In the Vickers test, what is the angle of the indenter tip?

In the Vickers hardness test, the indenter used has an angle of 136 degrees at the tip. This specific angle is critical because it creates a diamond-shaped impression when the test is performed. The design allows the Vickers indenter to apply a precise and controlled pressure on the material being tested, which is necessary for accurately measuring hardness.

The uniqueness of the 136-degree angle facilitates the formation of a square indentation, which can be measured diagonally after the test. This ability to measure across different axes is essential for calculating the hardness value, as the Vickers hardness number (HV) is derived from the applied load divided by the surface area of the indentation. The design of the indenter, including its angle, is central to the test’s effectiveness and accuracy in determining the hardness of various materials.