Anvils
Make sure that the anvil used is suitable for the specimen being tested.
The seating and support surfaces of all anvils should be clean and smooth and free from pits and deep
scratches.
If the specimen is so thin that the impression shows through on the underside, then the surface of the anvil
may have been damaged. Damage can also be caused by accidental contact between the indenter and the
anvil.
If the anvil shows any visible dent, any results on thin specimens will not be reliable and the anvil should be
replaced.