What is Hardness? Understanding the Concept and Its Importance

Definition

Hardness is a measure of a material’s resistance to deformation, particularly permanent deformation, scratching, cutting, or abrasion. In the context of additive manufacturing, hardness is an important property that determines how well a printed part can withstand mechanical wear and tear. Various tests, such as the Mohs scale, Rockwell hardness test, and Vickers hardness test, are used to quantify the hardness of materials.

Explain Hardness like I’m 5

Imagine you have a piece of candy and a piece of rubber. If you try to scratch them with your fingernail, the candy might get a mark, but the rubber won’t. The rubber is harder than the candy because it’s better at not getting scratched or dented.

Why does this matter?

Hardness is crucial in additive manufacturing because it affects the durability and longevity of the printed parts. Materials with higher hardness are more resistant to wear and can maintain their shape and functionality over time, making them ideal for industrial applications where parts are subject to mechanical stress and abrasion.

Real Talk

While hardness is a valuable property, it’s not the only factor to consider. Materials that are very hard can also be brittle, meaning they might break or shatter under impact. Additionally, achieving high hardness in 3D printed parts can sometimes require post-processing treatments, which add time and cost to the manufacturing process. It’s essential to balance hardness with other material properties like toughness and flexibility to ensure the best performance for your specific application.