A hardness tester is an instrument used to measure the hardness of a material, which refers to its resistance to indentation or scratching. Hardness testing is commonly performed to assess the mechanical properties, Stärke, and durability of various materials.
There are several types of hardness testers available, each utilizing different principles and methods for measuring hardness. Some common types include:
- Barcol-Härteprüfer: The Barcol hardness tester is a portable instrument used to measure the hardness of soft materials, particularly plastics, Verbundwerkstoffe, and reinforced fiberglass. It applies a specific force with a pointed indenter and measures the depth of penetration. The hardness value is indicated on a numerical scale.
- Desktop-Härteprüfer: Desktop hardness testers are larger, stationary machines used for precise hardness testing in a laboratory or industrial setting. They are available in various types such as Rockwell, Brinell, and Vickers testers. These testers typically offer more advanced features, Automatisierung, and higher accuracy compared to portable testers.
- Portable Hardness Tester: Portable hardness testers, as mentioned earlier, are handheld instruments used for on-site or field hardness testing. They provide convenience and portability, making them suitable for quick inspections and measurements in various industrial applications. Portable testers can utilize different methods like rebound, ultrasonics, or indentation for measuring hardness.
- Shore-Härteprüfer: Shore hardness testers, also known as durometers, are used to measure the hardness of elastomers, Kunststoffe, and rubbers. They assess the material’s resistance to indentation or rebound of an indenter. Shore hardness testers are available in different scales, including Shore A, Shore D, und Shore OO, depending on the specific material hardness range.
- Webster-Härteprüfer: The Webster hardness tester, or Webster hardness gauge, is a handheld instrument used specifically for measuring the hardness of soft metals, such as aluminum and copper alloys. It operates on the rebound principle, where a spring-loaded impact body with a spherical indenter is pressed against the material surface. The hardness value is determined based on the rebound or spring-back of the impact body.
The choice of hardness tester depends on the material being tested, the required accuracy, and the specific industry or application. Hardness testing is widely used in fields like manufacturing, engineering, Qualitätskontrolle, Forschung und Entwicklung, and material selection to ensure product quality and performance.
