Submicron Carbide Characterization Protocols for Battery Tooling
Characterizing submicron carbide through magnetic saturation, Palmqvist toughness, and SEM grain sizing eliminates edge burrs during battery foil slitting.
Microhardness HV30
Meaning
Resistance of a material to localized plastic deformation is quantified by measuring the impression left by a diamond indenter under a specific force. The microhardness hv30 refers to the Vickers hardness value obtained when a load of thirty kilograms-force is applied to the surface of a specimen. This measurement establishes the wear resistance and strength profile of hard alloys and tool steels.
Measurement Process
Pressing a pyramid shaped diamond into a polished surface for a dwell time of ten to fifteen seconds produces a square indent. In determining microhardness hv30, the average of the two diagonals of the impression is measured optically. This dimension is used to calculate the hardness value using the standard Vickers formula.
Material Correlation
Higher hardness values correspond to a lower cobalt content and a finer tungsten carbide grain size. A specimen with a high microhardness hv30 will exhibit high resistance to abrasive wear. However, this increase in hardness is accompanied by a reduction in the material’s fracture toughness.
Industrial Application
Tool manufacturers specify this value to ensure that cutting inserts and mining drill buttons can withstand heavy mechanical loads. Routine testing of production batches verifies that the sintering process has been executed correctly.