In that strength is determined by applying load to a material, the Rockwell hardness test is fundamentally similar to other approaches. However, the Rockwell test does this differently.

The surface is first subjected to a light load to establish the zero position. A heavier major load is then applied to the material that creates the depression once the zero position has been established.

While the test is running, the minor load is kept constant. In some test versions, the principal load must stay on the material until a sufficient indentation has been formed.

The penetration depth starting from the zero point is then measured after removing the main load. The strength of the material is inversely correlated to the amount of damage it endured, as is the case with all hardness tests. As a result, according to the Rockwell method, materials tend to rate harder if the indentation made on them is closer to the surface.

NextGen’s RockGen DGEN Series – Digital Rockwell Hardness Tester has a Digital LCD Display to read hardness data.

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