Major Load

The application of the Major Load causes the sample to further deform. The sample response may take several seconds, and the dial gauge on the machine should be watched with the load being maintained until the dial pointer comes to rest.

The deformation illustrated opposite results from the combination of the Major and Minor loads. At this point the dial reading does not reflect the Rockwell hardness number for the material. This value is read when the Major load is removed and only the minor load is applied to the indenter.