scope:

This standard covers the determination of the microindentation hardness of PM materials. The procedure differs from that applied to pore-free material in terms of the precautions required to deal with the porosity. This procedure covers tests made with the Knoop or Vickers indentors under test loads in the range from 1 to 200 gf.

Automated testing is generally not suitable for use with porous PM materials, because acceptable indentations require avoiding placing indentations in the immediate vicinity of a pore, a condition not guaranteed with automated placement of the indentations. Any automated testing shall allow for review of indentations post-test to reject any distorted or unusually large indentations in accordance with Section 4.2.5.

A method of conversion from the directly measured indentor lengths to other hardness scales, e.g. HRC, is described.

This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the potential safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.