Method and device for hardness testing

A method for setting one or more measuring points (13) on at least one specimen (5r) in a specimen holder (4r) for automated hardness testing in a hardness-testing device (1), whereby the hardness-testing device (1) has a table (2), a tool holder (3) with at least one penetrator (11) and at least one lens (12), and optionally an overview image camera (15) and a screen (7), whereby the specimen holder (4r) can be positioned on the table (2) in the x- and y-directions, and whereby the table (2) and/or the tool holder (3) of the hardness-testing device (1) can be moved in the z-direction, relative to one another, the method comprising:

• a) selection and provision of a virtual three-dimensional model (9) of the specimen holder (4v) with at least one specimen (5v), arranged thereon, from an electronic data storage device,
• b) positioning of the specimen holder (4r), equipped with the specimen (5r), on the table (2),
• c) automatic depiction of the model (9) and/or an overview image, prepared from the specimen (5r), on the screen (7),
• d) assignment of a measuring method,
• e) marking of a point (P) in the depiction of the model (9) and/or the overview image of the specimen (5r) on the screen (7),
• f) automatic defining of one or more measuring point(s) (13) based on the measuring method, whereby in the hardness-testing device (1) to each measuring point (13), x- and y-coordinates are automatically assigned based on the position of the point (P) and the assigned measuring method, and z-coordinates are assigned based on the virtual model (9), and
• g) automatic storage of the x-, y- and z-coordinates of each measuring point (13) in a data storage device.