China Neodymium And Ferrite Magnets Manufacturer & Supplier 
Some of you have asked if there is an instrument to test the hardness of a magnet. It's not magnetic flux or gauss, it's hardness. Below is an introduction to the concept of magnet hardness and the 3 methods of measurement.
Concept of magnet hardness
Magnet hardness refers to the ability of a magnetic material to resist deformation such as scratches, indentations, and abrasion, and is a type of magnetic material hardness. The magnitude of hardness is usually related to factors such as the composition, organization and processing of the material.
Measurement of magnet hardness
1. Rockwell hardness tester
Rockwell hardness tester is one of the most commonly used methods to measure the hardness of magnets. The method works by making tiny scratches on the surface of the magnet and then extrapolating the hardness of the magnet based on the length of the scratch. Rockwell hardness tester is suitable for measuring the hardness of magnetic materials such as iron, steel, brazing material and tungsten steel.
2. Vickers hardness tester
Vickers hardness tester to determine the hardness of magnetic materials refers to the use of a certain magnetic field gradient (or changes in magnetic field gradient) applied to the magnetic experimental samples and the resulting force to calculate the size of the tension and the length of the experiment changes. The method is suitable for measuring the hardness of magnetic materials such as thin sheets, thin tapes and fine wires.
3. Brinell hardness tester
Brinell hardness tester is a commonly used method of measuring metallurgical hardness, which is also suitable for measuring the hardness of magnetic materials such as iron, steel, brazing material and tungsten steel. The method is used to deduce the hardness of a magnet by applying a certain load to the magnet and then measuring the size of the surface impression under the load.
This article introduces the concept of magnet hardness and commonly used measurement methods, including Rockwell hardness tester, Vickers hardness tester and Brinell hardness tester. Different measurement methods are applicable to different types of magnetic materials, and readers can choose the appropriate measurement method according to their needs.
Hardness data for several common permanent magnets;
Ferrite magnets are relatively soft, with a Vickers hardness usually between 480 - 580 HV.
Aluminum-nickel-cobalt magnets are moderately hard, with a Vickers hardness usually between 500 and 650 HV (AlNiCo 5: about 520 - 570 HV AlNiCo 8: about 580 - 640 HV).
NdFeB magnets have a higher hardness, usually between 500 - 700 HV on the Vickers scale.
Samarium Cobalt magnets are harder, with a Vickers hardness usually between 600 - 700 HV.
Hardness is only one of many factors to be considered when selecting magnet materials, and other factors such as magnetic properties, cost, and processability need to be taken into account.
What you may also want to know;
Temperature Characteristics and Coefficients of Ferrite Magnets