Vickers and Knoop Hardness Testers

Metal Testing Equipment

Products

Vickers and Knoop measure where there is very little to measure: a case-hardened layer, a plated coating, the heat-affected zone beside a weld, a single phase in the structure. The same diamond pyramid works across the whole load range, so one scale covers soft and hard material alike. NextGen supplies micro and macro instruments, working to ISO 6507, ASTM E384 and ASTM E92.

Micro models take the low loads that thin layers and small features need, macro models carry the higher loads used on bulk material and welds, and both depend on a properly prepared surface, which is why metallographic equipment and consumables come from the same supplier. Instruments are installed and verified on site, and support continues for their life.

Micro vs. Macro Testing: Understanding the Load Range and Applications

Vickers testing is divided into two distinct categories: Micro Vickers and Macro Vickers. Each category is designed to cater to specific applications, as determined by the necessary test force and sample characteristics. Typically, micro Vickers testing applies loads ranging from 1 gf to 1000 gf, making it suitable for microstructures, thin coatings, and small parts. It’s commonly used in research, electronics, and medical component testing. Macro Vickers, on the other hand, is well-suited for materials that are harder or thicker, such as steel, alloys, and treated components, and it applies loads range from 1 kgf to 100 kgf.

Close-up of Vickers hardness tester applying load on a thin metal sample during microhardness testing

The Micro and Macro Vickers methods apply a diamond pyramid indenter with a precise 136° angle that is square-based. Throughout the testing process, the indenter is required to press into the sample for a predetermined duration. Frequently, the hardness value is determined by measuring the resulting indentation, which is often recorded using an advanced CCD camera or optical system. The Knoop method, which uses a rhombus-shaped diamond tip, is particularly effective for testing thin surface layers or delicate samples and is capable of withstanding extremely low loads (typically 10 gf to 1000 gf). Knoop indentation enables precise surface analysis in situations where other methods fall short, due to its 7:1 long-to-short axis ratio.

Our Vickers and Knoop Hardness Testing Equipment

At NextGen Material Testing, we provide an extensive list of Vickers and Knoop hardness testing systems that meet the requirements of both micro- and macro-scale testing. Our equipment offers long-term reliability, efficiency, and accuracy, whether you require a compact benchtop tester for laboratory analysis or a robust solution for industrial quality control.

Lineup of NextGen’s Micro Vickers and Knoop Hardness Testers with digital and CCD optical systems for precision microhardness testing

Micro Vickers and Knoop Hardness Testers – NG-1000 Series

Designed for low-force applications (10 gf to 1 kgf), the NG-1000 series covers a wide range of micro hardness testing needs. These systems are ideal for delicate materials, coatings, and metallographic case depth studies. Models are available in Standard Digital or Digital with CCD Optical Analysis Software, offering fast, automated indentation measurement for enhanced productivity and accuracy. These testers are compliant with ASTM E384, ISO 6507, and ISO 4545-2 standards.

NextGen’s Macro Vickers Hardness Tester designed for high-force metal hardness testing with digital or CCD optical analysis system

Macro Vickers Hardness Testers – NG-5000 Series

The NG-5000 Series delivers dependable macro hardness testing with available loads from 5 kgf to 50 kgf. Built for evaluating tougher materials and thicker components, these testers are perfect for production environments requiring high test repeatability. Available in Standard Digital, Digital with CCD, and fully automated versions, the NG-5000 Series adheres to ASTM E92, ASTM E384, and ISO 6507 testing methods.

Selection of NextGen’s certified hardness test blocks, diamond indenters, and testing accessories for Vickers and Knoop hardness testers

Hardness Test Blocks, Indenters, and Accessories

To support all Vickers and Knoop testing procedures, we offer certified test blocks and diamond indenters that meet international calibration standards. These accessories ensure the long-term accuracy and traceability of your testing processes. All blocks are certified and traceable to NIST or equivalent national standards.

Range of metallography consumables by NextGen including cutting discs, mounting resins, grinding papers, and polishing cloths for sample preparation

Metallography Consumables

Complete your lab setup with our full line of metallographic consumables, including cutting discs, polishing cloths, mounting resins, and etching solutions. Our consumables are compatible with major equipment brands and support high-precision surface preparation for hardness testing.

Testing Standards We Support

The Vickers and Knoop hardness testers that NextGen provides are engineered to comply with the most stringent international standards, guaranteeing that the results are traceable, reliable, and consistent. These standards specify the requirements for performance, calibration methods, and testing procedures that are indispensable in laboratory and industrial testing environments.

ASTM E384 – Microindentation Testing Standard

ASTM E384 outlines the procedures for microhardness testing using both Vickers and Knoop methods. It governs the use of low-force loads (from 1 gf to 1000 gf), ideal for thin materials, coatings, and fine microstructures. The standard also details requirements for dwell time, optical measurement accuracy, and calibration protocols.

ASTM E92 – Macro Vickers Testing

ASTM E92 is still widely referenced for macro Vickers testing in many industrial settings. It describes the methodology for higher load ranges (typically 1 kgf to 100 kgf) and covers proper use of indenters, testing forces, and acceptable tolerances.

ISO 6507 – Vickers Hardness Testing International Standard

ISO 6507 provides comprehensive guidance on conducting Vickers hardness tests, covering everything from equipment configuration to result interpretation. This standard is divided into multiple parts, with Part 2 focusing specifically on the verification and calibration of the testing machine.

ISO 4545-2 – Knoop Hardness Tester Verification

ISO 4545-2 defines the calibration and performance verification requirements for Knoop hardness testing systems. It is essential for ensuring the accuracy of Knoop results, especially when testing delicate surfaces or small features. The standard includes tolerances, reference block requirements, and optical measurement guidelines tailored to Knoop's unique indenter geometry.

Industries and Applications for Vickers and Knoop Hardness Testing

Knoop and Vickers hardness testers find use in a number of industries that necessitate precise surface and case-depth hardness evaluations. These systems are appropriate for a selection of components, including large, heat-treated parts and delicate components. Below are the key industries and specific applications that benefit from this type of testing equipment:

Automotive and Aerospace

Vickers and Knoop testing methods are commonly used in the automotive and aerospace industries to verify surface treatments, case depths, and heat treatment quality.

Measurement of case depth in gears, shafts, and camshafts
Verification of hardness distribution in carburized or nitrided components
Evaluation of core and surface hardness in bearings and structural parts

Metallurgy and Tooling

In metallurgical labs and tooling production, hardness testing plays a central role in quality control and process verification.

Macro hardness evaluation of forgings, castings, and heavy-duty components
Micro hardness analysis in weld zones and heat-affected areas
Inspection of cutting tools and molds to ensure wear resistance

Electronics and Semiconductors

Knoop hardness testing is particularly suited to this sector due to its ability to analyze very thin coatings and brittle materials without damaging the surface.

Hardness testing of thin metallic and ceramic coatings
Analysis of small semiconductor components and circuit board layers
Evaluation of fragile surfaces like glass, ceramics, and composite materials

Medical Devices and Precision Components

For manufacturers of medical implants and small precision parts, hardness testing ensures compliance with strict industry requirements.

Surface hardness measurement on dental tools, surgical implants, and micro-sized devices
Inspection of thin-walled, high-precision components for structural integrity
Testing of powder metallurgy parts used in biomedical applications

Research and Education

Vickers and Knoop systems are widely used in academic and research institutions for advanced material studies and training.

Microstructure analysis through hardness mapping of multi-phase alloys
Validation of new material treatments and coatings
Educational demonstrations in materials science and mechanical engineering programs

Oil & Gas, Energy, and Heavy Industries

These industries rely on accurate macro and micro hardness data to monitor the performance and durability of equipment operating in extreme environments.

Hardness profiling in drill bits, turbine blades, and valves
Surface treatment verification for corrosion-resistant coatings
Quality control of large welded structures and components

Packaging, Appliances, and Consumer Goods

Hardness testing is also used to assess the quality of coated and thin-gauge materials in commercial and consumer manufacturing.

Evaluation of surface hardness in packaging foils, cans, and laminates
Testing of appliance components with metallic coatings or surface finishes
Inspection of wear-resistant decorative and functional coatings

For Laboratories

One partner to equip your complete hardness testing laboratory

Vickers and Knoop testing covers one part of a hardness laboratory. NextGen equips the rest of it too, from Rockwell, Brinell and portable testers to tensile, impact and metallographic equipment, and stays responsible for it after delivery.

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Hardness testing consumables Hardness Test Blocks, Indenters and Accessories Hardness test blocks, indenters, and accessories support daily verification and reliable operation of metal hardness… View product Get quote Most requested

Vickers and Knoop hardness testing Micro Vickers and Knoop Hardness Tester The NG-1000 Micro Vickers and Knoop Hardness Tester is designed for accurate microhardness testing with digital,… View product Get quote Most requested

Vickers and Knoop hardness testing Macro Vickers Hardness Tester NG-5000 Series Macro Vickers Hardness Tester is built for accurate macrohardness measurement with standard digital,… View product Get quote

Metallography consumables Metallography Consumables Metallography consumables cover the materials needed for sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching, and… View product Get quote

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FAQs

How do I choose between the NG-1000 and NG-5000 series?

Choose by test force and feature size. The NG-1000 applies 10 g to 1 kg for coatings, thin sheet, case depth profiles and single phases. The NG-5000 comes in 5, 10, 30 and 50 kgf load classes, from 300 g up to 50 kg, for castings, welds and heat-treated parts where a micro indentation would land inside one phase. Both measure optically, so both need a prepared surface.

Can these testers run a case depth traverse?

Yes. The NG-1000 works from 10 g to 1 kg, small enough to resolve a steep gradient, and the CCD FA adds automated focus so a full series can run unattended. The software plots the hardness curve from the depths entered. Which depth is reported and the limiting hardness that defines it must be agreed first. The case depth guide explains both.

How do the five NG-1000 configurations differ?

They share one frame, optics and load system, so only the measuring route changes. The CCD reads through a camera or the eyepiece. The DGEN reads through the eyepiece and transfers the diagonals with an encoder at one click, and the AGEN takes the diagonals typed on the keypad. The CCD SEMI adds a motorized XY stage, and the CCD FA adds automated Z focus. Any model can be upgraded to the semi-automatic system.

What do the analysis software and reports include?

On the NG-1000 CCD models, VickSoft measures the diagonals in one click, calculates hardness, converts to other scales, plots hardness curves from entered depths and updates statistics. Every measurement is stored and a Word report is generated from an editable template. The NG-5000 software adds Cp and Cpk, fracture toughness (Kc) measurement, auto-alarm for readings outside the specification and Excel reports.

Can the same tester run Vickers and Knoop?

Yes. The NG-1000 offers a dual indenter motorized turret that adds a Knoop indenter in a fourth position, so both tests run without changing indenters, and the analysis software can be configured for Knoop measurement. The elongated rhombic Knoop indenter suits very thin layers and brittle materials. The NG-1000 page lists the indenters and test blocks.

What surface preparation do Vickers and Knoop tests need?

The diagonals have to be visible under a microscope, so the test area is ground and polished to a metallographic finish. Smearing left by grinding sits exactly where the diamond lands, and any deformed layer carries its own hardness. The metallography preparation range supports this, and ASTM E384 treats surface condition as part of the test method.