Applied Technical Services’ materials testing department provides microhardness testing. This test is also commonly known as microindentation hardness testing. This procedure tests the hardness of materials using lower applied loads than ones employed in other hardness test methods. During this test, a sample, normally very small or thin in size, is impressed with a diamond indenter using a known applied force. The resulting values determine a material’s hardness or resistance against penetration. Microhardness Testing provides accurate and detailed information about the properties of a surface hardened component and the heat-affected zone of welds. ATS is very familiar with both the Knoop and Vickers methods, however the Vickers Hardness Test is used extensively in weld qualification testing. A Vickers Hardness Test determines the resistance of a material to deformation by using a relatively simple but accurate procedure.