Hardness/structure testing
The hardness and microstructure of metallic materials play a key role in determining their strength, wear resistance and service life. Deviations caused by improper heat treatment, insufficient case hardening depth or grinding burn can significantly compromise component quality. FOERSTER provides non-destructive inspection solutions for the reliable evaluation of these material properties – supporting industrial manufacturing, quality assurance and maintenance.
The mechanical properties of metallic materials are largely influenced by their hardness, microstructure and heat treatment. Processes such as hardening, tempering, forming and grinding can produce desired material characteristics but may also introduce unwanted variations. These include uneven hardness distributions, microstructural differences, insufficient case hardening depth and thermally damaged surface layers caused by grinding burn. Particularly in highly stressed components such as gears, shafts and bearing elements, such irregularities can affect mechanical strength, wear resistance and operational reliability. Reliable inspection is therefore essential for ensuring consistent manufacturing quality and effective heat treatment processes.
FOERSTER offers a range of non-destructive testing technologies for evaluating hardness and microstructural properties. Eddy current and magneto-inductive testing enable rapid assessment of material-dependent characteristics and the detection of variations in microstructure or heat treatment condition. In addition, laser thermography uses controlled thermal excitation to reveal differences in heat propagation that may indicate changes in near-surface material properties. This enables application-specific detection of grinding burn and the examination of hardened zones and case hardening depth. Depending on the application, these testing technologies can be integrated into automated production lines or used for individual inspection tasks.
With extensive expertise in non-destructive materials testing, FOERSTER supports manufacturers in the reliable monitoring of material properties and heat treatment results. Early detection of hardness and microstructural variations, grinding burn and insufficient case hardening depth enables targeted quality control, reduces scrap and rework, and supports stable manufacturing processes. FOERSTER inspection solutions thus contribute to consistent material quality and the long-term reliability of industrial components.
Product portfolio
Material Verification & Testing
MAGNATEST Product Family
Surface Inspection
ROTO-PUSH
Surface Inspection
ROTO-SCAN
Hardness testing
SONODUR Product Family
High quality UCI - and Leeb-measuring technology for fast and reliable hardness testing on metallic components and materials (formerly NewSonic)
Material Verification & Testing
GRINDOSONIC MK7
Material Verification & Testing
i3D PRODUCT FAMILY
Indentation testing for yield strength and tensile strength directly on the component
Multi-Method Inspection
TCM Product Family
One mobile device for all eddy current testing tasks
Application notes
Structure Testing of Aluminium Components with Eddy Current
Missing heat treatment can lead to stress cracks and component failure. Eddy current testing reliably identifies non-heat-treated aluminium parts inline.
Automated Crack and Structure Testing of Valves
Cracks or incorrect heat treatment can cause engine valve failure. Eddy current testing reliably detects defects and verifies material properties.
Non-Destructive Crack and Structure Testing of Cams and Camshafts
Cracks or structural deviations in cams and camshafts can cause severe engine damage. Eddy current testing reliably detects defects and material variations.
Monitoring the Autofrettage Process of Injection Systems
Incorrect autofrettage can weaken high-pressure tubes. Eddy current testing reliably verifies material properties and process quality automatically.