Ahardhetsgrader

Ahardhetsgrader is a handheld instrument developed in the late 1980s in Northern Europe for the standardized, rapid assessment of material hardness. The device provides a numeric grade intended to facilitate quick comparisons across samples and conditions, without requiring full laboratory testing.

It consists of a spring-loaded indenter with a diamond or carbide tip, a fixed dwell time, and an integrated optical system that measures the imprint. The reading is displayed on a digital readout and reported on a 0–100 scale known as the Ahardhetsgrader scale. Calibration uses traceable reference standards and periodic bench checks.

To operate, the user places the instrument on the surface and activates the indenter. After the dwell period, the device records the indent and computes the grade with a defined formula that accounts for tip geometry and load. The result is a material hardness estimate suitable for field work and rapid screening.

Ahardhetsgrader is designed to complement established hardness tests such as Rockwell, Vickers, and Brinell. Conversion curves from manufacturers enable rough correlation between Ahardhetsgrader grades and conventional scales, but the device is not a substitute for standardized laboratory testing when precise measurements are required.

Originating from a collaboration between Nordic research institutes and industry partners, the Ahardhetsgrader entered commercial availability in 1989 as a portable solution for metals, ceramics, and gemology. It is valued for its portability, speed, and non-destructive approach, though readings can be affected by surface finish and material anisotropy.

Variants include the entry-level AH-1, the digital AH-Plus, and the high-resolution AH-Ultra. Users should verify calibration before each use and treat the grade as a comparative indicator rather than an absolute value.

Related topics include hardness testing and established scales such as Mohs, Rockwell, Vickers, and Brinell.