Using ultrasonic vibrations, these testers determine hardness without leaving an indent on hardened materials. They only leave minimal damage on softer metal and work on metal as thin as 0.08”. Use the included test block to determine the right amount of force to apply to your probe. To perform a test, press the diamond tip probe into your material and apply consistent pressure for reliable results. These testers are highly precise and convert measurements between Rockwell, Vickers, and Brinell ratings. Measurements are shown on a backlit digital display, so you can read them even in dark or dimly lit areas. Store up to 2,000 readings with their built-in memory or transfer the data to your PC using the USB port. Small enough to carry, take these testers to your material. Their lithium ion (Li-Ion) battery keeps them running for up to six hours before recharging is required.

NIST calibrated test blocks are included to help you understand how to properly press the probe to your material for an accurate result. The test blocks can also be used to recalibrate the device. These testers must be calibrated to the specific hardness scale and material being tested. They come pre-calibrated with five combinations: aluminum on the Rockwell B scale, brass on the Rockwell B scale, steel on the Rockwell C and B scales, and steel on the Brinell scale.

Quickly test large parts or metal bar stock with our most precise hardness testers. These testers are portable and can be brought to facilities and jobsites to test items that are too large to move. While some hardness testers only work on one type of metal, these testers work on most metals. They have a rebound hammer that bounces back after impact—the distance it rebounds indicates the hardness of your surface. To obtain accurate readings, steel and other hard metals must be at least 1” thick and aluminum and other soft metals must be at least 3” thick.

Convert your measurements between Rockwell, Vickers, Brinell, or Shore hardness ratings. Your readings will show on a backlit digital display so you can test even in low light. Store up to 100 measurements with their built-in memory or transfer the data to your PC using the USB port.

Bring material right to your bench to measure its hardness. These testers use a carbide indenter to take accurate Rockwell hardness readings every time. They come with a calibration certificate traceable to NIST that states they’ve passed a test for accuracy. With a durable metal body, these testers stand up to many environments, from heat treat facilities to workshops to inspection labs. They show readings on a dial—no need to hook them up to a power source.

These testers come with indenters for different scales, three anvils, four test blocks, and a case to store accessories. Use the included cover to shield them from dust when they’re not in use.

Operate these testers with one hand. Squeeze the handles until the penetrator contacts the test material and a reading appears on the dial indicator.

Check your hardness tester for accuracy against a block with a known hardness rating. Each block is tested according to ASTM E10, which checks the hardness at five locations along the block. They include a certificate that lists the block’s actual hardness, as well as each of the five measurements taken during the test. Blocks also include a NIST-traceable certificate that states they’ve passed a test for accuracy.

Each block is marked with their Brinell hardness rating and a serial number.

Determine the hardness of very hard steel. To use, slide a test bar into the tester, place the tester on your surface, and hit with a hammer; a steel ball will make an impression. Measure the impression with the 20X microscope and use the computing disc to determine hardness.

Finding your Brinell hardness doesn’t have to be so hard—these scopes scan and measure indents, then calculate the hardness for you. Accurate and efficient, these scopes replace the need for bulky microscopes and manually measuring and calculating hardness. Connect these scopes to your computer and use the included software to see a live image of the indent on your screen. You can zoom in 4X and adjust the focus to capture a wide range of indent diameters. To fine tune the automatic measurement, simply drag your cursor. Use the software to set test parameters, convert the value to other hardness scales, and validate the test results. The software also marks any measurements that fall out of your set specifications. When you’re finished, you can generate a customizable Microsoft Word or Excel report for your records.

Test hardness right on your production floor. Unlike benchtop testers, these portable ones don’t require you to move large or hard-to-access parts. They use an indenter to measure the hardness of aluminum, brass, and steel. These testers can be used at any angle without affecting accuracy.

An economical way to determine the hardness of steel on the Rockwell C-scale. Handles are marked with Rockwell hardness values. If a file can scratch your material, then your material is softer than the file. If a file cannot scratch your material, then your material is harder than the file.

A microscope measures the indentation made by a small diameter ball penetrator to provide a hardness reading.

Test the hardness of thin and irregularly shaped plastic, rubber, and laminate parts, such as O-rings. These testers can be used on products where the surface area is too small for accurate durometer readings with a standard Shore A tester, such as the rounded surface of O-rings. They include O-ring fixtures that hold five standard-sized O-rings in place during testing. These testers are also capable of measuring materials as thin as 0.05″, about the thickness of a credit card. On the display, they’ll show the highest reading until they’re reset. They include a calibration certificate traceable to NIST that states they’ve passed a test for accuracy.

Use the included test blocks to practice taking accurate measurements at the right pressure against your workpiece. Send your measurement data directly to your PC using the USB port.

Determine the relative hardness of resins, film, lacquer, and paint by testing their resistance to scratches by graphite pencils. The pencils are calibrated to specific lead grades for hardness. The lowest hardness value of the pencil that mars the material is the material’s relative hardness. Flatten the tip of the pencil lead with the included 400 grit sandpaper, then insert the pencil into the tester. As you push the tester over your material, the pencil is dragged across the surface at a constant pressure. These testers are often used in the development of synthetic resins. They meet ASTM D3363 for testing the hardness of coatings.

Confirm your durometer hardness tester is taking accurate readings. Use your tester on these blocks to make sure the durometer readings match the block. The blocks come with a calibration certificate traceable to NIST to ensure their accuracy.

Measure the hardness of flat materials with a digital display.

These testers come with a calibration certificate traceable to NIST that states they’ve passed a test for accuracy. A maximum-reading indicator holds the highest reading until reset. Use the USB/RS-232 port for direct connection to your PC.

Operating Stands—Mount the tester to an operating stand (sold separately) to ensure it is perfectly parallel to the sample. This reduces error and gives accurate, repeatable readings.