The Rockwell hardness test utilizes three indenters and six test forces. Depending on the metal material, hardness range, and size, there are 15 scales available, allowing testing of almost all common metals from very soft to very hard, making its applications extremely broad. Rockwell hardness testers are widely used in industrial production, serving as a primary means of inspecting product quality and determining appropriate processing techniques. They can test the hardness of various ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as quenched steel, tempered steel, annealed steel, surface-hardened steel, plates of various thicknesses, cemented carbide materials, powder metallurgy materials, and thermal spray coatings.
Surface Rockwell hardness testers are used to test the hardness of thin sheet metal, thin-walled pipes, surface-hardened steel, and small parts.