Rockwell Anvils

Rockwell anvils support the test specimen during the application of the major load, ensuring accurate, repeatable hardness readings. Select the anvil that matches your specimen's shape and size:

• Flat — small and large flat specimens (plate, bar, sheet)
• V (Vee) — cylindrical rods and tubing
• Shallow V — larger-diameter round work needing less clearance
• Pedestal spot — small parts and sheet metal requiring little support
• Diamond spot — thin, soft sheet metal
• Eyeball — test pieces with slight tapers
• Gooseneck — outside diameter of thin-wall tubing
• Roller (Cylindron) — long cylindrical work
• Variable rest (extension rest) — long pieces that overhang the tester (ISO 6508)

All anvils are manufactured in accordance with Rockwell Revision E18-07.

Why is it important to use an anvil?

Anvils help ensure accurate test results by supporting the test specimen during the application of the major load during a hardness test. Rockwell anvils are compatible with most Rockwell hardness testers. Contact our customer service department or your sales representative with any compatibility concerns for your tester(s).

What happens if I don’t use the proper anvil for my test specimen?

Just one regular Rockwell hardness number represents a vertical movement of the penetrator of only 0.002 mm, or 80 millionths of an inch (0.000080 in). One superficial Rockwell number represents a vertical movement of 40 millionths of an inch (0.000040 in). A vertical shift of the part being tested of only 0.001 in will lower the Rockwell reading by more than 10 numbers on the regular and 20 numbers on the superficial scale.