Automatic hardness testing systems

Precision, speed, and repeatability are vital in modern material testing environments. At GNEHM, we deliver all three by default. Every hardness tester in our product portfolio is a fully or semi-automated system, designed to increase efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy. Whether you’re testing metals, alloys, or heat-treated components, our automatic hardness testing machines help streamline your quality control processes without compromising on performance.

What is automatic hardness testing?

Automatic hardness testing uses advanced technologies to perform hardness tests with minimal human input. These systems apply test forces, position samples, measure indentation results, and generate reports, all with a high degree of automation.

By eliminating manual steps, automatic testers reduce operator influence and ensure consistent, traceable results, even in high-throughput environments. Most systems combine motorized stages, intelligent software, digital imaging, and integrated sensors to perform tests with unmatched precision.

Why choose an automated hardness tester?

Automating hardness testing brings key advantages for industries under pressure to reduce cycle times and increase consistency:

SWISSVICK SV20 AUTOMATIC HARDNESS TESTER for Vickers, Knoop and Brinell

Automatic hardness tester

  • Repeatability: minimized variability between operators or shifts
  • Speed: high-throughput testing for production lines and labs
  • Traceability: digital documentation and seamless integration with QA systems
  • Safety: reduced physical handling of heavy or hot parts
  • Standard compliance: meets ISO and ASTM hardness testing requirements

Whether you’re working with Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers or Knoop methods, automation enables you to maintain high standards at scale.

GNEHM’s automated hardness testers

At GNEHM, every hardness tester in our portfolio is a fully or semi-automatic system. Engineered with Swiss precision and closed-loop control technology. Each system comes equipped with the hardware and software needed for automated testing, requiring only minimal configuration.

Explore our automated hardness testers:

  • SWISSVICK SV10 Series
    Automatic Vickers, Knoop and Brinell hardness testers with electronic load system, motorised 6-position turret and colour touchscreen.
  • SWISSVICK SV20 Series
    Next-generation automatic Vickers, Knoop and Brinell testers featuring extended load ranges, automated turret positioning, high-resolution imaging and intuitive touchscreen control.
  • SWISSROCK SR10
    Compact yet powerful automatic Rockwell and Brinell tester with closed-loop control and user-friendly digital operation.
  • SWISSROCK SR20
    Fully automatic Rockwell and Brinell testing with robust C-frame design and 6.5″ touchscreen for single-button test initiation.
  • SWISSBRIN SB10
    High-load semi-automatic Brinell testing system for industrial-grade applications.
  • SWISSBRIN SB20
    Semi‑automatic Brinell hardness tester offering advanced precision and flexibility, tailored for demanding production environments.

These systems support a wide range of test methods, loads, and configurations, with automation built into their core.

Key features and technology

All GNEHM systems are built with precision automation features, such as:

  • Closed-loop force application with load-cell feedback
  • Motorized XY-stages for precise sample positioning
  • High-resolution cameras for digital indentation measurement
  • Touchscreen interfaces for intuitive operation
  • Automated report generation in standard formats

Whether you need single-sample testing or full integration into production lines, our systems are flexible, modular, and future-proof.

Applications across industries

GNEHM’s automatic hardness testers are used worldwide in:

  • Automotive manufacturing
  • Aerospace & defence
  • Medical device manufacturing
  • Metalworking & heat treatment

Thanks to automation, even high-volume environments benefit from reduced inspection time and fewer operator errors.

Why GNEHM testing?

At GNEHM, we combine Swiss engineering precision with decades of expertise in metal hardness testing. All of our systems are either fully or semi-automatic by design, built on a modular architecture that adapts to your specific workflow. Whether you’re operating a single lab setup or managing an integrated production line, our solutions offer consistent performance, expert support, and full compliance with ISO, ASTM, and customer-specific standards, helping you test smarter, faster, and with confidence.

Let’s talk automatic hardness testing

Ready to upgrade your hardness testing process? Contact our team to discuss your needs or request a demo of our automatic hardness testers.

Get in touch with our team

Switzerland (CH + FL) & Austria

GNEHM Harteprüfer AF

Global sales

GNEHM International LLC-FZ

FAQ

Automatic hardness testing reduces manual steps like force application and indentation measurement, increasing speed and repeatability.

Some models support robotic sample handling and barcode integration. Contact us to learn more.

Our systems support Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers and Knoop, depending on the model. See our Products page for details.

Yes, especially when combined with high-resolution optics and motorized stages. Contact us to explore your options.