How To Use Hardness Tester Files

A must for most any machine shop! An easy-to-use, dramatically less expensive alternative to a Benchtop Hardness Tester, the TTC Hardness Tester File Set allows you to quickly ascertain the hardness of your material. Watch resident tech expert Kurt Repsher demonstrate how to use Rockwell Hardness Tester Files in this video, and subscribe to our channel to see more exclusive application videos like this one!

Why Should You Test Material Hardness?

Hardness testing allows you to evaluate a material's properties, including strength and wear resistance. This helps you to determine whether a material is suitable for the application or purpose you require, and also whether a material treatment (like heat treatment, for instance) achieved the desired results. Ascertaining a material or workpiece's hardness allows you to select the right tool for your application and work more efficiently. Moreover, knowing the material or workpiece hardness and using the right tool for the application can help you avoid reduced tool life, poor finish, tool breakage and having to potentially scrap the part you are working on.

Material Hardness Testing Procedure

The TTC Hardness File Set provides an easy-to-use method for ascertaining material hardness, which can be determined by sliding the files across the surface of the material you are testing. The set includes six color coded files, which indicate hardness ranging from 40 to 65 HRC. As illustrated in the video, simply run the file across the surface of the object, starting with the hardest (65 HRC) file. If the file marks the surface, the material is less than 65 HRC. You would then proceed to the next hardest file (60 HRC) and repeat the process as needed until the hardness file is unable to mark the surface of he object you are testing. The approximate hardness of the material will be between the file that marks the surface and the most recent file to slide over the material without leaving a mark.

WAnt to increase your aluminum machining efficiency?

By downloading the Aluminum Machining Guide you'll also find information on:

• Milling approach angles
• Insert substrates, coatings & post treatment
• Troubleshooting insert failure
• Pros & cons of solid carbide vs. indexable tooling
• How to choose the right tool for your aluminum milling application