A major factor in calibrating a depth-sensing indentation tester is to determine its load-frame compliance. In this work a simplified theoretical approach and a computerized iterative method were developed to calculate the load-frame compliance of our laboratory commercial instrumented indentation tester. In addition, this research discusses many of the problems associated with the calibration of this type of testing machine. Three materials were used for the load-unload tests: fused silica, 6066-O aluminum and electrolytic copper. A value of load-frame compliance of 0,23 nm/mN was obtained with fused silica. This value was considered acceptable because the calculated elastic modulus for fused silica was comparable to those found by other researchers using a similar strategy of unload curve analysis. This calculated load-frame compliance is in the range found in literature for other instrumented indentation testers. The load-frame compliance values obtained with the two metals were unacceptable because of errors probably associated with pile-up and strain hardening.

Recently, in the framework of the Working Group on Hardness (WGH) of the Consultative Committee for Mass and Related Quantities (CCM) of the Comité International des Poids et Mesures (CIPM), the opportunity to improve the definitions of the hardness scales has been discussed. In this paper is investigated, from the theoretical point of view, the benefits in terms of decreasing of uncertainty subsequently to the approval of new definitions. The analysis will be done on the most important Rockwell, Vickers and Brinell hardness scales, but it will be possible to extend the benefits easily to all other scales.

There is a demand of a system for the nondestructive control of one of the basic quality parameters for wood-based low-density boards (Softboard). A relatively non-destructive method was analyzed on a purpose to find a parameter to measure that has the biggest possible correlation with the bending strength. 13 different softboards were investigated using two different techniques. The boards were tested using another two non-destructive methods: velocity measurement of ultrasonic Lamb waves and impact parameters measurement. Out of all experiment results the highest correlation between bending strength and the conical indenter impact pulse peak force was found.

Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) was established by Decree No. 56 of 1971 and statutorily charged with the responsibility for National Policy on Metrology, Standards, Testing and Quality Control (MSTQ) in Nigeria. Standardization activities carried out by SON range from development and approval of standards, quality assurance, inspection and testing, certification and calibration. Hardness measurement plays a vital role in Standardization. Product and System certification programmes of SON have recorded a considerable number of hardness measurements in industries, oil & gas facilities, laboratories and research institutions. This paper gives a detailed report of the Standardization activities in SON with emphases on Metrology. It started by giving a full description of the corporate entity, legal status, organizational structure, human and technical resources of SON. The paper goes further to show the functions and detailed activities of SON, including limits of capability. The role of hardness tests and values in quality assurance activities is given a considerable portion in this paper. The development of Metrological Infrastructure, which enhanced the promotion of Standardization activities in SON, is also highlighted. Fields of Measurements available in SON Metrology laboratory are enumerated. Institutional support and international co-operation with various foreign bodies and international organizations are included in the paper. In conclusion, the paper outlines the way forward to ensure the growth of metrology, hardness measurement in particular, and effective Standardization activities in SON.

With reference to CIPM-MRA (Mutual recognition of national measurement standards and of calibration and measurement certificates issued by national metrology institutes), APMP (Asia Pacific Metrology Programme) have established 11 TCs (Technical Committees) including TCM (Technical Committee of Mass related quantities) which discusses hardness related issues in APMP. Under the TC activities, the guidelines and procedures for accepting CMCs (Calibration and Measurement Capabilities) and QS (Quality System) have been drawn up by taking closer cooperation with the JCRB (Joint Committee of the RMOs and the BIPM). Therefore, the concept of the procedures and guidelines are effectively introduced in the course of intra-regional and inter-regional reviews for submitted CMCs within APMP and from other RMOs (Regional Metrology Organizations), respectively.