What needs to be clarified
Determine microhardness from surface to core on an agreed section, relate it to metal structure and identify the region to which the documented requirement applies.
Materials to prepare
- Part or oriented fragment retaining the original surface
- Drawing and requirements for the hardened layer and test location
- Earlier test report showing load, scale and indentation coordinates
What to compare
Prepare a cross-section while controlling edge rounding and preparation heat. Make a series of indents at known depths with suitable load and spacing. Compare the profile with microstructure, record scatter and check for indents within individual phases; establish the layer-depth criterion before interpreting results.
Possible outcome of the analysis
A coordinate-based microhardness profile and micrographs may show layer/core differences; comparison with a requirement is limited to the specified region and test method.
Limits of the conclusions
Hardness does not replace direct strength testing or service-life assessment. One section does not automatically characterize a batch or establish the cause of failure without additional evidence.