Brinell Hardness - Used for determining the hardness of metals. This hardness scale is often used for steel parts and comparative conversions between Brinell and Rockwell scales. The comparative scales are listed in the chart below.
Rockwell Hardness - Probably the most familiar hardness measurement technique because of its' wide range. Useful for measuring many materials from soft bearing metals to carbides. The different Rockwell scales are listed in the chart below.
Shore's Hardness - a common scale for elastic materials such as rubber and plastics.
Vicker's Hardness - useful for thin materials.
Knoop Hardness - a test applicable to thin materials, plated surfaces, exceptionally hard and brittle materials and shallow hardened surfaces such as surfaces nitrided or carburized.
