MikroVickers

MikroVickers is a method of hardness testing used to measure the indentation hardness of materials, particularly those where conventional Vickers testing might be too coarse. It is a microhardness testing technique, meaning it employs very low loads and a very small diamond indenter. The indenter is typically a square-based pyramid with a specific angle between opposite faces.

The MikroVickers test involves pressing this diamond indenter into the surface of the material being tested under a controlled load for a specified dwell time. After the indenter is withdrawn, the length of the two diagonals of the resulting indentation impression is measured. The MikroVickers hardness number is calculated based on the applied load and the average length of these diagonals. The formula involves the load in kilograms-force and the diagonal length in millimeters.

This testing method is crucial for evaluating the hardness of thin coatings, small components, or the microstructure of materials, as it can differentiate hardness variations at a microscopic level. It is particularly useful in metallurgy for examining case-hardened layers, precipitates, or the hardness of individual grains within an alloy. The low loads ensure that the test does not significantly damage the sample and allows for testing on brittle materials or very thin specimens. MikroVickers testing requires precise equipment and skilled operators to ensure accurate measurements of the small indentations.