Hardness Tester
A hardness tester is used to quantify hardness, so just what exactly is hardness? Well, it’s the quality of a given substance which enables it to withstand deformation of plastic. The term hardness refers to a material’s ability to withstand scratching cutting, abrading, bending, penetrating, etc.
Hardness property value is determined by a specific process of measurement. Usually, three areas are scrutinized. They are, as follows: dynamic or rebound hardness, scratch hardness, and indentation hardness.
For a long time, hardness was originally evaluated strictly on a comparative basis, with respect to cutting or scratching resistance. An instance of this would be where three materials were tested and it was noted that the first substance marred the third but not the first. Or, object one abrades object two a little, but causes much more damage to the third material. The Mohs scale is used to rank such a capability.
Additional procedures are still presently utilized, that judge comparatively. There is the file test when a test surface is rubbed by a file, that is of a particular hardness. Relative hardness is then determined by the action of the file on the substance, whether or not the file marks it, and if so, to what degree.
Current tests of hardness are not so limited and can supply exact numeric data and scales. Normally, in such a test, indenters of certain shapes are used at precise forces, for varying time periods. Measurements are then made, examining properties of the sites of indentation. The main standard procedures employed here include the Vickers, the Brinell, the Koop, and the Rockwell, and a few others.
Then there is also the Shore test, used mostly for polymers, which determines hardness measure in view of elasticity. This is done using a scleroscope.
Buying Tips
Some tips for choosing a hardness tester are listed below.
Select based on the specific application. It’s a good idea to utilize a high force and big indenter, if possible. Also think about the shape and dimensions. Also review the way in which load control and application is carried out.
In addition, you may want to consider a portable hardness tester. These are especially good for hard to access areas, curved or irregular surfaces, and even other applications.
The old standby hardness testers use deadweight systems. These are proven and reliable processes, an efficient method of hardness testing.
The newer systems do load application via techniques of closed-loop hardness. They employ encoder or motor control, and a force transducer or perhaps a load cell to regulate load. techniques have been developed as an alternative method of load application.
Finally, some swear by the deadweight systems, although others think the closed-loop devices more consistently produce repeatable results. Just take a hard look at your situation and it will come to you, which type of hardness tester will best suit your needs. In the end, it’s your choice!
Recommended Hardness Tester
Here are some hardness testing equipment that we recommend:
- Grizzly G9645 Hardness Tester
Designed for measuring hardness of metals and alloys of all kinds, hard or soft, whether flat, round or irregularly shaped - Flexbar Portable Hardness Tester
State-of-the-art, digital testers are menu driven, multi-functional units with extended memory, USB and RS 232 output capabilities. - Goodson Rockwell Hardness Tester
Rockwell Hardness Tester Calculate Rockwell Hardness quickly and accurately. Features a steel ball of precise weight and shape which is dropped from an exact height to yield and accurate Rc reading.
Hardness Testers
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| Portable Hardness Tester w/integrated print…
$2,995.00 |
Quick-Check Portable Hardness Tester
$159.00 |
Hardness Testing File Set
$85.00 |
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| Portable Digital Hardness Tester-Low Impact
$2,295.00 |
Bench Top Hardness Tester
$2,250.00 |
Ultrasonic Hardness Tester
$4,595.00 |
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| Portable Hardness Tester-Advanced Function
$2,395.00 |
Portable Steel Hardness Tester-20-65 HRC
$875.00 |
Shore A analog hardness tester
$797.00 |
Portable Hardness Testers
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| Quick-Check Portable Hardness Tester
$159.00 |
Portable Hardness Tester w/integrated print…
$2,995.00 |
Portable Steel Hardness Tester-20-65 HRC
$875.00 |
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| Portable Hardness Tester-Advanced Function
$2,395.00 |
Portable Digital Hardness Tester-Low Impact
$2,295.00 |
Shore A Portable Hardness Tester
$398.00 |
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| Portable Digital Hardness Tester-Standard
$2,195.00 |
Cole-Parmer Economical Portable Hardness Te…
$2,395.00 |
Bench Top Hardness Tester
$2,250.00 |
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