INDENTATION

Indentation is a method for measuring the Hardness of a Material. A penetrator, or indenter — a ball, cone, or pyramid of Diamond depending on the method —, is applied, under a set load, to the surface of a sample; the size or depth of the resulting indentation provides information about the hardness: the smaller the indentation, the harder the material. This principle underlies the major standardized hardness scales used in metallurgy and watchmaking, notably Vickers (diamond pyramid), Brinell (ball), and Rockwell (penetration depth). In watchmaking, the Testing of Hardness by Indentation ensures that components — springs, pivots, pinions, hardened surfaces — exhibit the expected mechanical characteristics, guaranteeing wear resistance and longevity. A simple, reproducible and minimally destructive method, Indentation is an essential tool for characterizing the steels and alloys used in the construction of movements and theExternal parts (case, dial, hands).