Detailed Explanation of Precautions and Operating Procedures for Hardness Testers

Hardness tester usage precautions – key to improving measurement accuracy and equipment lifespan

As a crucial piece of equipment for material testing and quality control, the proper use and maintenance of a hardness tester directly impacts the accuracy of measurement results and the equipment's lifespan. Whether you are a technician in the metal, plastics, or coating industries, mastering the precautions for using a hardness tester is the cornerstone of ensuring reliable test data. Based on professional experience and industry standards, the following content details the key points to note when using a hardness tester, helping you to accurately control every measurement.

I. Preparations before using a hardness tester

1. Environmental control during testing: The ambient temperature should be maintained at 20±2℃ and the humidity should not exceed 70%. Fluctuations in ambient temperature and humidity will directly affect the material properties and the stability of the hardness tester readings.
2. Equipment calibration check: Before each use, check whether the hardness tester has been calibrated. Use a standard hardness block (such as an HRB standard block) for verification to ensure that the measurement error does not exceed ±1HRC.
3. Test sample preparation: The measurement surface should be flat, clean, and free of oil, rust, or stains. These impurities can lead to poor contact and affect the accuracy of the data.

II. Points to note in the actual operation of a hardness tester

During the operation, details determine success or failure. The following points will help you maximize measurement stability and repeatability:

• Maintain vertical force application: The hardness tester probe should be pressed vertically onto the sample surface to avoid tilting and errors, and to ensure uniform indentation.
• Uniform pressure application: The pressure application should be kept constant to avoid human-induced shaking and sudden force application. Most hardness testers specify an application time of 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid repeatedly measuring the same location: the hardness of the same test point may be affected by the indentation, and measurements should be taken at least 5 mm apart.
• Protect the equipment: Avoid impacting the probe with hard objects during measurement to prevent deformation or damage.

III. Common Types of Hardness Testers and Their Differences in Use

Currently, the mainstream types of hardness testers on the market include Rockwell hardness testers , Brinell hardness testers, Vickers hardness testers, and Shore hardness testers. Different types of hardness testers have different working principles and applicable ranges; proper configuration and operation are beneficial for maximizing measurement performance.

IV. Routine Maintenance and Care of Hardness Testers

Professional maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of a hardness tester and ensuring accurate measurements. Common maintenance measures are as follows:

• Clean the probe and instrument surface regularly to prevent dust and solid particles from entering and causing measurement errors.
• Avoid moisture and strong vibrations to prevent damage to internal sensors or calibration failure.
• Regular verification is recommended, with a standard hardness block used for verification every 3 months. In special production environments, this can be shortened to 1 month.
• Keep the backup battery fully charged to avoid misreading or unstable measurement due to insufficient power.

V. Practical Techniques to Improve the Reliability of Hardness Measurement

To achieve more stable and efficient hardness testing, it is recommended to combine the following techniques:

1. Take the average of multiple measurements: Measure the same workpiece at different locations 3-5 times and take the average to improve representativeness.
2. Record the environmental conditions for each measurement: This facilitates subsequent data comparison and anomaly troubleshooting.
3. Use the appropriate probe type: Equip different hardness testers with dedicated probes to improve measurement accuracy.
4. Train operators: Reduce errors caused by human error through standardized training.

Learn about high-precision hardness testers now and easily understand material properties!