Microindentation hardness testing provides a measure of the hardness of the microstructural constituents of a porous material. It indicates the hardness the material would have if there were no pores present and the material was tested using macroindentation hardness methods.

Microindentation hardness tests allow the evaluation of specific phases, microstructural constituents, and regions or gradients too small for macroindentation hardness testing.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the microindentation hardness of powder metallurgy (PM) materials. The test method differs from the approach used for pore-free materials in terms of the precautions required to deal with the porosity.

1.2 A method for converting the directly measured indentation lengths to other hardness scales, for example, HRC is described in Appendix X1.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.