A bench measuring device should always be the right choice to determine the IRHD-M hardness. Small and filigree parts have to be measured over a period of 5 and then another 30 seconds with constant forces. Even the safest hand cannot keep up with a hardness tester that carries out such a measurement automatically and without manual intervention. In addition, the test device should have an unyielding and extremely flat surface in order not to influence the measured value. With a simple hand-held measuring device, the constant ambient conditions necessary for a standard test can never be ensured. If the evaluation of the hardness test is to be as clear as possible, a digital device with software that converts the penetration depth into the degrees of hardness is recommended. Another advantage of these devices is that irregularities and disturbances can be detected during the measurement via the path or IRHD curve.