This Mikrosize flagship instrument provides a reliable solution for materials research and quality control applications.
Pre-operation Preparation
Before operation, inspect the instrument’s exterior and cable connections to make sure the power supply and display are working normally. Calibrate the tester with a standard hardness block as described in the operating manual. Operate the instrument in a quiet environment under appropriate temperature and humidity conditions.
Sample surfaces must be smooth and clean. Sample thickness should be at least 10 times the indentation diagonal length. Use suitable fixtures to secure irregularly shaped specimens.
Test Procedure
Set the test force and dwell time on the touchscreen interface. Harder materials require a higher test force; the dwell time is normally set at 10–30 seconds. Confirm the parameters once setup is complete.
Mount the sample on the test stand and align it under the indenter center. Move the test head toward the sample via the touchscreen. Adjust the focus through the eyepiece until the sample surface is clearly in focus. Select “Start Test.” The instrument will apply the preset test load, hold for the set dwell time, and then automatically unload. Do not touch the instrument or the sample during the test cycle.
Once the test is complete, the indentation diagonal lengths and other measurement data are displayed. If automatic calculation is available, the Vickers hardness value is shown directly. Otherwise, measure both diagonals of the indentation with the supplied measuring microscope and calculate the hardness using the Vickers formula.
For multi-point measurement, repeat the test procedure at different locations on the sample. Record the hardness values, test forces, dwell times, and any other relevant information for later analysis.
Post-test & Maintenance
Remove the tested sample. Clean the indenter and test stand with a soft cloth and tidy the work area. For long-term storage, keep the instrument in a dry, clean environment. Carry out periodic calibration and maintenance to ensure consistent, accurate measurements.
