N) and length
in mm or µm. However, because of the historical precedent and 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E28 on
Mechanical Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E28.06 on
2
Indentation Hardness Testing. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2017. Published May 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1952. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as E92–16. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0092-17. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 E92 − 17
C1326 Test Method for Knoop Indentation Hardness of 3.1.4 Vickers hardness number, HV, n—the calculated result
Advanced Ceramics from a Vickers hardness test, which is proportional to the test
C1327 Test Method for Vickers Indentation Hardness of force applied to the Vickers indenter divided by the surface
Advanced Ceramics area of the permanent indentation made by the indenter after
E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens removal of the test force.
E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing 3.1.4.1 Discussion—The surface area of the permanent in-
E7 Terminology Relating to Metallography dentation made by the Vickers indenter is calculated based
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to partly on the measured mean length of the two diagonals of the
Determine Conformance with Specifications projected area of the indentation.
E74 Practice of Calibration of Force-Measuring Instruments
3.1.5 Vickers hardness test, n—an indentation test in which
for Verifying the Force Indication of Testing Machines
a Vickers square-based pyramidal diamond indenter having
E140 Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals Relationship
specified face angles is forced under specified conditions into
Among Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell
the surface of the test material, and, after removal of the test
Hardness, Superficial Hardness, Knoop Hardness, Sclero-
force, the lengths of the two diagonals of the projected area of
scope Hardness, and Leeb Hardness
the indentation are measured to calculate the Vickers hardness
E175 Terminology of Microscopy
number.
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
ASTM Test Methods 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
E384 Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Mate- 3.2.1 standardization, n—to bring in conformance to a
rials known standard through verification or calibration.
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to 3.2.2 microindentation hardness test, n—a hardness test,
Determine the Precision of a Test Method normally in the Vickers or Knoop scales, using test forces in
2.2 ISO Standards:3 the range of 9.807 × 10-3 to 9.807 N (1 to 1000 gf).
ISO 6507-1 Metallic Materials—Vickers hardness Test—
3.2.3 macroindention hardness test, n—a hardness test using
iTeh Standards
Part 1: Test Method
ISO/IEC 17011 Conformity Assessment—General Require- test forces normally higher than 9.807 N (1 kgf). Macroinden-
ments for Accreditation Bodies Accrediting Conformity tation tests include Vickers, Rockwell and Brinell.
Assessment Bodies
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ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence
NOTE 3—Use of the term microhardness should be avoided because it
implies that the hardness, rather than the force or the indentation size, is

Document Preview
of Testing and Calibration Laboratories very low.
3.2.4 scale, n—a specific combination of indenter (Knoop or
3. Terminology and Equations Vickers) and the test force (kgf).
3.1 Definitions of Terms—For the standard definitions of 3.2.4.1 Discussion—For example, HV 10 is a scale defined
terms used in this test method, see Terminology E6 ASTM
and E92-17
as using a Vickers indenter and a 10 kgf test force and HK 0.1
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Terminology E7. is a scale defined as using a Knoop indenter and a 100 gf test
3.1.1 indentation hardness, n—the hardness as evaluated force. See 5.10 for the proper reporting of the hardness level
from measurements of area or depth of the indentation made by and scale.
forcing a specified indenter into the surface of a material under
specified static loading conditions. 3.2.5 as-found condition, n—the state of the hardness ma-
chine as reflected by the initial verification measurements made
3.1.2 Knoop hardness number, HK, n—the calculated result prior to performing any cleaning, maintenance, adjustments or
from a Knoop hardness test, which is proportional to the test repairs associated with an indirect verification.
force applied to the Knoop indenter divided by the projected
area of the permanent indentation made by the indenter after 3.2.6 hardness machine, n—a machine capable of perform-
removal of the test force. ing a Vickers or Knoop hardness test.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—The projected area of the permanent 3.2.7 hardness testing machine, n—a Vickers or Knoop
indentation made by the Knoop indenter is calculated based hardness machine used for general testing purposes.
partly on the measured length of the long diagonal of the
3.2.8 hardness standardizing machine, n—a Vickers or
projected area of the indentation.
Knoop hardness machine used for the standardization of
3.1.3 Knoop hardness test, n—an indentation test in which a Vickers or Knoop hardness test blocks.
Knoop rhombic-based pyramidal diamond indenter having 3.2.8.1 Discussion—A hardness standardizing machine dif-
specified edge angles, is forced under specified conditions into fers from a hardness testing machine by having tighter toler-
the surface of the test material, and, after removal of the test ances on certain parameters.
force, the length of the long diagonal of the projected area of
the indentation is measured to calculate the Knoop hardness 3.3 Equations:
number. 3.3.1 The average d̄ of a set of n diagonal length measure-
ments d1, d2, …, dn is calculated as:
3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., d 1 1d 2 1…1d n
d̄ 5 (1)
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. n

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 E92 − 17
where each of the individual diagonal measurements d1, d2, 25 gf) or for indentations with diagonals smaller than about 25
…, dn is the mean of the two diagonal length measurements in µm (see Test Method E384). For isotropic materials, the two
the case of a Vickers indentation, or is the long diagonal length diagonals of a Vickers indentation are equal in length.
measurement in the case of a Knoop indentation. 4.5 The Knoop indenter usually produces similar hardness
3.3.2 The repeatability R in the performance of a Vickers or numbers over a wide range of test forces, but the numbers tend
Knoop hardness machine at each hardness level, under the to rise as the test force is decreased. This rise in hardness
particular verification conditions, is determined from n diago- number with lower test forces is often more significant when
nal measurements made on a standardized test block as part of testing higher hardness materials, and is increasingly more
a performance verification. The repeatability is estimated as the significant when using test forces below 50 gf (see Test Method
percent range of n diagonal measurements with respect to the E384).
measured average hardness value as:
4.6 The elongated four-sided rhombohedral shape of the
R 5 100 3 S d max 2 d min
d̄
D (2) Knoop indenter, where the length of the long diagonal is 7.114
times greater than the short diagonal, produces narrower and
where: shallower indentations than the square-based pyramid Vickers
indenter under identical test conditions. Hence, the Knoop
dmax = the longest diagonal length measurement made on the
hardness test is very useful for evaluating hardness gradients
standardized test block,
since Knoop indentations can be made closer together than
dmin = the shortest diagonal length measurement made on
Vickers indentations by orienting the Knoop indentations with
the standardized test block, and
d̄ = the average (see 3.3.1) of the n diagonal length the short diagonals in the direction of the hardness gradient.
measurements made on the standardized test block.
5. Principle of Test and Apparatus
3.3.3 The error E in the performance of a Vickers or Knoop
hardness machine at each hardness level, relative to a standard- 5.1 Vickers and Knoop Hardness Test Principle—The gen-
ized reference value, is calculated as a percent error determined eral principle of the Vickers and Knoop indentation hardness

iTeh Standards
as: test consists of two steps.
5.1.1 Step 1—The applicable specified indenter is brought
E 5 100 3S? d̄ 2 d ref?D
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d ref
(3)
into contact with the test specimen in a direction normal to the
surface, and the test force F is applied. The test force is held for
a specified dwell time and then removed.
where:
d̄ Document Preview
= the average (see 3.3.1) of n diagonal length mea-
surements made on a standardized test block as
5.1.2 Step 2—For the Vickers hardness test, the lengths of
the two diagonals are measured and the mean diagonal length
is calculated, which is used to derive the Vickers hardness
part of a performance verification, and value. For the Knoop hardness test, the length of the long
dref = the certified diagonal length reported for theASTM
stan- E92-17
diagonal is measured, which is used to derive the Knoop
dardized test block.
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|d̄2d ref | = absolute value (non-negative value without regard
hardness value.
5.1.3 Most materials will exhibit some elastic recovery
to its sign) of the difference between d̄ and dref.
when the indenter is removed after the loading cycle. However,
4. Significance and Use for the purposes of calculating the hardness results from the
indentation diagonal lengths, it is assumed that the indentation
4.1 Vickers and Knoop hardness tests have been found to be retains the shape of the indenter after the force is removed. In
very useful for materials evaluation, quality control of manu- Knoop testing, it is assumed that the ratio of the long diagonal
facturing processes and research and development efforts. to the short diagonal of the indentation is the same as for the
Hardness, although empirical in nature, can be correlated to indenter.
tensile strength for many metals, and is an indicator of wear
resistance and ductility. 5.2 Testing Machine—The testing machine shall support the
test specimen and control the movement of the indenter into the
4.2 Microindentation hardness tests extend testing to mate- specimen under a preselected test force, and should have a light
rials that are too thin or too small for macroindentation optical microscope to select the desired test location and to
hardness tests. Microindentation hardness tests also allow measure the size of the indentation produced by the test. The
specific phases or constituents and regions or gradients too plane of the surface of the test specimen should be perpendicu-
small for macroindentation hardness testing to be evaluated. lar to the axis of the indenter which is the direction of the force
Recommendations for microindentation testing can be found in application.
Test Method E384. 5.2.1 See the equipment manufacturer’s instruction manual
4.3 Because the Vickers and Knoop hardness will reveal for a description of the machine’s characteristics, limitations,
hardness variations that may exist within a material, a single and respective operating procedures.
test value may not be representative of the bulk hardness. 5.3 Indenters:
4.4 The Vickers indenter usually produces essentially the 5.3.1 Indenters for general Vickers or Knoop hardness
same hardness number at all test forces when testing homoge- testing shall comply with the requirements of a Class B
neous material, except for tests using very low forces (below indenter or better in accordance with Annex A3.

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 E92 − 17
5.3.2 Vickers Indenter—The ideal Vickers indenter (see Fig. TABLE 1 Standard Hardness Scales and Test Forces
A3.1) is a highly polished, pointed, square-based pyramidal Vickers Knoop Test force
Approximate Approximate
diamond with face angles of 136° 0’. Test force Test force
scale scaleA (N)
(kgf) (gf)
5.3.3 Knoop Indenter—The ideal Knoop indenter (see Fig. HV 0.001 HK 0.001 0.009807 0.001 1
A3.2) is a highly polished, pointed, rhombic-based, pyramidal HV 0.01 HK 0.01 0.09807 0.01 10
diamond. The included longitudinal edge angles are 172° 30’ HV 0.015 HK 0.015 0.1471 0.015 15
HV 0.02 HK 0.02 0.1961 0.02 20
and 130° 0’. HV 0.025 HK 0.025 0.2451 0.025 25
HV 0.05 HK 0.05 0.4903 0.05 50
NOTE 4—The user should consult with the manufacturer before apply- HV 0.1 HK 0.1 0.9807 0.1 100
ing macroindentation test forces (over 1 kgf) with diamond indenters HV 0.2 HK 0.2 1.961 0.2 200
previously used for microindentation testing. The diamond mount may not HV 0.3 HK 0.3 2.942 0.3 300
be strong enough to support the higher test forces and the diamond may HV 0.5 HK 0.5 4.903 0.5 500
not be large enough to produce the larger indentation sizes. HV 1 HK 1 9.807 1 1000
HV 2 HK 2 19.61 2 2000
5.4 Measurement Device—The diagonals of the indentation HV 3 29.41 3
HV 5 49.03 5
are measured (see 7.9.2) using a light microscope equipped HV 10 98.07 10
with a filar type eyepiece (see Terminology E175), or other HV 20 196.1 20
type of measuring device. Additional guidance on measuring HV 30 294.1 30
HV 50 490.3 50
devices may be found in Test Method E384. HV 100 980.7 100
5.4.1 The testing machine’s measuring device shall be HV 120 1177 120
A
capable of reporting the diagonal lengths to within the require- The user should consult with the manufacturer before applying macroindentation
test forces (over 1 kgf) for Knoop hardness testing. The diamond may not be large
ments of 7.9.2. enough to produce the larger indentation sizes (see Note 4).
5.4.2 The measuring device may be an integral part of the
tester or a stand-alone instrument, such as a high quality
measuring microscope or measuring system. To obtain the Other units of force and length may be used; however, the

iTeh Standards
highest quality image for measuring the indentation diagonal, reported Vickers hardness number shall be converted to the
the measuring microscope should have adjustable illumination units of kgf and mm, as follows and given in Table 2.
intensity, adjustable alignment, aperture, and field diaphragms. 5.8.1 Microindentation Vickers hardness is typically deter-
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5.4.3 Magnifications should be provided so that the diago-
nal can be enlarged to greater than 25 % but less than 75 % of
mined using indentation test forces in grams-force (gf) and
indentation diagonals measured in micrometres (µm). The

magnifying objectives. Document Preview

the field width. The device may be built with single or multiple Vickers hardness number, in terms of gf and µm, is calculated
as follows:
5.5 Verifications—All testing machines, indentation measur- F ~ gf! F ~ gf!
HV 5 1000 3 1.8544 3 2 5 1854.4 3 2 (6)
ASTM E92-17
ing devices and indenters used to perform Vickers and Knoop d V ~ μm! d V ~ μm!
hardness tests shall be verified periodically in accordance with
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Annex A1 prior to performing hardness tests. 5.8.2 Macroindentation Vickers hardness is typically deter-
mined using indentation test forces in kilograms-force (kgf)
5.6 Test Blocks—Test blocks meeting the requirements of and indentation diagonals measured in millimetres (mm). The
Annex A4 shall be used to verify the testing machine in Vickers hardness number, in terms of kgf and mm, is calculated
accordance with Annex A1. as follows:
5.7 Test Forces—The standard hardness test forces are given F ~ kgf!
HV 5 1.8544 3 (7)
in Table 1. Other non-standard test forces may be used by d V2 ~ mm!
special agreement.
5.8.3 The Vickers hardness number, in terms of indentation
5.8 Calculation of the Vickers Hardness Number—The test forces in Newtons (N) and indentation diagonals measured
Vickers hardness number is based on the indentation test force in millimetres (mm), is calculated as follows:
F in kgf divided by the surface area AS of the indentation in F ~N! F ~N!
1.8544
mm2. HV 5 3 5 0.1891 3 2 (8)
9.80665 d V2 ~ mm! d V ~ mm!
Test force F ~ kgf!
HV 5 5 (4)
Surface Area A S ~ mm2 !
TABLE 2 Vickers and Knoop Formulae
The surface area (AS) of the indentation is calculated as: Vickers hardness number
Force (F) unit Diagonal (d) unit Formula
2 2
d V dV kgf mm HV = 1.8544 × F/d2
AS 5 5 (5) gf µm HV = 1854.4 × F/d2
α 1.8544
2sin N mm HV = 0.1891 × F/d2
2 Knoop hardness number
Force (F) unit Diagonal (d) unit Formula
where: kgf mm HK = 14.229 × F/d2
α = face angle of the diamond indenter = 136°, and gf µm HK = 14229 × F/d2
N mm HK = 1.451 × F/d2
dV = mean Vickers indentation diagonal length (mm).

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 E92 − 17
5.9 Calculation of the Knoop Hardness Number—The 5.10.3 Examples:
Knoop hardness number is based on the indentation test force 400 HK 0.5 = Knoop hardness of 400 determined with a 500 gf (0.5 kgf)
(kgf) divided by the projected area AP of the indentation indentation test force.
99.2 HV 0.1 = Vickers hardness of 99.2 determined with a 100 gf (0.1 kgf)
(mm2). indentation test force.
Test force F ~ kgf! 725 HV 10 = Vickers hardness of 725 determined with a 10 kgf indentation
HK 5 5 (9) test force.
Projected Area A P ~ mm2 ! 400 HK 0.1 /22. = Knoop hardness of 400 determined with a 100 gf (0.1 kgf)
indentation test force and a 22 s total force dwell time.
The projected area (AP) of the indentation is calculated as:
A P 5 d K2 3 c P (10) 6. Test Piece
6.1 There is no standard shape or size for a Vickers or
where:
Knoop test specimen. The specimen on which the indentation
dK = Knoop indentation long diagonal length (mm), and is made should conform to the following:
cP = indenter constant relating the projected area of the
indentation to the square of the length of the long 6.2 Preparation—For optimum accuracy of measurement,
diagonal, ideally 0.07028, where: the test should be performed on a flat specimen with a polished
or otherwise suitably prepared surface. The quality of the
/B required surface finish can vary with the forces and magnifi-
tan
2 cations used. The lower the test force and the smaller the
cP 5 5 0.07028 (11)
/A indentation size, the more critical is the surface preparation. In
2tan
2 all tests, the preparation should be such that the indentation
where: perimeter and the indentation tips in particular, can be clearly
/A = the included longitudinal edge angle, 172° 30’, and defined when observed by the measuring system. Surface
/B = included transverse edge angle, 130° 0’. preparation recommendations for low-force microindentation
testing can be found in Test Method E384.
Other units of force and length may be used, however, the 6.2.1 The test surface shall be free of any defects that could
iTeh Standards
Knoop hardness number shall be converted to the units of kgf
and mm, as follows and as given in Table 2.
affect the indentation or the subsequent measurement of the
diagonals. It is well known that improper grinding and polish-

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5.9.1 Knoop hardness is typically determined using inden- ing methods can alter test results either due to excessive
tation test forces in grams-force (gf) and indentation long heating or cold work. Some materials are more sensitive to
diagonal measured in micrometres (µm). The Knoop hardness preparation-induced damage than others; therefore, special
Document Preview
number, in terms of gf and µm, is calculated as follows:
F ~ gf! F ~ gf!
precautions shall be taken during specimen preparation. Re-
move any damage introduced during specimen preparation.
HK 5 1000 3 14.229 3 2 5 14229 3 2 (12) 6.2.2 The specimen surface should not be etched before
d K ~ μm! d K ~ μm!
ASTM E92-17 an indentation. Etched surfaces can obscure the edge of
making
5.9.2 The Knoop hardness number, in terms of indentation the indentation, making an accurate measurement of the size of
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test forces in kgf and the indentation long diagonal measured in the indentation difficult. There may be microindentation testing
mm, is calculated as follows: applications where a light etch may be appropriate (see Test
F ~ kgf! Method E384).
HK 5 14.229 3 (13)
d K2 ~ mm! 6.3 Alignment—To obtain usable information from the test,
the specimen should be prepared or mounted so that the test
5.9.3 The Knoop hardness number, in terms of indentation surface is perpendicular to the axis of the indenter. This can
test forces in Newtons (N) and the indentation long diagonal readily be accomplished by surface grinding (or otherwise
measured in millimetres (mm), is calculated as follows: machining) the opposite side of the specimen parallel with the
14.229 F ~N! F ~N! side to be tested. Non-parallel test specimens can be tested
HK 5 3 5 1.451 3 2 (14)
9.80665 d K2 ~ mm! d K ~ mm! using clamping and leveling fixtures designed to align the test
surface properly to the indenter.
5.10 Hardness Number—Vickers and Knoop hardness val-
ues are not designated by a number alone because it is 6.4 Mounted Test Specimens—In many instances, especially
necessary to indicate which force has been employed in in microindentation testing, it is necessary to mount the
making the test. The hardness numbers shall be followed by the specimen for convenience in preparation and to maintain a
symbol HV for Vickers hardness, or HK for Knoop hardness, sharp edge when surface gradient tests are to be performed on
and be supplemented by a value representing the test force in the test specimen. When mounting is required, the specimen
kgf. shall be adequately supported by the mounting medium so that
5.10.1 For nonstandard dwell times, other than 10 to 15 s, the specimen does not move during force application, that is,
the hardness shall be supplemented with the actual total force avoid the use of polymeric mounting compounds that creep
dwell time used in seconds separated by a “/”. under the indenter force (see Test Method E384).
5.10.2 The reported Vickers and Knoop hardness number 6.5 Thickness—The thickness of the specimen tested shall
shall be reported rounded to three significant digits in accor- be such that no bulge or other marking showing the effect of
dance with Practice E29. the test force appears on the side of the piece opposite the

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 E92 − 17
indentation. The thickness of the material under test should be 7.5 Positioning the Test Specimen—Place the test specimen
at least ten times the depth of the indentation (see Note 5). in the appropriate fixture or on the tester stage so that the test
Similarly, when testing a coating on a material, the minimum surface is perpendicular to the indenter axis.
thickness of the coating should be at least ten times the depth 7.6 Locate the Test Point—Focus the measuring microscope
of the indentation. with a low power objective so that the specimen surface can be
NOTE 5—The Vickers indentation depth hV is approximately observed. Adjust the light intensity and adjust the diaphragms
h V 5 0.143 3 d V (15) for optimum resolution and contrast. Adjust the position of the
or approximately 1/7 of the mean diagonal length dV. The Knoop in- test specimen so that the indentation will be made in the
dentation depth hK is approximately desired location on the test surface. Before applying the force,
h K 5 0.033 3 d K (16) make a final focus using the measuring objective (see 7.9 and
or approximately 1/30 of the long diagonal length dK. Table 3).
6.6 Radius of Curvature—Due caution should be used in 7.7 Force Application—Apply the selected test force as
interpreting or accepting the results of tests made on spherical follows in a manner and in an environment that prevents shock
or cylindrical surfaces, particularly when using low test forces. or vibration during the indenting process.
Results will be affected even in the case of the Knoop test 7.7.1 For microindentation testing, the indenter shall contact
where the radius of curvature is in the direction of the short the specimen at a velocity between 15 and 70 µm/s. For
diagonal. Annex A5 provides correction factors that shall be macroindentation testing, the contact velocity should not ex-
applied to Vickers hardness values obtained when tests are ceed 0.2 mm/s.
made on spherical or cylindrical surfaces. 7.7.2 The time from the initial application of the force until
the full test force is reached shall not be more than 10 s.
7. Test Procedure 7.7.3 The full test force shall be applied for 10 to 15 s unless
otherwise specified.
7.1 Verification—A periodic verification procedure shall be 7.7.4 For some applications it may be necessary to apply the
performed in accordance with A1.5 within one week prior to test force for longer times. In these instances the tolerance for
performed on a daily basis. iTeh Standards
making hardness tests. The periodic verification should be the time of the applied force shall be 6 2 s. The application
time shall be defined in the report.

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7.2 Test Temperature—Vickers and Knoop hardness tests
should be carried out at a temperature within the limits of 10 to
7.7.5 Remove the test force without shock or vibration.
7.7.6 During the entire test cycle of force application and

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35°C (50 to 95°F). Because variations within this temperature removal, the test machine should be protected from shock or
range may affect results, users may choose to control tempera- vibration. To minimize vibrations, the operator should avoid
ture within a tighter range. contacting the machine in any manner during the entire test
cycle.
ASTM E92-17
7.3 Indenter—Select the indenter, either Knoop or Vickers,
7.8 Test Location—After the force is removed, switch to the
to suit the desired test to be performed. Refer to the manufac-
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turer’s instruction manual for the proper procedure if it is measuring mode, and select the proper objective lens. Focus
necessary to change indenters. the image, adjust the light intensity if necessary, and adjust the
diaphragms for maximum resolution and contrast.
7.3.1 After each change, or removal and replacement, of the
indenter, it is recommended that a periodic verification be 7.8.1 Examine the indentation for its position relative to the
performed as specified in A1.5. desired location and for its symmetry.
7.8.2 If the indentation did not occur at the desired spot, the
7.3.2 Occasionally clean the indenter with a cotton swab
tester is out of alignment. Consult the manufacturer’s instruc-
and alcohol. Avoid creating static charges during cleaning.
tion manual for the proper procedure to produce alignment.
Indenting a piece of paper placed on top of the test specimen
Make another indentation and recheck the indentation location.
will often remove oil from the indenter. Do not touch the
Readjust and repeat as necessary.
diamond tip with fingers.
7.3.3 Indenters should be examined periodically and re- 7.9 Indentation Measurement—Measure both diagonals of a
placed if they become worn, dulled, chipped, cracked or Vickers indentation or the long diagonal of a Knoop indenta-
separated from the mounting material. Checks of the indenter tion by operating the measuring device in accordance with the
by the user may be performed by visual inspection of the manufacturer’s instruction manual.
resulting indentations performed on test blocks. 7.9.1 When the indentation measuring device is a light
microscope that requires the full indentation to be seen and
7.4 Magnitude of Test Force—Set the desired test force on measured in the field of view, the highest magnification that
the tester by following the manufacturer’s instructions. can image the full indentation shall be used. To stay within the
7.4.1 After each change of a test force, it is recommended flat field of the objective, the indentation length should not
that the operation of the machine be checked by performing a exceed 75% of the field width. The objective selected to
periodic verification as specified in A1.5, particularly for measure the indentation should have an objective resolution
machines where the weights that create test forces are changed (robj) that is ≤ 2% of the diagonal length to be measured.
manually or there is a chance of jamming occurring when Objective resolution (robj) is a function of the numerical
weights are changed. aperture (NA) of the objective, see Note 6. The minimum

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 E92 − 17
recommended diagonal lengths to be measured by typical 7.10.4 The alignment of the indenter may be checked using
objectives are shown in Table 3. a test specimen, such as a standardized test block, known to
produce uniformly shaped indentations. Confirm that the test
NOTE 6—The objective’s resolution (robj) is defined as:
block surface is perpendicular to the indenter axis as described
r obj 5 λ ⁄ ~ 2 3 NA! (17) in 7.10.3. Make an indentation. If the indentation is not
where: symmetrical, the indenter is misaligned, and the tester shall not
λ = the wave length of the light in µm (approx. 0.55 µm for green be used until it meets the requirements of sections 7.10.1 or
light), and 7.10.2.
NA = the numerical aperture of the objective as defined by the 7.10.5 Some materials may have nonsymmetrical indenta-
manufacturer. (The NA is frequently marked on the side of each tions even if the indenter and the specimen surface are
objective.) Example: For a 50× objective with a NA of 0.65
using green light, robj = 0.55 µm / (2 × 0.65) = 0.42 µm.
perfectly aligned. Tests on single crystals or on textured
materials may produce such results. When tests on these types
7.9.2 Determine the length of the diagonals to within 0.5 µm of materials produce nonsymmetrical indents exceeding the
or less. For indentations less than 40 µm, determine the length limits of 7.10.1 or 7.10.2, it should be noted on the test report.
of the diagonals to within 0.25 µm or less. For indentations less 7.10.6 Brittle materials such as ceramics may crack as a
than 20 µm, the length of the diagonals should be determined result of being indented. Specific details for testing ceramics
to within 0.1 µm or less. In all cases, smaller measurement are contained in Test Methods C1326 and C1327.
increments may be reported if the equipment is capable of
displaying smaller measurement increments. 7.11 Spacing of Indentations—Generally more than one
indentation is made on a test specimen. It is necessary to ensure
7.10 Indentation Examination: that the spacing between indentations is large enough so that
7.10.1 Vickers—For a Vickers indentation, if one half of adjacent tests do not interfere with each other.
either diagonal is more than 5 % longer than the other half of 7.11.1 For most testing purposes, the minimum recom-
that diagonal, or if the four corners of the indentation are not in mended spacing between separate tests, and minimum distance
sharp focus, the test surface may not be perpendicular to the between an indentation and the edge of the specimen are

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indenter axis. Check the specimen alignment as described in illustrated in Fig. 1.
7.10.3. 7.11.2 For some applications, closer spacing of indentations
7.10.2 Knoop—For a Knoop indentation, if one half of the than those shown in Fig. 1 may be desired. If closer indentation
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long diagonal is greater than 10 % longer than the other, or if
both ends of the indentation are not in sharp focus, the test
spacing is used, it shall be the responsibility of the testing
laboratory to verify the accuracy of the testing procedure.
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specimen surface may not be perpendicular to the indenter
axis. Check the specimen alignment as given in 7.10.3.
7.10.3 If the diagonal legs are unequal by an amount greater
8. Conversion to Other Hardness Scales or Tensile
Strength Values
than the limits defined in 7.10.1 or 7.10.2, rotate the specimen 8.1 There is no general method of accurately converting the
90° and make another indentation in an untested region.ASTM If the E92-17
Vickers or Knoop hardness numbers using one test force to
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nonsymmetrical aspect of the indentations has rotated 90°, then hardness numbers using a different test force, or to other types
the specimen surface may not be perpendicular to the indenter of hardness numbers, or to tensile strength values. Such
axis and may yield incorrect hardness results. If the nonsym- conversions are, at best, approximations and, therefore, should
metrical nature of the indentation remains in the same be avoided except for special cases where a reliable basis for
orientation, check the indenter for damage or misalignment as the approximate conversion has been obtained by comparison
described in 7.10.4. tests. For homogeneous materials and test forces ≥ 100 gf,
microindentation Vickers hardness numbers are in reasonable
agreement with macroindentation Vickers hardness numbers.
TABLE 3 Recommended Indentation Diagonal Lengths for
Commonly used Objectives and NA Refer to E140 for hardness conversion tables for metals.
NOTE 7—E140 gives approximate hardness conversion values for
Commonly used Typical NA Objective Recommended
specific materials such as steel, nickel and high-nickel alloys, cartridge
Objective (will vary by Resolution Diagonal
MagnificationsA objective type) (robj) µm Lengths µm
brass, copper alloys, alloyed white cast irons, and wrought aluminum
products.
2.5× 0.07 3.93 196.5 or longer
5× 0.10 2.75 137.5 or longer
10× 0.25 1.10 55 or longer
9. Report
20× 0.40 0.69 34.5 or longer 9.1 Report the following information:
20× 0.45 0.61 30.5 or longer
40× 0.55 0.50 25 or longer 9.1.1 The results (see 5.10), the number of tests, and, where
40x 0.65 0.42 21 or longer appropriate, the mean and standard deviation of the results,
50× 0.65 0.42 21 or longer 9.1.2 Test force,
60× 0.70 0.39 19.5 or longer
100× 0.80 0.34 17 or longer 9.1.3 The total force application time if outside the limits of
100× 0.95 0.29 14.5 or longer 10 to 15 s as defined in 7.7.3,
A
This is the magnification of the objective and may not be the total magnification 9.1.4 Any unusual conditions encountered during the test,
of the system. Many systems have a 10× eyepiece that increases the total and
magnification by a factor of 10 at the operator’s eye. This additional magnification
does not change the optical resolution (robj) or the recommended diagonal lengths. 9.1.5 The test temperature, when outside the recommended
allowable range of 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F).

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 E92 − 17

FIG. 1 Minimum Recommended Spacing for Vickers and Knoop Indentations

10. Precision and Bias able to provide results at 50 kgf test force. Every “test result”
10.1 Four separate interlaboratory studies have been con- represents an individual determination of the Vickers hardness
ducted in accordance with Practice E691 to determine the of the material. Each laboratory was asked to report triplicate
precision, repeatability, and reproducibility of this test method. test results in order to permit the estimation of intralaboratory
The four studies are defined as follows: precision. Practice E691 was followed for the design and
(1) Vickers and Knoop tests, six test forces in the micro- analysis of the data; the details are given in ASTM Research
indentation range, twelve laboratories, manual measurements, Report No. RR: E04-1007.4
seven different hardness level test specimens. See Test Method 10.3.1 The precision statement was determined through
E384.
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(2) Vickers and Knoop tests, two test forces in the micro-
statistical examination of 288 results, from seven laboratories,
on three test blocks. The materials were described as the
following:
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indentation range, seven laboratories, image-analysis and
manual measurements, four different hardness level test speci- Material 1: 200 HV
Material 2: 400 HV
mens. See Test Method E384.
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Material 3: 800 HV
(3) Vickers and Knoop tests, six test forces in the micro
10.3.2 Repeatability and reproducibility limits are listed in
range, twenty-five laboratories, manual measurements, six
Tables 4-8.
different hardness level test specimens. See Test Method E384.
10.3.3 The above terms (repeatability limit and reproduc-
(4) Vickers tests, four test forces in the macro range,ASTM
seven E92-17
ibility limit) are used as specified in Practice E177.
laboratories, manual measurements, three different hardness
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level test specimens. See 10.3. 10.4 Bias—There is no recognized standard by which to
estimate the bias of this test method.
10.2 Studies 1 through 3—The results and discussion of
Studies 1 through 3 are given in Test Method E384. 11. Keywords
10.3 Study 4—The macroindentation Vickers precision 11.1 hardness; indentation; Knoop; macroindentation; mi-
statement is based on an interlaboratory study of Test Methods croindentation; Vickers
E92, Standard Test Method for Vickers Hardness of Metallic
Materials, conducted in 2001. Seven laboratories tested three 4
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
different standard hardness test blocks using macro range test be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:E04-1007. Contact ASTM Customer
forces of 1, 5, 10, and 20 kgf. Only four laboratories were also Service at service@astm.org.

TABLE 4 Vickers Hardness at 1 kgf Test Force (HV 1)

Repeatability Reproducibility
Test Block
Average Standard Deviation Standard Deviation Repeatability Limit Reproducibility Limit
Nominal Hardness
(HV) Bias (HV) (HV) (HV) (HV)
(HV)
X̄ % sr sR r R
200 209.2 N/A 4.1 7.1 11.5 19.9
400 413.8 N/A 8.1 15.6 22.8 43.7
800 812.9 N/A 21.8 21.8 61.1 61.1

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 E92 − 17
TABLE 5 Vickers Hardness at 5 kgf Test Force (HV 5)
Repeatability Reproducibility
Test Block
Average Standard Deviation Standard Deviation Repeatability Limit Reproducibility Limit
Nominal Hardness
(HV) Bias (HV) (HV) (HV) (HV)
(HV)
X̄ % sr sR r R
200 199.0 N/A 1.7 5.2 4.7 14.5
400 421.8 N/A 4.8 7.3 13.3 20.5
800 828.0 N/A 8.9 19.5 25.0 54.6

TABLE 6 Vickers Hardness at 10 kgf Test Force (HV 10)

Repeatability Reproducibility
Test Block
Average Standard Deviation Standard Deviation Repeatability Limit Reproducibility Limit
Nominal Hardness
(HV) Bias (HV) (HV) (HV) (HV)
(HV)
X̄ % sr sR r R
200 198.1 N/A 2.1 3.0 6.0 8.5
400 398.5 N/A 2.9 9.1 8.2 25.4
800 800.2 N/A 2.3 11.7 6.6 32.7

TABLE 7 Vickers Hardness at 20 kgf Test Force (HV 20)

Repeatability Reproducibility
Test Block
Average Standard Deviation Standard Deviation Repeatability Limit Reproducibility Limit
Nominal Hardness
(HV) Bias (HV) (HV) (HV) (HV)
(HV)
X̄ % sr sR r R
200 197.1 N/A 1.8 3.5 4.9 9.9
400 415.7 N/A 2.5 5.1 7.0 14.2
800 811.5 N/A 8.3 16.6 23.3 46.6

iTeh Standards
TABLE 8 Vickers Hardness at 50 kgf Test Force (HV 50)

Test Block
Nominal Hardness
Average
(HV)
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Bias
Repeatability
Standard Deviation
(HV)
Reproducibility
Standard Deviation
(HV)
Repeatability Limit
(HV)
Reproducibility Limit
(HV)

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(HV)
X̄ % sr sR r R
200 191.2 N/A 0.5 1.5 1.4 4.3
400 399.9 N/A 1.1 2.0 3.1 5.7
800 814.4 N/A 2.8 12.0 7.7 33.6

ASTM E92-17
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ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. VERIFICATION OF VICKERS AND KNOOP HARDNESS TESTING MACHINES

A1.1 Scope A1.2 General Requirements

A1.1.1 This Annex specifies three types of procedures for A1.2.1 The testing machine shall be verified at specific
verifying Vickers and Knoop hardness testing machines: direct instances and at periodic intervals as specified in Table A1.1,
verification, indirect verification, and periodic verification. and when circumstances occur that may affect the performance
of the testing machine.
A1.1.2 Direct verification is a process for verifying that
A1.2.2 All instruments used to make measurements re-
critical components of the hardness testing machine are within
quired by this Annex shall be calibrated traceable to national
allowable tolerances by directly measuring the test forces,
standards when a system of traceability exists, except as noted
indentation measuring system, and testing cycle.
otherwise.
A1.1.3 Indirect verification is a process for periodically A1.2.3 Direct verification of newly manufactured testing
verifying the overall performance of the testing machine by machines may be performed at the place of manufacture or the
means of standardized test blocks. location of use. Direct verification of rebuilt testing machines
A1.1.4 Periodic verification is a process for checking and may be performed at the place of rebuild or the location of use.
monitoring the performance of the testing machine between A1.2.4 The temperature at the verification site shall be
indirect verifications by means of standardized test blocks. measured with an instrument having an accuracy of at least

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 E92 − 17
TABLE A1.1 Verification Schedule for a Vickers and Knoop TABLE A1.2 Accuracy of Applied Forces
Hardness Testing Machine Applied Force, gf Accuracy, %
Verification F < 200 1.5
Schedule
Procedure F $ 200 1.0
When a testing machine is new, or when adjustments,
Direct
modifications or repairs are made that could affect the
Verification
application of the test forces or the measuring system.
When a testing machine fails an indirect verification.

Indirect Recommended every 12 months, or more often if A1.3.3 Verification of the Indentation Measuring System—
Verification needed. Each magnification of the measuring device used to determine
Shall be no longer than every 18 months. the diagonal of the indentation shall be verified at five evenly
When a testing machine is installed or moved, [only a
partial indirect verification is performed by following the spaced intervals over the working range by comparison with an
procedure given in A1.4.5 for verifying the as-found accurate scale such as a stage micrometer. The accuracy of the
condition].
Following a direct verification.
certified line interval of the stage micrometer shall be 0.1 µm
To qualify an indenter that was not verified in the last or 0.05% of any interval, whichever is greater. Throughout the
indirect verification, (only a partial indirect verification is range covered, the difference between the reading of the device
performed, see A1.4.8).
and of the stage shall not exceed 0.4 µm or 0.5%, whichever is
Periodic Required within a week prior to the machine being used. greater.
Verification Recommended each day that the machine is used.
Required whenever the machine is moved. A1.3.4 Verification of the Testing Cycle—The testing ma-
Recommended whenever the indenter or test force is chine shall be verified to be capable of meeting the testing
changed. cycle tolerances specified in 7.7. Direct verification of the
testing cycle is to be verified by the testing machine manufac-
turer at the time of manufacture, or when the testing machine
is returned to the manufacturer for repair, or when a problem
with the testing cycle is suspected. Verification of the testing
6 2.0°C or 6 3.6°F. It is recommended that the temperature be
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monitored throughout the verification period, and significant
temperature variations be recorded and reported. The tempera-
cycle is recommended but not required as part of the direct
verification at other times.

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A1.3.4.1 Instruments that have timing controlled by soft-
ture at the verification site does not need to be measured for a
ware or other nonadjustable components do not have to be
periodic verification or when qualifying additional user’s
verified providing that the design has been proven to produce
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indenters in accordance with A1.4.8.
NOTE A1.1—It is recommended that the calibration agency that is used
the correct testing cycle.
to conduct the verifications of Vickers or Knoop hardness testing
A1.3.5 Direct Verification Failure—If any of the direct
machines in accordance with this standard be accredited to the require- verifications fail the specified requirements, the testing ma-
ments of ISO/IEC 17025 (or an equivalent) by an accrediting body
ASTM E92-17
recognized by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation chine shall not be used until it is adjusted or repaired. If the test
forces, indentation measuring system or testing cycle may have
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operating to the requirements of ISO/EC 17011.
NOTE A1.2—A valid and current certificate/scope of accreditation to been affected by an adjustment or repair, the affected compo-
conduct verifications of Vickers or Knoop hardness testing machines in nents shall be verified again by a direct verification.
accordance with Test Method E384 is considered equivalent to a
certificate/scope of accreditation to conduct verifications of Vickers or A1.3.6 Indirect Verification—Following a successful direct
Knoop hardness testing machines in accordance with this standard for the verification, an indirect verification according to A1.4 shall be
force levels listed on the certificate/scope. performed.
A1.3 Direct Verification A1.4 Indirect Verification
A1.3.1 A direct verification of the testing machine shall be A1.4.1 An indirect verification of the testing machine shall
performed at specific instances in accordance with Table A1.1. be performed in accordance with the schedule given in Table
The test forces, indentation measuring system, testing cycle, A1.1. Indirect verifications may be required more frequently
and indenters shall be verified as follows. than stated in Table A1.1 and should be based on the usage of
NOTE A1.3—Direct verification is a useful tool for determining the
the testing machine.
sources of error in a Knoop or Vickers hardness testing machine.
A1.3.2 Verification of the Test Forces—Each Vickers and/or A1.4.2 The testing machine shall be verified for each test
Knoop test force that will be used shall be measured. The test force and for each indenter that will be used prior to the next
forces shall be measured by means of a Class A elastic force indirect verification. Hardness tests made using test force and
measuring instrument, as described in Practice E74, or an indenter combinations that have not been verified within the
equivalent. schedule given in Table A1.1 do not meet this standard.
A1.3.2.1 Make three measurements of each force. The A1.4.3 Standardized test blocks used for the indirect veri-
forces shall be measured as they are applied during testing; fication shall meet the requirements of Annex A4.
however, longer dwell times are allowed when necessary to NOTE A1.4—It is recognized that appropriate standardized test blocks
enable the measuring device to obtain accurate measurements. are not available for all geometric shapes, materials, or hardness ranges.
A1.3.2.2 Each test force F shall meet the requirements A1.4.4 The indenter(s) to be used for the indirect verifica-
specified in Table A1.2. tion shall meet the requirements of Annex A3.

10