Rockwell hardness testing is carried out by applying an indenter to the surface of the test sample at a specific load.
The Rockwell hardness value is calculated from the depth of indentation.
Various indenters combine with a range of test loads (from a chart of Rockwell hardness scales) allowing for Rockwell
measurements over a wide variety of materials and conditions.
• Rockwell: Measures the hardness of the material. There are different scales for ferrous metals, nonferrous metals, and plastics.
Common Rockwell hardness scales include HRB and HRC for metals and HRM and HRR for polymers.
• Superficial Rockwell: Is a surface sensitive hardness measurement scale. This scale is useful for samples with hardness variations at the surface, to test small areas, and for thin samples. Superficial Rockwell hardness scales are N and T for metals and W, X, and Y for non-metallic materials and coatings.