What does the Rockwell hardness testing system utilize for measuring hardness?

The Rockwell hardness testing system is distinguished by its use of a large range of scales, each tailored to specific materials and applications, employing varying indenters. This flexibility allows for the assessment of different hardness levels across a wide variety of materials, such as metals and plastics, which may have different properties and tolerances. Depending on the specific scale used, the indenter can be either a hardened steel ball or a diamond cone, and the depth of indentation is measured to derive the hardness value.

This adaptability in employing different indenters and scales is critical as it enables accurate measurements for both softer and harder materials, providing a more comprehensive means of assessing material hardness in various industrial contexts. The diversity in measurement scales enhances the utility of the Rockwell system, making it a popular choice in engineering practices for evaluating material performance.