Rockwell hardnessThe Rockwell hardness test is an empirical indentation hardness test. The test is fast, inexpensive, and relatively non-destructive, leaving only a small indentation in the material. Rockwell hardness test can provide important information about metallic materials, such as the tensile strength, wear resistance, and ductility. Most indentation hardness tests are a measure of the deformation that occurs when the material under test is penetrated with a specific type of indenter. Rockwell hardness scales are divided into two categories: regular Rockwell scales and superficial Rockwell scales. Both categories of tests use the same types of indenters. The regular Rockwell scales employ the heavier force levels. For these scales, the preliminary force level is 98.07 N (10 kgf), and the standard total force levels may be 588.4 N (60 kgf), 980.7 N (100 kgf) or 1471 N (150 kgf). The superficial Rockwell scales employ lighter force levels, typically for use on thinner materials. For the superficial Rockwell scales, the preliminary force level is 29.42 N (3 kgf), and the standard total force levels may be 147.1 N (15 kgf), 294.2 N (30 kgf) or 441.3 N (45 kgf).