Vickers Hardness Test Indenter Enables Precise Hardness Evaluation at High Temperatures

As advanced materials continue to face demanding temperature conditions, accurate hardness measurement has become increasingly important for materials research, quality evaluation, and laboratory testing. ZONEDE has introduced the High-Temperature Vickers Hardness Tester, a specialized solution designed for Vickers hardness testing under high-temperature and inert-gas environments.

The system is designed to perform precise Vickers hardness measurements on metals, ceramics, cemented carbides, coatings, and composite materials from room temperature up to 1200°C. Its high-temperature testing capability makes it suitable for evaluating how material hardness changes under controlled thermal conditions.

A Vickers Hardness Test Indenter Designed for High-Temperature Testing

At the center of the system is a Diamond Vickers indenter (136° included angle) with automatic switching. The tester provides a test force range from 0.2 kgf to 50 kgf, including 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 kgf.

The Vickers hardness test indenter uses a 10X/20X objective lens and supports a hardness range of 5–3000 HV. Its loading mode is fully automatic and programmable, while the dwell time can be set from 5–60 seconds. These functions are designed to support consistent testing and repeatable measurement procedures.

Temperature control is another key capability. The specified temperature range extends from room temperature to 1200°C, with a heating rate of 10–80°C/min and temperature stability of ±1°C. This allows researchers to observe hardness behavior under different temperature conditions rather than relying only on measurements performed at room temperature.

The equipment is positioned for a range of applications, including high-temperature hardness testing, high-temperature material characterization, coating and surface engineering, cutting tool and wear material evaluation, and research and quality control.

For material characterization, the system can support evaluations involving thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and high-temperature mechanical behavior. For coating and surface engineering, it can be used to examine thin films, protective coatings, heat-treated materials, and surface-hardened layers.

The system is also designed for cutting tool and wear material evaluation, where performance assessment can involve cutting tools, cemented carbides, and wear-resistant materials under high-temperature conditions. In research and quality control environments, it provides a method for material characterization and quality evaluation for universities, research institutes, and industrial laboratories.

Automated Operation and Controlled Test Conditions

The Vickers hardness test indenter incorporates several features intended to improve testing efficiency. Its computer-controlled loading, dwell-time, unloading, automatic objective/indenter switching, and integrated image analysis help streamline the testing process and improve efficiency and repeatability.

The tester also provides in-situ high-temperature testing, allowing Vickers hardness measurements to be performed directly at elevated temperatures without removing or cooling the specimen. A molybdenum disilicide heating system provides stable heating from room temperature to 1200°C, while an inert atmosphere protection system helps maintain oxygen- and moisture-free conditions for testing.

Positioning is supported by an X-Y stage travel of 8 mm × 8 mm, with a Z-axis travel of 12 mm and Z-axis positioning accuracy of ±0.05 μm. The maximum specimen size is specified as Φ15 × 10 mm.

With a combination of automated operation, precise temperature control, programmable loading, and a dedicated Vickers hardness test indenter, the Vickers hardness test indenter provides a focused platform for studying hardness behavior from room temperature through 1200°C. For laboratories working with advanced materials, coatings, ceramics, cemented carbides, and heat-treated materials, the system offers a controlled approach to high-temperature Vickers hardness evaluation.

The above information is for reference only. We specialize in the R&D and production of testing instruments for mechanical properties of materials under extreme conditions, covering Hopkinson bars, high‑temperature hardness testers, impact penetration testing machines, and other series. For specific product details, technical specifications, or application solutions, please contact us for professional advice.