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Rockwell hardness test

The Rockwell hardness test measures how resistant a material is to indentation, indicating its strength and durability. A small, precision-made steel or tungsten carbide ball is pressed into the material’s surface with a specific load. The device then measures how deep the ball penetrates; the shallower the indentation, the harder the material. This test provides a quick, standardized way to assess materials like metals for quality control, ensuring they meet required hardness specifications for their intended use. It helps engineers determine if a material will withstand wear and stress in service.