IN MICROINDENTATION HARDNESS TESTING (MHT), a diamond indenter of specific geometry is impressed into the surface of the test specimen using a known applied force (commonly called a “load” or “test load”) of 1 to 1000 gf. Historically, the term “microhardness” has been used to describe such tests. This term, taken at face value, suggests that measurements of very low hardness values are being made, rather than measurements of very small indents. Although the term “microhardness” is well established and is generally interpreted properly by test users, it is best to use the more correct term, microindentation hardness testing.
The articles and presentations that can be down-loaded from this web site are based upon work done by GFV while employed at Bethlehem Steel (1967-1983), Carpenter Technology (1983-1996), Buehler Ltd. (1996-2009) and Struers (2009-Present) and from the authors consulting work for companies such as, Latrobe Steel, Scot Forge, etc., and from his litigation work. GFV's bylined articles appearing in various issues of the ASM Handbook series have been listed here courtesy of ASM International, Materials Park, Ohio.