Vickers hardness testing is a widely used method for accurately measuring the hardness of materials like metals, alloys, ceramics, composites, and thin coatings. GNEHM offers a range of Vickers hardness testers designed to meet the needs of both micro and macro testing applications, from high-precision lab work to robust industrial use.
Discover how Vickers hardness testing can support your process, or request a personalized quote today.
The Vickers hardness test is a microhardness testing method that uses a diamond-shaped indenter to measure the hardness of materials. Unlike other hardness tests, Vickers is ideal for very small or thin specimens, coatings and materials with fine microstructured or layered surfaces. It offers precision and is widely used across many industries.
Vickers hardness testing involves pressing a pyramid-shaped diamond indenter into the material’s surface under a specific load. The size of the resulting indentation is measured optically by calculating the diagonal length. This is done under a high-magnification microscope. The Vickers Hardness Number (HV) is calculated using the following standardized formula, where F is the applied load in kgf and d is the average diagonal length of the indentation in millimeters:
The Vickers method supports loads ranging from 1 gf to 100 kgf, accommodating a wide spectrum of applications. Typical load values include 10 gf, 100 gf, 1 kgf and 50 kgf, depending on the material and testing requirements.
GNEHM offers a range of advanced Vickers hardness testing machines, designed for both manual and automated testing workflows. Our systems support both micro-hardness and macro-hardness testing, making them ideal for analysing thin coatings, microstructures, and larger components under higher test loads. Whether you require precision in a laboratory environment or high-throughput testing on the production floor, GNEHM delivers reliable and flexible Vickers testing solutions.
Our machines are built with Swiss precision and come equipped with:
At GNEHM, our Vickers hardness testers conform to all relevant international standards, including ISO 6507 and ASTM E92. This guarantees consistent and reliable results for quality assurance and research applications.
View our full range of Vickers hardness testers on the product page.
Vickers hardness testing is a highly versatile method and is used across a wide range of industries and materials. The Vickers method is particularly valued in micro-hardness testing for applications like thin films and small components in electronic or medical devices.
Common applications areas include:
Suitable for testing:
Choosing the right Vickers hardness tester is more than just specifications, it’s about reliability, accuracy and long-term support. At GNEHM, we combine Swiss engineering excellence with decades of experience in materials testing to deliver dependable solutions that meet international standards and real-world demands.
Our Vickers testing machines are designed for precision, built to last and supported by a team of experts who understand your challenges. We provide systems that are accurate, flexible and easy to use.
At GNEHM, we offer a full range of consumables and accessories to ensure optimal performance and long-term accuracy. This includes:
Do you have any questions or do you want to discuss which Vickers hardness tester suits your application? Our specialists are here to help you make the right choice. Contact us or request a personalized quote today.
Not sure if Vickers is the right method for your application? Discover our full range of hardness testers, including Rockwell hardness testers and Brinell hardness testers.
Vickers Hardness testing is a method to measure the hardness of materials using a diamond-shaped indenter and calculating the hardness based on the indentation.
A diamond pyramid is pressed into the material under a specific load. The diagonals of the indentation are measured to calculate the Vickers Hardness Number (HV).
The Vickers method is suitable for metals, alloys, ceramics, composites, and even very thin materials like coatings and foils.
The HV is a numerical value that represents the material’s hardness. It is calculated using the test force and the size of the indentation.
It offers high accuracy, can test both hard and soft materials, and uses the same indenter regardless of test force.
Yes, GNEHM Vickers hardness testing machines can also be used to perform Knoop hardness tests.