„The testing chamber, and the staff's approach and willingness beyond requirements — I can only recommend them.“
Tomáš Matús
Google review
Layer measurement
Surface layers determine the service life, durability and functionality of technical components. Whether it is carburising, nitriding, surface hardening or metallic and oxide coatings, correct measurement of their thickness and hardness is the key to quality and reliability.
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Over 30 years of experiencein the supply & service of testing technology
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Warranty & post-warranty servicefor our own and competitors' equipment
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Training of your employeesto increase their expertise
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Accredited laboratoriesfor external tests and calibrations
Measurement of the surface hardness profile
Surface hardness, resistance to wear, abrasion and fatigue in metallic materials is increased by thermal and thermo-chemical treatment. During the process the chemical composition or microstructure of the surface layers of the materials changes. In practice, the most commonly used methods are surface hardening, carburising and nitriding.
For measuring the hardness profile from the surface to the core, the standard ČSN EN ISO 2639 was traditionally used. However, this standard was withdrawn in 2022. Currently, the measurement of the depth of surface-hardened layers is governed by the current standard ČSN EN ISO 18203 – Steel – Determination of the thickness of surface-hardened layers. This standard unifies the approach to measuring the depth of layers produced by various technologies, including carburising, nitriding, induction and flame hardening, and defines the requirements for measuring hardness in a cross-section of the part.
Thickness of surface layers and coatings
This characteristic plays a key role in protecting metallic materials against corrosion, wear and other forms of degradation. For an accurate assessment of the quality of these layers, the optical microscopic method is used, which enables direct measurement of the thickness on a cross-section of the specimen. During the measurement, the interface between the coating and the substrate is visually observed, which allows accurate determination not only of the layer thickness, but also its uniformity and the quality of adhesion.
In practice, this method is governed primarily by the standard ČSN EN ISO 1463, which defines the requirements for the preparation of the cross-section, measurement and evaluation of the results.
Specimen preparation
For a correct evaluation of either the hardness or the dimensions of a layer, it is essential to carry out precise preparation of the given specimen. In our metallographic laboratory we are able to prepare specimens of various sizes and shapes and follow the procedures for a correct evaluation.
We'll be happy to advise you.
Ing. Radek Lovětínský
Head of the testing laboratory
Layer measurement
We perform the measurement and evaluation of various types of surface treatments and layers. We focus on the depth of carburised, nitrided and hardened layers, as well as on the quality control of electroplated coatings (e.g. zinc, nickel, chromium), oxide layers (e.g. anodised aluminium), enamelled surfaces, PVD/CVD layers and thermally sprayed coatings. Thanks to these tests you obtain accurate information about the properties and functionality of the surface treatments of your products.
Scope of tests
- Measurement of the depth of the carburised layer
- Measurement of the depth of the nitrided layer
- Measurement of the depth of surface hardening
- Electroplated coatings (e.g. zinc, nickel, chromium)
- Oxide layers (e.g. anodised aluminium)
- Enamelled surfaces
- PVD/CVD layers
- Thermally sprayed coatings
What We Test for You
Nitriding
Measurement of the depth of the nitrided layer according to ČSN EN ISO 18203 – Steel – Determination of the thickness of surface-hardened layers.
Optical measurement
Optical measurement of the thickness of surface layers after prior preparation by grinding and polishing.
Which standards we test for you
We provide expert measurement of the thickness of various types of surface treatments, such as hardened layers, metallic coatings or paints. We use modern methods that enable accurate and reliable evaluation of the quality of materials and their protective layers. Thanks to these tests we help our customers verify whether their products meet the required technical parameters and standards, and thus contribute to the long-term functionality and safety of their products.
Standards
- ČSN EN ISO 18203 – Steel – Determination of the thickness of surface-hardened layers
- ČSN EN ISO 1463 Metallic and oxide coatings – Measurement of coating thickness – Microscopical method
- ČSN EN ISO 3882 Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Review of methods of measurement of thickness
- ČSN EN ISO 2808 Paints and varnishes – Determination of film thickness
How Does It All Work?
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1
Non-binding inquiry
Tell us your testing requirements (e.g. via the inquiry form, email or phone).
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2
Consultation & requirements specification
We contact you and clarify the test specification and timeline.
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3
Price quotation
You receive a structured price quotation from us.
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4
Ordering
After your order we reserve the date and capacity.
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5
Delivery of samples
You deliver the samples to us in person or by courier.
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6
Performing the test
We carry out the test on the reserved date.
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Preparing the test report
After the test we send the test report electronically.
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Follow-up support
We'll gladly go through the test results with you.
Words From Our Clients
„JD Dvořák — a company where the impossible does not exist and where it is not only about work. I am glad to have the honour of working with JD Dvořák.“
Libor Pala
TRL Space Systems s.r.o.
„We have worked with JD Dvořák for a long time in testing, the rental of climatic chambers, and the service and calibration of our equipment. We value the helpfulness and professionalism of the department heads and technicians we are in regular contact with during tests and the work carried out. Our technicians also make use of training in various areas of testing, which provides both an expansion of theoretical knowledge and practical demonstrations.“
Jiri Turek
Google review
„What I greatly appreciate is the personal approach to solving every problem. Whether it concerned specific testing requirements or the need for individual consultation, I was always met with willingness and expert help that led to a smooth and efficient collaboration. For me, JD Dvořák is not only a professional company, but also an excellent partner in research and education.“
„We have worked with JD Dvořák since 2020. Since then we have completed several installations together, and throughout they have provided service and the necessary calibrations, always at the highest professional level. They have also helped us with our special requirements and we can always rely on them. Their approach is not only professional and customer-oriented, but also very human, and the cooperation is always pleasant.“
Jan Špaček
Fresenius Kabi Horatev CZ s.r.o.
„Cooperation with JD Dvořák is at an excellent level, as proven by more than 20 years of trouble-free collaboration.“
Libor Šmíd
TÜV SÜD Czech s.r.o.
„You do good work — thank you for the long-term cooperation.“
Ing. Ivan Vavrík
Bel Power Solutions s.r.o.
„Thank you for the professional cooperation so far. You are a very reliable partner for us.“
Ing. Miloslav Mensinger
Škoda Auto a.s.
Test report
This document contains key information about the tested sample and the course of the test. We provide the report in Czech or English according to your needs.
We issue both an accredited and a non-accredited test report according to customer requirements. The type of report is determined by the chosen testing standard.
- Information about the tested sample
- Place and date of the test
- Equipment used and its calibration status
- Description of the test procedure including laboratory conditions
- Graphical record of the test
- Responsible persons
- Photo documentation of samples before and after the test
Why test with us?
Expertise in the field
Not sure how to test your sample? We'll help. We have years of experience and will recommend the most suitable procedure. And if you already know exactly what you want, we'll be your partner — without unnecessary questions.
Flexibility
Our equipment covers most requirements. If something is missing, thanks to our links with manufacturers of testing technology we can often arrange even specialised equipment outside our laboratory.
Reliability & speed
You can rely on both the equipment and our arrangements. We service and calibrate everything ourselves, so we can react quickly and adapt tests to get you results as soon as possible.
Personal approach
Every job is unique to us. We always try to understand your needs and tailor the service exactly to what you expect.
We'll be happy to advise you.
Ing. Radek Lovětínský
Head of the testing laboratory
Frequently Asked Questions
Hardness measurement is used to determine the depth of heat-treated layers (e.g. carburising, nitriding, hardening), whereas optical measurement is used mainly for the precise determination of the thickness of coatings (e.g. PVD, CVD, electroplated layers) on a cross-section of the specimen
Previously, the standard ČSN EN ISO 2639 was used, which has been withdrawn. Now ČSN EN ISO 18203 is used, which unifies the measurement of the depth of surface-hardened layers.
Yes, if the layer is thick enough (usually over 1 µm) and clearly visible on a cross-section. The measurement is performed according to the standard ČSN EN ISO 1463.
According to the standard ČSN EN ISO 18203, the effective nitriding depth (NHD) is determined as the distance at which the hardness drops to a value of 50 HV above the core hardness.
The measurement is performed on a cross-section of the part using the Vickers hardness test. The effective depth is determined as the distance at which the hardness drops to 0.8 times the minimum surface hardness.
Yes, the microscopic method allows not only the measurement of thickness, but also the assessment of the uniformity and the quality of adhesion of the layer to the substrate.
