ISO 6507-1:2023

Overview

ISO 6507-1:2023 - "Metallic materials - Vickers hardness test - Part 1: Test method" specifies the standardized method for performing the Vickers hardness test on metallic materials, hard metals (cemented carbides) and metallic and other inorganic coatings. It defines test-force ranges, indenter geometry, measurement limits (indentation diagonals between 0.020 mm and 1.400 mm), specimen preparation and reporting requirements, and a user routine periodic verification procedure for in-service machines.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test force ranges and hardness symbols (see Table 1): full, low-force and microhardness ranges are covered to suit different applications (Vickers hardness, low-force Vickers, Vickers microhardness).
• Indentation geometry: diamond pyramidal indenter with nominal face angle 136°; hardness is calculated from test force divided by indentation surface area.
• Measurement limits: intended for indentation diagonals from 0.020 mm to 1.400 mm. Use of this optical method for smaller indentations is outside scope due to measurement uncertainty.
• Diagonal measuring system: specified resolution requirements (e.g., 0.0004 mm for smallest diagonals and 0.5% of d for larger diagonals) and magnification guidance to reduce measurement uncertainty.
• Test-piece preparation and limits: surface finish, thickness and curvature requirements; minimum coating thickness for valid measurements when testing normal to surface (≥ 0.030 mm) or on cross-section (≥ 0.100 mm).
• Machine and indenter verification: routine periodic verification procedure for testing machines, measuring systems and indenters is included (Annex C).
• Corrections and uncertainty: curvature correction tables (Annex B) and guidance on uncertainty and traceability (Annices D and E).
• Coatings-specific requirements: new Annex H covers metallic and inorganic coatings (electrodeposited, sprayed, anodic, autocatalytic).

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO 6507-1:2023:

• Metallurgists and materials engineers validating hardness after heat treatment or processing
• Quality control and materials testing laboratories performing acceptance tests
• Coating specialists evaluating hardness of electrodeposited, sprayed or anodic layers
• R&D and failure-analysis teams comparing material hardness values
• Certification bodies and manufacturers specifying hardness acceptance criteria

Common applications:

• Hardness testing for material selection and specification compliance
• Process control for heat treatment and surface treatments
• Evaluation of coating hardness and cross-sectional hardness profiling
• Routine laboratory verification and equipment calibration checks

Related standards

• ISO 6507-2:2018 - Verification and calibration of Vickers testing machines (required for machine capability)
• ISO 6507-3 - Calibration of reference blocks
• ISO 14577-1 - Instrumented indentation testing (recommended for smaller indentations below the scope of ISO 6507-1)

ISO 6507-1:2023 is essential for reliable, traceable Vickers hardness testing of metallic materials and coatings and should be used together with ISO 6507-2/3 and applicable product or material standards.