CHD, SHD & NHD Configurator for Automated Case Depth Hardness Testing
The IMPRESSIONS™ CHD, SHD & NHD Configurator is a specialized software module developed for fast, accurate, and fully automated Case Hardening Depth (CHD), Surface Hardening Depth (SHD), and Nitrided Hardness Depth (NHD) testing.
For laboratories performing routine case depth hardness testing on heat-treated components, this module significantly improves setup speed, testing consistency, and reporting efficiency—while ensuring full compliance with international hardness testing standards.
By combining automatic edge detection, pattern editor automation, and standards-based test spacing, IMPRESSIONS™ transforms traditional manual hardness traverses into a high-efficiency, repeatable, and audit-ready testing process.
This is the ideal solution for manufacturers performing batch hardness testing, high throughput hardness testing, and automated quality control across Rockwell, Vickers, and microhardness applications.
What is CHD, SHD and NHD Testing?
Case depth hardness testing is used to determine the effective depth of hardened layers created by heat treatment processes such as carburizing, induction hardening, nitriding, flame hardening, and surface hardening.
These hardness depth measurements are critical for verifying that components meet mechanical performance requirements such as wear resistance, fatigue strength, and long-term durability.
Case Hardening Depth (CHD) measures the depth at which hardness falls to a specified limit below the hardened surface. It is commonly used for carburized steels and case-hardened components.
Surface Hardening Depth (SHD) is used for induction hardened and flame hardened materials where the hardened surface layer must be verified.
Nitrided Hardness Depth (NHD) measures the effective hardened layer produced during nitriding and often includes additional core hardness verification points.
These testing methods are essential in industries where hardened surfaces directly influence product reliability and service life.
Fully Automated CHD Testing Using Pattern Editor and Edge Detection
Manual CHD testing is often time-consuming and highly dependent on operator experience. IMPRESSIONS™ automates the entire process using the Pattern Editor combined with Automatic Edge Detection.
This improves repeatability, eliminates setup errors, and dramatically increases laboratory throughput.
For customers performing routine case depth analysis, this automation is one of the strongest productivity improvements available.
Standards-Based Automatic Test Point Spacing
Correct indentation spacing is critical for valid case depth hardness testing.
The IMPRESSIONS™ CHD Configurator automatically applies the correct minimum spacing between hardness test points according to the applicable standards.
This removes manual calculation errors and ensures full compliance with customer and audit requirements.
High Throughput Testing with Smart Automation Features
The CHD, SHD & NHD Configurator is designed specifically for high throughput hardness testing laboratories.
Complete All Indentations – Then Evaluate
This mode allows the system to complete the full hardness traverse first and evaluate the results afterward, maximizing speed and minimizing interruptions.
Auto-Stop Function
The software automatically stops the test sequence as soon as the lower hardness limit has been reached.
This prevents unnecessary indentations, saves operator time, and improves testing efficiency—especially during repetitive batch hardness testing.
These automation features make CHD testing faster without compromising standards compliance.
Enhanced Report Generator for CHD, SHD and NHD Testing
The IMPRESSIONS™ Report Generator includes dedicated report templates specifically for case depth hardness testing.
Reports can include:
This creates professional, audit-ready documentation fully aligned with quality control systems and customer specifications.
Applications of Case Depth Hardness Testing
CHD, SHD and NHD testing are essential in industries where heat treatment quality directly affects product performance.
Automotive Industry
Aerospace Industry
Tooling and Manufacturing
Fastener Production
Energy and Heavy Industry
In all these industries, reliable case hardening depth testing is essential for product safety, durability, and certification.
Automated vs Manual Case Depth Hardness Testing
Traditional manual CHD testing can be slow, inconsistent, and heavily dependent on operator skill.
IMPRESSIONS™ provides a major operational advantage.
Manual CHD Testing Limitations
IMPRESSIONS™ CHD Configurator Advantages
This transforms one of the most common hardness testing procedures into a highly efficient automated workflow.
Increase Throughput Without Compromising Standards
The most important question for every quality laboratory is:
How do you increase throughput while maintaining full standards compliance?
The answer is automation.
By combining intelligent setup, automatic test execution, standards-based spacing, and dedicated reporting, the IMPRESSIONS™ CHD, SHD & NHD Configurator delivers:
The result is a complete solution for modern automated case depth hardness testing—built for speed, precision, and reliability.
