Knoop

The Knoop hardness test measures how resistant a material is to indentation, especially useful for tiny or delicate samples. It uses a specialized diamond-shaped tip to press into the material under a specific load. The shape creates an elongated, shallow indentation, which is then measured under a microscope. By analyzing the size of this imprint, we can determine the material’s hardness—how tough or resistant it is to permanent deformation. This method is especially helpful for testing thin or fragile materials where traditional hardness tests might cause damage.