Barcol Hardness Tester – Rapid Indentation Hardness Testing for Soft Metals & Plastics
A Barcol Hardness Tester is a handheld device designed to measure the indentation hardness of soft metals, plastics, and composite materials. It operates based on the principle of resistance to penetration by a spring-loaded indenter, providing instant hardness readings on a dedicated scale—known as the Barcol scale.
NDTMachine supplies high-end Barcol Hardness Tester. Contact us and get your NDT supplies at affordable price.
Barcol Hardness Tester Sale
This portable instrument is commonly used in the aerospace, marine, automotive, and plastics industries to perform quality control, verify curing progress of materials like fiberglass or resin, and check the hardness of soft metals such as aluminum and brass.
Applications of Barcol Hardness Tester Sale
Composites and Fiberglass
Check curing status of resin and composite layups.
Evaluate surface hardness of marine-grade fiberglass panels.
Aluminum and Light Metal Alloys
Assess hardness of rolled or extruded aluminum products.
Inspect repairs on aircraft fuselage skins.
Plastics and Thermoset Resins
Measure hardness of plastics such as PVC, PE, epoxy resins.
Verify polymerization and cross-linking stages.
Automotive and Aerospace
Field testing of body panels, structural reinforcements.
Inspection of bonded joints and composite overlays.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Measurement Range | Barcol 0–100 |
| Material Compatibility | Soft metals (aluminum, brass), plastics, fiberglass, composites |
| Resolution | Typically ±1 Barcol unit |
| Calibration | Simple with provided test blocks |
| Display Type | Analog dial or digital LCD |
| Portability | Handheld, lightweight, robust |
| Compliance | ASTM D2583, MIL-STD-129, and other industry standards |
Types of Barcol Hardness Testers
| Model Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Analog Barcol Tester | Traditional dial-based display; reliable and durable |
| Digital Barcol Tester | Offers LCD display, better precision, and data logging |
| Motorized Bench-top Tester | Used in labs for repeated, high-accuracy testing |
| Specialty Testers | Designed for very soft plastics, curved surfaces, or specific composites |
Barcol Hardness Scale
The Barcol scale does not directly correspond to other hardness scales (e.g., Rockwell, Brinell), but approximate correlations exist for aluminum alloys:
| Barcol Reading | Material Type | Approximate Hardness |
|---|---|---|
| 20–40 | Soft plastics, rubber | Low resistance |
| 40–60 | Cured fiberglass, resin | Medium hardness |
| 60–80 | Aluminum, hard thermosets | High resistance |
| 80–100 | Very hard metals/composites | Very high hardness |
Choosing the Right Barcol Hardness Tester
| Factor | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Metal, resin, plastic, composite |
| Measurement Range | Ensure coverage of your expected hardness values |
| Readout Preference | Analog vs. digital |
| Calibration Needs | Do you require traceable certification? |
| Usage Frequency | Occasional checks or continuous production use |
| Environmental Conditions | Dust, moisture, or high vibration areas |
How to Use a Barcol Hardness Tester
Step 1: Surface Preparation
Ensure the surface is flat, clean, and dry.
Avoid coatings or dirt that may alter results.
Step 2: Calibration
Use the provided standard calibration block.
Adjust the pointer to match the reference value.
Step 3: Take the Measurement
Firmly press the tester perpendicular to the surface.
Read the value from the dial or digital display.
Repeat 3–5 times and calculate the average.
Step 4: Record and Interpret
Use hardness tables or comparison charts if needed.
Document results for quality control.
Why Use a Barcol Hardness Tester?
The Barcol Hardness Tester offers several advantages:
Quick and Direct Measurements: Provides immediate results without complicated setup.
Non-destructive Testing: Leaves minimal surface marking.
Portability: Ideal for field inspections, shipyards, and factory floors.
Easy Operation: No special training required for basic use.
Durable Construction: Built for harsh environments and heavy-duty industrial use.
How Does a Barcol Hardness Tester Work?
The Barcol Hardness Tester uses a spring-loaded, sharp-pointed indenter that presses into the test material when force is applied to the handle.
Operating Principle:
The indenter is pushed into the material's surface.
The depth of penetration is mechanically linked to a dial or digital display.
The result is shown on the Barcol scale, ranging typically from 0 to 100.
Harder materials resist penetration more, resulting in a higher Barcol number.
Maintenance and Calibration
Regular maintenance ensures accurate readings:
Clean the indenter after each use to avoid material buildup.
Store in a padded case to prevent mechanical damage.
Check calibration weekly or before each critical use.
Replace the indenter tip if worn or chipped.
Most testers include a reference calibration block, which should also be traceable to NIST or equivalent standards.
Compliance Standards
Barcol Hardness Testers are widely used in industries that require compliance with standards such as:
ASTM D2583 – Standard Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Rigid Plastics by Means of a Barcol Impressor.
MIL-STD-129 – Marking for shipment and storage (uses Barcol in material specs).
ISO 2039-1 – Plastics — Determination of hardness.
Make sure your device meets these requirements for valid test results.
Advantages of Barcol Hardness Testing
| Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Instant Readings | No waiting or lab testing required |
| Field-Ready | Easy to carry and use on-site |
| Low Cost | Affordable compared to other hardness testers |
| Simple Operation | Minimal training required |
| Small Footprint | No bulky testing equipment needed |
| Non-Destructive | Does not significantly damage test parts |
Limitations and Considerations
Surface Curvature: Not ideal for very small or curved samples.
Material Thickness: Recommended minimum is ~1.5 mm.
Surface Flatness: Irregularities can affect accuracy.
No direct conversion to Rockwell or Brinell—must use comparison tables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does a Barcol Hardness Tester measure?
It measures indentation hardness of soft metals and non-metallic materials, using a spring-loaded indenter.2. What materials can I test?
You can test aluminum, magnesium, copper alloys, rigid plastics, fiberglass, epoxy resin, and composites.3. Is Barcol testing destructive?
No, it is non-destructive. The indentation is shallow and typically invisible unless inspected closely.4. How do I calibrate my Barcol tester?
Use the supplied reference block. Adjust the dial or software to match the known value.5. Can I use it on curved surfaces?
Generally, no. Barcol testers require flat, solid surfaces to function accurately.6. What’s the difference between Barcol and Shore hardness?
Barcol is for rigid materials and uses an indenter; Shore is often used for softer materials like rubber and uses a different indenter shape and force.7. How often should I recalibrate the tester?
Ideally before each critical test session or weekly if used frequently.8. What is the typical resolution?
Most testers offer a resolution of ±1 Barcol unit.9. Can I convert Barcol to Rockwell?
Not directly. Use material-specific conversion charts for approximate values.10. Is a digital tester better than analog?
Digital testers provide better resolution, data logging, and user convenience, but analog testers are more rugged and field-proven.Why Global Clients Choose Us?
At NDTMachine, we are committed to providing high-quality thickness gauges that meet the demands of today’s industries. Our products are designed with a focus on accuracy, durability, and ease of use, ensuring that you can trust them for critical measurements. With years of experience in manufacturing NDT equipment, we have built a reputation for excellence and innovation.
Leave you Enquiry
Request an Appointment
Still not sure which NDT is right? Get a free initial consultation right now. Our team will analyze your needs and recommend the most suitable sensor for you