MaTestLab > Test Standards > ASTM E384 Standard Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Materials
Last updated 26th February 2025
ASTM E384 Standard Test Method for Microindentation Hardness of Materials
ASTM E384 test method focuses on determining material microindentation hardness, verifying testing machines, and calibrating standard test blocks. It applies to microindentation tests using Knoop and Vickers indenters under test forces ranging from 9.8-3 10-3 to 9.8 N. The ASTM E384 test method also analyzes potential errors and their impact on test results' accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility.
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E384 Introduction
ASTM E384: Hardness tests are crucial for material evaluation, quality control in manufacturing processes, and research and development. They can correlate with tensile strength for metals and indicate wear resistance and ductility. Microindentation tests extend hardness testing to materials too thin or small for macroindentation tests, allowing evaluation of specific phases or constituents. However, microindentation hardness may not accurately represent bulk hardness due to variations within a material.
ASTM E 384 provides an analysis of the possible sources of errors that can occur during microindentation testing and how these factors affect the precision, bias, repeatability, and reproducibility of test results.
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E384 Standard Test Procedure
Specimen Selection
The ASTM E384 testing specimen is chosen to accurately represent the material under examination, ensuring a smooth, clean surface free from irregularities or surface treatments that could affect test results, and securely mounted to prevent movement during testing.
Test Setup and Execution
The Knoop or Vickers hardness test uses a diamond indenter to engage a specimen’s surface under controlled force, typically 1 to 1000 gf. The impression size is measured using a light microscope, and the hardness number is determined by dividing the applied force by the indentation’s surface area.
E384 Equipment and Sample Preparation
Specimen Details
The test requires a flat specimen with a polished surface, free from defects that could affect indentation or diagonal measurement. Testing on non-planar surfaces, even in the Knoop test, is discouraged due to their significant impact on results.
Specimen Dimensions
The microscope field of view focuses on indentation tips during tests, avoiding etching to avoid obscured edges and complicated size measurements. Surface finish quality depends on forces and magnifications, with lighter forces and smaller indentations requiring more critical preparation. Careful handling of preparation-induced damage is necessary.
ASTM E384 Test Resultsand Interpretation
ASTM E384, a standardized method for determining Knoop and Vickers hardness through indentation testing, provides numerical values for material hardness. These values, derived from force or surface area, indicate a material’s resistance to deformation. Comparing these hardness values aids in material assessment, quality evaluation, material characterization, material selection, quality control, and research and development. Test results ensure consistent and reliable hardness assessment across materials and testing conditions.
Tests Related to E384
Important tests relevant to ASTM E384 include ASTM E140 Test Method for Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals, ASTM E175 Terminology of Microscopy, ASTM E3 Methods of Preparation of Metallographic Specimens, ASTM E766 Practice for Calibrating the Magnification of a Scanning Electron Microscope.
Use of E384 in Various Industries
The standard is highly important in automobile, electronic, and medical device manufacturing industries that demand stringent evaluation of material hardness. It ensures durability in turbine blade coatings, assesses the materials used in bone screws and implants that dictate performance as well as biocompatibility, thus facilitating quality control and material certification.
Materials Commonly Tested with E384
It applies to the hardness of metals, ceramics, composites, and thin films, roughly in tool steels, titanium alloys, nickel-based superalloys, and biomaterials like dental alloys and ceramic implants.
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting in E384
The problem is that surface irregularities and improper mounting become obstacles to accurately indenting on small or thin samples for testing. Use clean, polished samples to troubleshoot the problems, adjusting test parameters so that edge effects are avoided.
Safety and Best Practices in E384 Testing
It is deemed necessary to use safety gears, an indentation calibration, safe mounting of samples, proper disposal of spent chemicals, and keeping the test area clean to ensure the safety of the operators and the accurate conduction of tests, particularly when preparing samples that used a cutting tool, in the ASTM E384 testing.
Importance of E384
The standard is important for material sciences and manufacturing due to the fact that it offers a reliable method to measure microhardness. They thus assist with quality control, regulatory compliance, and safety-critical fields such as aerospace and medical devices, hence motivating material innovations and product reliability.
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FAQ's
Where can I get the astm e384 tested?
You can share your astm e384 testing requirements with MaTestLab. MaTestLab has a vast network of material testing laboratories, spread across the USA and Canada. We support your all material testing needs ranging from specific astm e384 test to various testing techniques.
How much do I need to pay for the astm e384 test?
Please contact us for a detailed quote for your astm e384 testing needs. Cost incurred to carry out different astm e384 testing methodology depends on the type of raw material; number of samples, coupons, or specimens; test conditions, turn around time etc. Costs of some ASTM testing methods start from $100 and the final value depends upon the factors listed above. Please contact us for the best and latest prices.
How many samples are required for astm e384?
The required number of samples or specimens should comply with the procedure given in the astm e384 standard. However, the MaTestLab operations team can assist you for your special requirements once you share your testing details with us.
How much discount can I get on the astm e384 test?
MaTestLab has a vast testing laboratory network, hence we bring you the best testing facilities in a cost-effective way. We offer considerable discounts (15-20%) to our returning customers based on test volume and frequency.
How many days will it take to complete the astm e384 test?
The turnaround time for astm e384 test methodology depends upon the test procedure mentioned in the standard test document. However, we at MaTestLab understand your research requirements and hence try to get your test completed within the least possible time.
Where can I get the astm e384 tested?
You can share your astm e384 testing requirements with MaTestLab. MaTestLab has a vast network of material testing laboratories, spread across the USA and Canada. We support your all material testing needs ranging from specific astm e384 test to various testing techniques.
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