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Hardness Testing by Vickers Method (VHT), from Theory to Experiment

Experiment Findings · June 2025

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.14865.54887

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Mohammadamin Fakharipasandi
Islamic Azad University, Tehran
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 IAU – Science & Research Branch
Technical & Engineering College
Materials Science & Engineering Department
Mechanical Properties of Materials Laboratory

Test Title:

Hardness Testing by Vickers Method

(VHT), from Theory to Experiment.

By:
Mohammadamin Fakharipasandi

Contact Info:
LinkedIn
aminfakharipasandi@gmail.com

Spring 2025

1
Abstract
The Vickers hardness test (VHT) is a precise method for measuring material
hardness using a diamond pyramid indenter. This study applies the Vickers method
to an aluminum alloy under a 20 kgf load, following ASTM E92 and ISO 6507-1
standards. Experimental results were analyzed, and ANSYS Granta helped identify
potential alloy grades matching the hardness range.
The study highlights the importance of standardized testing for accurate hardness
measurements in material science and quality control.

keywords:
Vickers hardness testing, aluminum alloy characterization, microhardness measurement, ASTM
E92 compliance, ISO 6507-1 standard, material property analysis.

2
1. Introduction
Science has always been renowned for its humility and openness to testing.
Scientists usually explain these results from the perspective of a general theory. The
distinguishing feature of science lies in the methods employed to investigate the
world; a prime example of this is the use of experiments, which has historically been
a turning point in the development of modern science.[1]
Hardness is a useful measure of a material’s resistance to permanent indentation.[2]
Hardness testing, defined as a test method to measure a material’s resistance to
permanent indentation, was developed for metals but can be applied to other types
of materials.[3]
Different types of hardness testing are available that can be classified against two
basic defining aspects, namely, the loading procedure and the indenter geometry.[2]
The Vickers hardness test was developed in 1921 by Robert L. Smith and George E.
Sandland at Vickers Ltd as an alternative to the Brinell method to measure the
hardness of materials.[4]
Basically, it can be said that the Vickers method is increasingly becoming the most
common method in practice due to its wide range of possible applications, even if
sample preparation is necessary and the evaluation of the hardness value is time-
consuming.

3
For metals, hardness numbers from different test methods are cross-referenced for equivalence against dedicated
hardness scales. This table provides an overview of common hardness testing methods for metals, comparing their
applications, benefits, and drawbacks, and includes a comprehensive table to guide method selection. Additionally, it
addresses industry standards and troubleshooting techniques to maintain accuracy and repeatability in testing. This
guide is designed to help you make informed decisions about hardness testing for reliable results and optimal material
performance.[5]

Table 01. overview of common hardness testing methods for metals

Hardness Suitable Load Range Indentation
Advantages Disadvantages Applications Standards
Test Materials (kgf*) Type

All materials, High

Slower process, Microhardness,
especially precision, Diamond ASTM E92,
Vickers more expensive thin films, small 1-100
thin sections small Pyramid ISO 6507
equipment parts
and coatings indentation

Quick, easy
to use, Limited Quality control, ASTM E18,
Rockwell C Metals,
widely precision on bulk material 60-150 Spherical/Conical ISO 6508,
(HRC) Alloys
recognized thin materials testing DIN 50103

Softer metals,
Aluminum Suitable for
Quality control,
Rockwell B alloys, non- softer Limited for very Spherical (Steel ASTM E18,
non-hardened 10-100
(HRB) hardened materials, hard materials Ball) ISO 6508
metals
steels fast

4
Hardness Suitable Load Range Indentation
Advantages Disadvantages Applications Standards
Test Materials (kgf*) Type

Lower
Portable, precision, On-site testing of
Leeb Metals, Large ASTM A956,
suitable for sensitive to large parts, rough 5.5-74.5 mJ Rebound
(Rebound) parts ISO 16859
large parts surface surfaces
conditions

Ideal for
Brittle Complex to
very small or Ceramics, glass,
materials, perform, not Asymmetrical ASTM E384,
Knoop thin samples, coatings, small 10-1000 gf
ceramics, thin suitable for bulk Pyramid ISO 4545
anisotropic samples
coatings properties
materials

Metals (e.g., Large Not suitable for 500-

Steel, indenter for very hard Large parts, 3000, 500- Spherical ASTM E10,
Brinell
Aluminum), average materials, large castings, forgings 1000 (for (Steel/Tungsten) ISO 6506
Castings hardness indentations Aluminum)

5
1.1. Theory
The Vickers hardness test was developed by RL. Smith and Sandland in 1921 at
Vickers Ltd as an alternative to Brinell hardness test method to measure the hardness
of the material. The Vickers hardness test follows the Brinell principle, in that an
indenter of definite shape is pressed into the material to be tested, then the load is
removed and the diagonals of the resulting indentation are measured from these the
hardness number is calculated by dividing the load by the surface area of
indentation.[4]
The Vickers test is easier than other hardness tests since the required calculations are
independent of the size of the indenter and the indenter can be used for all materials
irrespective of hardness.
The indenter is made of diamond and is in the form of a square-based pyramid with
an angle of 1360 between faces. The faces of diamond indenter are highly polished,
and the point is sharp. The loads applied vary from 1 to 120 kg; the standard loads
are 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, and 120 kg. For most hardness testing, 50 kg is maximum.
The Vickers test can be used for all metals and is one of the widely used tests among
hardness tests. The unit of hardness is known as the VICKERS PYRAMID
NUMBER (HV) or DIAMOND PYRAMID HARDNESS (DPH). The hardness
number can be calculated by the load over the surface area of the indentation.

2. Materials & Methodology

2.1. Overview of Methodology
The Vickers hardness test is a versatile and precise method suitable for a wide range
of materials, from soft metals to hard ceramics, and is especially valuable for micro
hardness testing requiring small, accurate measurements. It uses a diamond pyramid
indenter, creating a consistent indentation regardless of material hardness, which
ensures highly accurate results.
Unlike the Brinell test, suited for materials with coarse grain structures, or the
Rockwell test, ideal for quick, high-volume testing, the Vickers method excels in
testing very small or thin specimens and provides detailed microhardness data. This
makes it particularly useful in research, material science, and applications requiring
fine detail and precision. The Vickers method is a static hardness testing method,
which can be further characterized as follows:
It is one of the standardized procedures (ISO 6507, ASTM E92, ASTM E384).
The Vickers method has a test load range from 1 gf according to ISO respectively
from 1 gf up to 120 kgF according to ASTM, which means that this method can be

6
used for hardness testing across all load ranges (from the micro to the low-load
through to the macro range).
It is an optical method. This means that the size of indentation left by the indenter is
measured to determine the hardness value of a test specimen.
Indenter shape and material: The indenter is an equilateral pyramid (with a square
base) made of diamond with a plane angle of 136°.

2.2. Wolpert Vickers Hardness tester Machine

We used Wolpert Vickers Hardness Tester Machine for testing hardness of selected
material. This table shows some of its detail.

Table 02. Vickers Hardness tester Machine detail

WOLPERT Universal Hardness Tester
Capacity 1-250 kgF
With Integrated optics
Vickers (1-2-3) 5-10-20-30-40-50
Brinell 15.625-31.25-62.5-125-187.5-250
Rockwell 60, 100 and 150 kgF

Fig. 01. Vickers Hardness tester Machine

7
2.3. Equations
Typically, for ex situ measurement, the indenter is applied to the surface of the
material until a target load is established and held constant for a prescribed time
known as dwell time. The indenter is removed, and characteristic measurements are
taken from the
impression imparted on the surface. Generally, with this load-on, load-off procedure,
the hardness number is obtained by dividing the load (kg) by the surface area of the
impression (mm2). The surface area of the indent is estimated using the indenter
geometry that made the indent
Vickers hardness testing uses a pyramidal indenter and a load-on, load-off procedure,
which gives geometrically similar impressions regardless of the penetration depth.
Two characteristic lengths are measured on the Vickers indent, the indent diagonals,
and an average diagonal length is used to calculate the impression area. Load divided
by area gives a Vickers hardness number.
Although the Vickers indenter and the Vickers equation are used in the Wallace test,
care should be taken not to equate a peak Wallace hardness number directly with a
traditional Vickers hardness test number.[6]
Vickers hardness is given by the number:

𝐹 𝐹
Equation 1- 𝑉𝐻𝑁 = 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 68° ( ) = 1.8544 ( ) [7]
𝐷2 𝐷2

where F is load in kg, and D is the average length of diagonal in mm. An important
measurement parameter known as the reduced time was defined as the ratio of time
after unloading to the time that the load was applied.[3]

2.4. Test piece

For this testing (VHT) we used an Aluminum piece that has to be polished which I
will explain in detail in section of 2-6- Standards.

2.5. Standards
We all know about the importance of knowledge of standards in engineering testing
and reports. In this section I want to focus on ASTM & ISO selected standards.

8
2.5.1. ASTM E-92 (Standard Test Methods for Vickers Hardness and Knoop
Hardness of Metallic Materials)

2.5.1.1. Scope
This test method covers the determination of the Vickers hardness of metallic
materials, using applied forces of 1 kgF to 120 kgF, the verification of Vickers
hardness testing machines and the calibration of standardized hardness test
blocks.[8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13].
Two general classes of standard tests are recognized:
1. Verification, Laboratory, or Referee Tests, where a high degree of accuracy is
required.
2. Routine Tests, where a somewhat lower degree of accuracy is permissible.
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate
safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations
prior to use.[8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13]

2.5.1.2. Referenced Documents

ASTM Referenced Documents in Standards:
E 4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E 140 Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals (Relationship Between
Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell Hardness, Rockwell
Superficial Hardness, Knoop Hardness, and Seleroscope Hardness)
E 384 Test Method for Microhardness of Materials3[10]

9
2.5.1.3. Terminology
Vickers hardness number, HV— a number related to the applied force and the
surface area of the permanent impression made by a square-based pyramidal
diamond indenter having included face angles of 136° (see Fig. 02), computed from
the equation[9]:

Fig. 02. Vickers Hardness Test[9]

Equation 2- 𝑉𝐻 = 2 𝑃 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝛼⁄2)/𝑑2 = 1.8544 𝑃⁄ 2 [9]

𝑑

where:
P = force, kgf,
d = mean diagonal of impression, mm, and
a = face angle of diamond = 136°[9].

Vickers hardness test—an indentation hardness test using calibrated machines to

force a square-based pyramidal diamond indenter having specified face angles,
under a predetermined force, into the surface of the material under test and to
measure the diagonals of the resulting impression after removal of the force [9].
Vickers hardness tests are made at test forces of 1 kgf to 120 kgf [9].

Table 03. Symbols and Designations Associated with Fig 02 [9]

Number Symbol Designation
1 - Angle at the vertex of the pyramidal indenter (136°)
2 P Test force in kilograms-force
3 d Arithmetic mean of the two diagonals d and d

10
2.5.1.4. Measurement of Impression
Both diagonals of the impression shall be measured and their mean value used as a
basis for calculation of the Vickers hardness number. It is recommended that the
measurement be made with the impression centered as nearly as possible in the field
of the microscope.[9]
In the case of anisotropic materials, for example materials that have been heavily
cold worked, there may be a difference between the lengths of the two diagonals of
the impression. In such cases, the test specimen should be reoriented so that the
diagonals of a new impression are approximately of equal length. [9]

2.5.1.5. Accuracy
The accuracy of the Vickers hardness method is a function of the accuracies of the
test force, indenter, and measuring device. The condition of the test and support
surfaces and support of the test piece during application of the test force also affect
accuracy. Under optimum conditions of these factors the accuracy that can be
expected is the equivalent of 4% of the Vickers hardness number of the standardized
reference hardness test blocks. Under less-than-ideal conditions the reduction in
accuracy, when required, can be established empirically by employing statistical
methods.[9]

2.5.2. ISO 6507-1:2018(E)

2.5.2.1. Scope
This document specifies the Vickers hardness test method for the three different
ranges of test force for metallic materials including hard metals and other cemented
carbides (see Table 04)[14].

Table 04 - Ranges of test force

Ranges of test force, F N Hardness symbol Designation
F ≥ 49.03
≥ HV 5 Vickers hardness test
Low-force Vickers
1.961 ≤ F < 49.03 HV 0.2 to < HV 5
hardness test
0.009 807 ≤ F < 1.961 HV 0.001 to < HV 0.2 Vickers microhardness test

The Vickers hardness test is specified in this document for lengths of indentation
diagonals between 0.020 mm and 1.400 mm. Using this method to determine Vickers
hardness from smaller indentations is outside the scope of this document as results

11
would suffer from large uncertainties due to the limitations of optical measurement
and imperfections in tip geometry.
A periodic verification method is specified for routine checking of the testing
machine in service by the user. For specific materials and/or products, particular
International Standards exist[14].

2.5.2.2. Normative references

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of
their content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only
the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies[14].
1. ISO 6507-2:2017, Metallic materials — Vickers hardness test — Part 2:
Verification and calibration of testing machines
2. ISO 6507-3, Metallic materials — Vickers hardness test — Part 3: Calibration
of reference blocks

2.5.2.3. Principle
A diamond indenter, in the form of a right pyramid with a square base and with a
specified angle between opposite faces at the vertex, is forced into the surface of a
test piece followed by measurement of the diagonal length of the indentation left in
the surface after removal of the test force, F (see Figure 05)[14].

Figure 05 - Principle of the test, geometry of indenter and Vickers indentation[14]

12
The Vickers hardness is proportional to the quotient obtained by dividing the test
force by the area of the sloped surface of indentation, which is assumed to be a right
pyramid with a square base and having at the vertex the same angle as the
indenter[14].

2.5.2.4. Testing Machine

2.5.2.4.1. Testing Machine
The testing machine shall be capable of applying a predetermined force or forces
within the desired range of test forces, in accordance with ISO 6507-2[14].

2.5.2.4.2. Indenter
The indenter shall be a diamond in the shape of a right pyramid with a square base,
as specified in ISO 6507-2[14].

2.5.2.4.3. Diagonal measuring system

The diagonal measuring system shall satisfy the requirements in ISO 6507-2.
Magnifications should be provided so that the diagonal can be enlarged to greater
than 25 % but less than 75 % of the maximum possible optical field of view. Many
objective lenses are nonlinear towards the edge of the field of view.
A diagonal measuring system using a camera for measurement can use 100 % of the
camera’s field of view provided it is designed to consider field of view limitations
of the optical system. The resolution required of the diagonal measuring system
depends on the size of the smallest indentation to be measured and shall be in
accordance with Table 05[14].
In determining the resolution of the measuring system, the resolution of the
microscope optics, the digital resolution of the measuring scale and the step-size of
any stage movement, where applicable, should be taken into account[14].

Table 05 - Resolution of the measuring system[14]

Diagonal length, d mm Resolution of the measuring system
0.020 ≤ d < 0.080 0.0004 mm
0.080 ≤ d ≤ 1.400 0.5 % of d

2.5.2.5. Test piece

2.5.2.5.1. Test Surface
The test shall be carried out on a surface which is smooth and even, free from oxide
scale, foreign matter and, in particular, completely free from lubricants, unless
otherwise specified in product standards. The finish of the surface shall permit
13
accurate determination of the diagonal length of the indentation.
For hard metal samples, the thickness of the layer removed from the surface shall be
not less than 0.2 mm[14].

2.5.2.5.2. Preparation
Surface preparation shall be carried out in such a way as to prevent surface damage
or alteration of the surface hardness due to excessive heating or cold-working. Due
to the small depth of Vickers microhardness indentations, it is essential that special
precautions be taken during preparation. It is recommended to use a
polishing/electropolishing process which is suitable for the material to be
measured[14].

2.5.2.5.3. Thickness
The thickness of the test piece or of the layer under test shall be at least 1,5 times the
diagonal length of the indentation as defined in Annex A. No deformation shall be
visible at the back of the test piece after the test. The thickness of a hard metal test
piece shall be at least 1 mm[14].

2.5.2.5.4. Support of unstable test pieces

For a test piece of small cross-section or of irregular shape, either a dedicated support
should be used or it should be mounted in a similar manner to a metallographic
micro-section in appropriate material so that it is adequately supported and does not
move during the force application[14].

2.5.2.6. Procedure
2.5.2.6.1. Test temperature
The test is normally carried out at ambient temperature within the limits of 10 °C to
35 °C. If the test is carried out at a temperature outside this range, it shall be noted
in the test report. Tests carried out under controlled conditions shall be made at a
temperature of (23 ± 5) °C[14].

2.5.2.6.2. Test force

The test forces given in Table 06 are typical. Other test forces may be used including
greater than 980.7 N, but not less than 0.009 807 N. Test forces shall be chosen that
result in indentations with diagonals greater than 0.020 mm[14].

14
 Table 06 - Typical test forces[14]
Hardness test Low-force hardness test Microhardness test
Nominal Nominal
Nominal value of value of value of
Hardness Hardness Hardness
the test force, F the test the test force,
symbol symbol symbol
N force, F F
N N
— — — — HV 0.001 0.009 807
— — — — HV 0.002 0.019 61
— — — — HV 0.003 0.029 42
— — — — HV 0.005 0.049 03
HV 5 49.03 HV 0.2 1,961 HV 0.01 0.098 07
HV 10 98.07 HV 0.3 2,942 HV 0.015 0.147 1
HV 20 196.1 HV 0.5 4,903 HV 0.02 0.196 1
HV 30 294.2 HV 1 9,807 HV 0.025 0.245 2
HV 50 490.3 HV 2 19,61 HV 0.05 0.490 3
HV 100a 980.7 HV 3 29,42 HV 0.1 0.980 7
a Nominal test forces greater than 980.7 N may be applied.

15
2.5.2.6.3. Periodic verification
The periodic verification defined in Annex C shall be performed within a week prior
to use for each test force used but is recommended on the day of use. The periodic
verification is recommended whenever the test force is changed. The periodic
verification shall be done whenever the indenter is changed[14].

2.5.2.6.4. Test piece support and orientation

The test piece shall be placed on a rigid support. The support surfaces shall be clean
and free from foreign matter (scale, oil, dirt, etc.). It is important that the test piece
lies firmly on the support so that any displacement that affects the test result cannot
occur during the test[14]. For anisotropic materials, for example, those which have
been heavily cold-worked, there could be a difference between the lengths of the two
diagonals of the indentation. Therefore, where possible, the indentation should be
made so that the diagonals are oriented in plane at approximately 45° to the direction
of cold-working. The specification for the product could indicate limits for the
differences between the lengths of the two diagonals[14].

2.5.2.6.5. Focus on test surface

The diagonal measuring system microscope shall be focused so that the specimen
surface and the desired test location can be observed[14].

2.5.2.6.6. Test force application

The indenter shall be brought into contact with the test surface and the test force
shall be applied in a direction perpendicular to the surface, without shock, vibration
or overload, until the applied force attains the specified value. The time from the
initial application of the force until the full test force is reached shall 7+1
−5 𝑠[14]. For
the Vickers hardness range and low-force Vickers hardness range tests, the indenter
shall contact the test piece at a velocity of ≤0.2 mm/s. For micro-hardness tests, the
indenter shall contact the test piece at a velocity of ≤0.070 mm/s[14]. The duration
of the test force shall be 14+1
−4 𝑠, except for tests on materials whose time-dependent
properties would make this an unsuitable range. this duration shall be specified as
part of the hardness designation[14].

16
2.5.2.6.7. Prevention of the effect of shock or vibration
Throughout the test, the testing machine shall be protected from shock or
vibration[14].

2.5.2.6.8. Minimum distance between adjacent indentations

The distance between the center of any indentation and the edge of the test piece
shall be at least 25 times the mean diagonal length of the indentation in the case of
steel, copper and copper alloys and at least three times the mean diagonal length of
the indentation in the case of light metals, lead and tin and their alloys[14].
The distance between the centers of two adjacent indentations shall be at least three
times the mean diagonal length of the indentation in the case of steel, copper and
copper alloys and at least six times the mean diagonal length in the case of light
metals, lead and tin and their alloys. If two adjacent indentations differ in size, the
spacing shall be based on the mean diagonal length of the larger indentation[14].

17
3. Experiments
Test piece is an alloy of Aluminum that we used 20 KgF for pressure. After repeating
the test for 5 times according to ASTM-E92 and ISO 6507-1we have the second
parameter that we need for calculating Vickers Hardness of test piece. You can see
the output data in table 06.[9], [14]
we use equation (1) for calculating VH.
𝐹 𝐹
𝑉𝐻𝑁 = 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 68° ( 2 ) = 1.8544 ( 2 ) [7]
𝐷 𝐷

Table 07. VHT output data

Material Pressure (KgF) d (mm) VHT
Selected Alloy of Aluminum 20 0.7 75.689
Selected Alloy of Aluminum 20 0.63 93.444
Selected Alloy of Aluminum 20 0.6 103.022
Selected Alloy of Aluminum 20 0.79 59.426
Selected Alloy of Aluminum 20 0.54 127.187

To Reaching the final answer we have to delete the most and the least d which
measured and you can see in (table 07), then get the average of 3 remained VH to
calculate the VH of selected alloy of Aluminum that we tested.

75.689+93.444+103.022
VHN (Selected Alloy of Aluminum) = = 90.7183 𝐾𝑔𝑚𝑚−2
3

3.1. ANSYS Granta Materials Selector

3.1.1. Now we can use VH of selected alloy of Aluminum for detecting the grade of
selected alloy of Aluminum by using ANSYS Granta Materials Selector software.
Obviously, we cannot find the exact grade of it, but we can find a range of Aluminum
alloys grade that have the same HV.
First, we have to categorize all materials into all Aluminum alloys, they are non-
ferrous alloys. So, from chart/select we go selects Aluminum alloys from non-
ferrous alloys.

18
 Fig. 06 – limitation of Materials Universe into all of Aluminum alloys

Now by applying the mechanical properties we measured during the experiment; we

can find the range of possible materials we tested.
The least output of HV is 75.689 𝐾𝑔𝑚𝑚−2 and the most HV is 103.022 𝐾𝑔𝑚𝑚−2.

Fig. 07 – Inserting HV output data

19
3.1.2. ANSYS Granta Materials Selector Report
Selection data
Database Metals plus
Table MaterialUniverse
Subset Custom
Reference ANSYS Granta Materials Selector 2024 R1 DataBase

Selection criteria (summary)

Stage Attribute Constraints
1 Hardness – Vickers (HV) 75 to 103

Selection results
Records passing: Stage1: 148 of 311
Ranked by: Hardness - Vickers (HV)
Ranked order: Low to high

Hardness - Vickers
Rank Material
(HV)
1 Aluminum, 2090, T83 40 - 126
2 Aluminum, 5052, H32 55 - 75
3 Aluminum, A332.0, cast, T5 60 - 84
4 Aluminum, 7175, T74 62 - 148
5 Aluminum, 7175, T73511 62 - 148
6 Aluminum, 7175, T7452 62 - 148
7 Aluminum, 2219, T852 66 - 117
8 Aluminum, 2524, T3 66 - 118
9 Aluminum, 2219, T87 66 - 121
10 Aluminum, 2219, T62 66 - 121
11 Aluminum, 2519, T87 66 - 121
12 Aluminum, 2219, T8511 66 - 121
13 Aluminum, 2219, T81 66 - 121
14 Aluminum, 2219, T851 66 - 121
15 Aluminum, 5052, H34 67 - 87
16 Aluminum, 6061, T4510/T4511 67 - 108
17 Aluminum, 6061, T62 67 - 108
18 Aluminum, 6061, T6510/T6511 67 - 108
19 Aluminum, 6061, T652 67 - 108
20 Aluminum, 6463, T6 68 - 76

20
21 Aluminum, A356.0, permanent mold cast, F 69 - 77
22 Aluminum, 6061, T451 70 - 76
23 Aluminum, 5052, H36 70 - 90
24 Aluminum, 6063, T831 71 - 79
25 Aluminum, 5754, H12 71 - 79
26 Aluminum, 5083, H323 71 - 79
27 Aluminum, 5083, O 71 - 79
28 Aluminum, 5083, H343 71 - 79
29 Aluminum, 6082, T4 71 - 79
30 Aluminum, 3004, H36 71 - 79
31 Aluminum, 5083, H321 71 - 79
32 Aluminum, 5083, H111 71 - 79
33 Aluminum, 5083, H112 71 - 79
34 Aluminum, 2036, T4 72 - 80
35 Aluminum, 5454, H111 74 - 82
36 Aluminum, 6063, T83 74 - 82
37 Aluminum, 6061, T4 74 - 87
38 Aluminum, EN AC-44300, die cast, F 75 - 83
39 Aluminum, 5251, H18 76 - 84
40 Aluminum, 6063, T6 76 - 84
41 Aluminum, 6010, T4 76 - 84
42 Aluminum, 6016, T5 76 - 84
43 Aluminum, 5086, O 76 - 84
44 Aluminum, 5454, H12 76 - 84
45 Aluminum, 5454, H32 76 - 84
46 Aluminum, 5754, H14 76 - 84
47 Aluminum, 5154, H12 76 - 84
48 Aluminum, 2010, T62 77 - 81
49 Aluminum, 3004, H38 77 - 85
50 Aluminum, 712.0, sand cast, T5 78.8 - 85.3
51 Aluminum, 712.0, sand cast, F 78.8 - 85.3
52 Aluminum, 295.0, sand cast, T6 79 - 85
53 Aluminum, 5086, H112 79 - 88
54 Aluminum, 2618, T4 80 - 88
55 Aluminum, 5052, H38 80 - 90
56 Aluminum, 5086, H38 80 - 100
57 Aluminum, 5086, H111 80 - 100

21
58 Aluminum, 5086, H36 80 - 100
59 Aluminum, 5754, H16 81 - 89
60 Aluminum, 5154, H14 81 - 89
61 Aluminum, 6063, T8 81 - 89
62 Aluminum, 5454, H14 81 - 89
63 Aluminum, EN AC-47100, die cast, F 83 - 91
64 Aluminum, 319.0, sand cast, F 83 - 91
65 Aluminum, 356.0, sand cast, T6 83 - 91
66 Aluminum, 5086, H32 84 - 92
67 Aluminum, 6063, T832 85 - 86
68 Aluminum, 5454, H34 86 - 94
69 Aluminum, 6060, T6 86 - 95
70 Aluminum, 6016, T6 86 - 95
71 Aluminum, 5182, H32 86 - 95
72 Aluminum, 6005, T5 86 - 95
73 Aluminum, FC1-TD 86 - 95
74 Aluminum, 5754, H18 86 - 95
75 Aluminum, 713.0, sand cast, F 86 - 96
76 Aluminum, 356.0, sand cast, F 86 - 96
77 Aluminum, A413.0, die cast, F 86 - 96
78 Aluminum, 2008, T62 87 - 92
79 Aluminum, 360.0, die cast, F 87 - 97
80 Aluminum, A360.0, die cast, F 87 - 97
81 Aluminum, 713.0, sand cast, T5 87 - 97
82 Aluminum, 713.0, permanent mold cast, T5 87 - 97
83 Aluminum, A356.0, sand cast, T6 87 - 97
84 Aluminum, 520.0, sand cast, T4 87 - 97
85 Aluminum, 6061, T42 87 - 108
86 Aluminum, 6262, T6 88 - 97
87 Aluminum, 383.0, die cast, F 88 - 100
88 Aluminum, 356.0, investment cast, T6 89 - 100
89 Aluminum, 413.0, die cast, F 89 - 100
90 Aluminum, 356.0, permanent mold cast, T6 89 - 105
91 Aluminum, C355.0, cast, T6 90 - 95
92 Aluminum, 3004, H19 90 - 100
93 Aluminum, 6005A, T6 90 - 100
94 Aluminum, 5052, H19 90 - 100

22
95 Aluminum, 771.0, sand cast, T5 90.4 - 97.8
96 Aluminum, 6009, T62 92 - 97
97 Aluminum, 319.0, sand cast, T6 92 - 102
98 Aluminum, A380.0, die cast, F 92 - 102
99 Aluminum, 355.0, sand cast, T6 92 - 102
100 Aluminum, EN AC-46000, die cast, F 92 - 102
101 Aluminum, 380.0, die cast, F 92 - 102
102 Aluminum, 518.0, die cast, F 92 - 102
103 Aluminum, 5086, H34 94 - 102
104 Aluminum, 6005A, T5 95 - 100
105 Aluminum, FC1-TF 95 - 105
106 Aluminum, 6082, T6 95 - 105
107 Aluminum, 5182, H34 95 - 105
108 Aluminum, 5754, H19 95 - 105
109 Aluminum, A357.0, investment cast, T6 96 - 110
110 Aluminum, A357.0, permanent mold cast, T6 96 - 111
111 Aluminum, 771.0, sand cast, T6 96.2 - 104
112 Aluminum, 6262, T9 97 - 107
113 Aluminum, 5456, H112 98 - 108
114 Aluminum, 5456, O 98 - 108
115 Aluminum, 5456, H321 98 - 108
116 Aluminum, 5456, H111 98 - 108
117 Aluminum, C355.0, permanent mold cast, T6 98 - 115
118 Aluminum, 2026, T3511 99 - 111
119 Aluminum, 6022, T62 100 - 105
120 Aluminum, 6061, T651 100 - 107
121 Aluminum, 6061, T6 100 - 107
122 Aluminum, C355.0, sand cast, T6 100 - 110
123 Aluminum, 5182, H16 100 - 110
124 Aluminum, EN AC-48000, chill cast, T5 100 - 110
125 Aluminum, 357.0, sand cast, T6 100 - 110
126 Aluminum, 296.0, permanent mold cast, T6 100 - 110
127 Aluminum, 355.0, permanent mold cast, T6 100 - 110
128 Aluminum, A356.0, permanent mold cast, T6 100 - 110
129 Aluminum, 332.0, permanent mold cast, T5 100 - 112
130 Aluminum, 2017, T451 100 - 120
131 Aluminum, 2017, T42 100 - 120

23
132 Aluminum, 2017, T4 100 - 120
133 Aluminum, 7010, T7451 100 - 150
134 Aluminum, 7010, T7651 100 - 150
135 Aluminum, 7014, T761 100 - 150
136 Aluminum, 7014, T651 100 - 150
137 Aluminum, 7149, T73511 100 - 160
138 Aluminum, 7150, T6151 100 - 160
139 Aluminum, 7150, T61511 100 - 160
140 Aluminum, 7150, T7751 100 - 160
141 Aluminum, 7150, T77511 100 - 160
142 Aluminum, 7175, T66 100 - 160
143 Aluminum, 7149, T73 100 - 160
144 Aluminum, 7249, T7452 100 - 160
145 Aluminum, 707.0, permanent mold cast, T7 102 - 110
146 Aluminum, D357.0, cast, T6 103 - 107
147 Aluminum, 6151, T6 103 - 108
148 Aluminum, 2424, T3 103 - 260

Constraints
Attribute Constraints
Hardness - Vickers (HV) 75 to 103

Stage selection settings:

Pass when: Any part of record within selection

Records passing: 148 of 311

24
4. Results & Discussion
A useful technique for determining the hardness of materials is the VHT. It gives
quantitative information for microstructural investigation, quality assurance and
material selection. In order to get accurate findings from this experiment, proper
specimen preparation, calibration and measurement accuracy are necessary.
The Vickers hardness test or the 136°diamond pyramid hardness test is a
micro indentation method. The indenter produces a square indentation, the diagonals
of which are measured. Vickers hardness number (VHN) can be found directly from
the Vickers hardness testing machine and Average of three readings in each specimen
at different places was taken to reach VHN[15].
The points that are important for final result which I mean correct VHN are
following the principles and qualification that described widely in ISO 6507-1 and
ASTM E-92 from the begging that are something like standard condition of
laboratory, specie preparation, test machine calibration and etc [9], [14].

25
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank Dr. Abdolali Fayyaz, Dr. Omid Ashkani, Dr. Majid Elyasi and
Dr. Majid Abbasi for their support and guidance.
I also appreciate the resources provided by:
IAU-Science & Research Branch (Mechanical Properties of Materials Laboratory( .

26
 References
[1] S. Okasha, Philosophy of science: a very short introduction. Oxford University Press, 2002.
[2] H. Wu et al., “On the Application of Vickers Micro Hardness Testing to Isotactic
Polypropylene,” Polymers (Basel), vol. 14, no. 9, May 2022, doi: 10.3390/polym14091804.
[3] J. Lopez, “Microhardness testing of plastics: Literature review,” Polym Test, vol. 12, no. 5,
pp. 437–458, Jan. 1993, doi: 10.1016/0142-9418(93)90016-I.
[4] R. L. Smith and G. E. Sandly, “An Accurate Method of Determining the Hardness of Metals,
with Particular Reference to Those of a High Degree of Hardness,” Proceedings of the
Institution of Mechanical Engineers, vol. 102, no. 1, 1922, doi:
10.1243/pime_proc_1922_102_033_02.
[5] ASTM Int., “ASTM E140-12b. Standard Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals
Relationship Among Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell Hardness, Superficial
Hardness, Knoop Hardness, Scleroscope Hardness, and Leeb Hardness,” American Society
for Testing and Materials, 2012.
[6] J. Suwanprateeb, “A Comparison of Different Methods in Determining Load- and Time-
Dependence of Vickers Hardness in Polymers,” Polym Test, vol. 17, no. 7, pp. 495–506, Oct.
1998, doi: 10.1016/S0142-9418(97)00040-8.
[7] G. Ellwood. Dieter, Mechanical metallurgy. 2011. doi: 10.5962/bhl.title.35895.
[8] ASTM International, ASTM E92 - 17: Standard Test Methods for Vickers Hardness and Knoop
Hardness of Metallic Materials. 1999.
[9] ASTM Standard E92-82, “ASTM E92-82 Standard Test Method for Vickers Hardness of
Metallic Materials,” Annual Book of ASTM Standards 4, vol. 82, no. Reapproved, 2010.
[10]AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS, “ASTM E92-16,” Standard
Test Methods for Vickers Hardness and Knoop Hardness of Metallic Materials, vol. 82, no.
July 2010, 2017.
[11] ASTM Standard E92, “Astm E92,” ASTM International, vol. 82, no. Reapproved, 2003.
[12] ASTM E92-82, “Standard Test Method for Vickers Hardness of Metallic Materials,” ASTM
International, vol. 82, no. Reapproved 2003, 2004.
[13] ASTM E92, “ASTM E-92 Standard Test Method for Vickers Hardness of Metallic
Materials,” Annual Book of ASTM Standards 4, vol. 82, no. Reapproved, 1997.
[14] NSAI Standards, “Metallic materials - Vickers hardness test - Part 1: Test method (ISO
6507-1:2018),” 2018.
[15] P. Moore and G. Booth, “Mechanical testing of welds,” The Welding Engineers Guide to
Fracture and Fatigue, pp. 113–141, 2015.

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