Zeros GmbH is your accredited partner for standardized hardness testing. We test components, weld seams, microstructure zones and coatings according to the relevant standards: DIN EN ISO 6506-1 (Brinell), DIN EN ISO 6507-1 (Vickers), DIN EN ISO 9015-1 and DIN EN ISO 9015-2. The results serve incoming goods inspection, process monitoring, heat treatment control and acceptance of safety-relevant components.

Depending on the material, geometry and testing situation, we select the optimal method: in the laboratory with stationary devices for highest repeatability. On request, we provide hardness profile tests including evaluation of nitriding depth (Nht), surface hardening depth SHD (RHT) and case hardening depth CHD (EHT).

Typical application areas: steel and light metal components, weld seams and heat-affected zones, coated surfaces, forged and cast parts, pipes, sheets, shafts and gears.

Our hardness tests are accredited by DAkkS according to the following standards:

DIN EN ISO 6506-1:2015-02
Metallic materials – Brinell hardness test – Part 1: Test method
DIN EN ISO 6507-1:2018-07
Metallic materials – Vickers hardness test – Part 1: Test method
DIN EN ISO 9015-1:2011-05
Destructive testing of welds – Hardness testing – Part 1: Hardness testing for arc welds
DIN EN ISO 9015-2:2016-10
Destructive testing of welds – Hardness testing – Part 2: Microhardness testing on welds

We perform the following hardness tests:

Brinell – DIN EN ISO 6506-1
Vickers – DIN EN ISO 6507-1

Application examples for hardness profile tests include the following:

Determination of nitriding depth Nht
Determination of surface hardening depth SHD (RHT)
Determination of case hardening depth CHD (EHT)
Part of procedural tests
Examination of sheet and bar materials
Determination of hardness profiles
Material sorting
Examination of uniformity of properties
Verification of heat treatment zones

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zeros GmbH?

Zeros GmbH is an independent testing laboratory for destructive and non-destructive materials testing. We support companies from incoming inspection to series release – including digital test reports and full traceability.

We operate under accreditation to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (quality management for laboratories). See our current accreditation information here.

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Which standards is Zeros GmbH accredited to?

We are accredited by DAkkS to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025. This standard ensures that test methods, equipment control, personnel qualification and reporting meet the highest requirements.

An overview of services and scopes is available on our homepage.

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What services does Zeros GmbH offer?

Our portfolio covers NDT (UT, RT, MT, PT, VT), mechanical testing (tensile, hardness, Charpy), metallography (microstructure, grain size, coating thickness) and chemical analysis (e.g. OES, XRF). We also provide specimen preparation, documentation and consulting.

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How can I use Zeros GmbH's services?

Please contact us by email or use the contact option on the website. Share material, standard/specification and quantity – we'll get back to you promptly with a solution.

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How Hardness Testing (HT) Works

Schematic representation of a hardness test according to Brinell

Schematic representation of a
hardness test according to Vickers

Technical Background and Procedure

Hardness testing determines the resistance of a material against the penetration of a test body or against plastic deformation. It correlates with strength and wear behavior and is therefore a central quality characteristic in production and maintenance.

Step 1 – Sample Preparation

Clean the surface and – depending on the method – grind/polish flat. For mobile methods (Leeb/UCI), a metallically bright, load-bearing surface is usually sufficient.
Step 2 – Indenter / Test Force

Depending on the standard, diamond pyramid (Vickers), diamond cone or ball (Rockwell) or carbide/steel ball (Brinell) are used. The test force is applied according to the standard.
Step 3 – Impression Measurement

Measurement of diagonals (Vickers), impression diameter (Brinell) or permanent penetration depth (Rockwell). For Leeb, the rebound velocity is measured; for UCI, the frequency shift of a vibrating rod.
Step 4 – Evaluation & Documentation

Calculation of hardness value (HV, HBW, HRC/HRB, HL) and creation of a standardized test report including measurement location. Optional: hardness profile diagrams and limit value assessment.

Available Methods

Vickers (HV) – DIN EN ISO 6507-1, universal from very soft to very hard, small test areas and layers
Brinell (HBW) – DIN EN ISO 6506-1, ideal for coarse-grained/softer materials, castings and non-ferrous metals

Typical Applications

Heat treatment verification (SHD/RHT, Nht)
Weld seam and HAZ evaluation
Incoming goods and production control
Hardness profile tests on surface layers
On-site component testing (turbines, shafts, molds, gear parts)

We advise you on the selection of the suitable method and provide reliable results for your quality assurance – fast, transparent and accredited.

Hardness Testing