Measuring Instruments/
Test Equipment

Hardness testers
The hardness testers that you will find on our WebPages are used for determining surface hardness. We have a selection of hardness testers for determining the hardness of metal, plastic, rubber, fabric, etc. These hardness testers measure the hardness in Rockwell B, Rockwell C, Vickers HV, Brinell HB, Shore, HS, Leeb HL or in hardness units (DIN ISO). These devices are especially practical in areas of production, quality control and technical service due to their portablility. One advantage of digital hardness testers is the internal rechargeable battery found in model PCE-1000. This device with integrated refraction impact offers the advantage of taking measurements without the use of cables that can interfere during a measurement. With it you can take the same measurements with the minimum amount of force but with the same level of accuracy. The measurement principles of hardness testers is always the same, only the distinction between static and dynamic processes of the hardness measurement (explanation of both processes for taking a measurement of hardness). With hardness testers for metallic materials you can quickly and accurately test the surface hardness of steel, cast iron, steel for tools, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper and bronze. There are other devices that are used for determining the Shore hardness of rubber, plastic or textiles and are available as either digital or analogue devices.  If you don't find the humidity indicators you are looking for, please contact us and we will help you find the best solution to suit your needs by calling our offices on: +44 ( 0 ) 191 377 3398 and our technical staff will advise you regarding our products.

Technical specifications for hardness testers can be found at the following links:

- PCE-DX-A (Shore A) series hardness testers  
  (mechanical hardness testers for soft rubber and plastic, with certification)

- PCE-DX-AS (Shore A) series hardness testers 
  (mechanical hardness testers, shore A, for hard rubber and elastic, with pulling needle)

- PCE-DX-DS (Shore D) series hardness testers
  (mechanical hardness testers, shore D, for hard rubber and elastic, with pulling needle)

- PCE-A (Shore A) series hardness testers 
  (mechanical hardness testers, for soft rubber and elastic)

- PCE-D (Shore D) series hardness testers    
  (mechanical hardness testers for hard rubber and hard plastic, with certification)

- PCE-O (Shore O) series hardness testers
  (mechanical hardness testers for rolled fabric and bolts of yarn, with certification)

- PCE-HT150 (Shore A, C y D) series hardness testers
  (digital hardness testers for measuring the hardness of soft rubber and elastic)

- PCE-HT200 (Shore A) series hardness testers
  (digital hardness testers for measuring the hardness of soft rubber and elastic)

- PCE-HT210 (Shore D) series hardness testers
  (digital hardness testers for measuring the hardness of hard rubber and plastic)

- PCE-2000 series hardness testers   
  (digital hardness testers for metallic materials)

- PCE-HT 500 series hardness meter
  (hardness tester for metallic materials (ferrous and non-ferrous metals))

- PCE-HT 550 series hardness testers 
  (hardness testers for metallic materials (ferrous and non-ferrous metals))

Hardness testers come certified from the factory (except the PCE-DX-A). A regular recalibration can also be ordered wich includes a laboratory calibration and and ISO certificate. You will find a variety of accessories, test equipment and adaptors, available on the web. Cal us if you have any doubts regarding our hardness testers: +44 ( 0 ) 191 377 3398.

General information about different methods for testing hardness:

Shore hardness test: Shore hardness is a characteristic value of work material for elastics or plastic based on the DIN 53505 and DIN 7868 standards. Testers of Shore hardness for rubber and similar work materials are composed of a spring loaded point which rebounds when it penetrates during testing, serving as a measurement of the corresponding Shore hardness, which is indicated in a scale from 0 Shore (2.5 millimeters of penetration) up to 100 Shore (0 millimeters of penetration).

Brinell hardness test: The hardness measurement developed by Brinell is used for soft and medium hard metals, non-alloyed construction grade steel, aluminium, wood and work materials with irregular structures such as cast iron. An iron ball or one made of a ahrd metal is struck with a defined force for measurement against the surface of the material.

Vickers hardness test: The name comes from the British plane manufacturer Vickers. It measures hard work materials but also the hardness of materials and thin walls or marginal areas. The difference with the Rockwell hardness measurement is the pressure of pyramid shaped penetrator at an angle of 136º at a predetermined force for measuring the material.

Rockwell hardness test: The Rockwell HRC is for work materials defined by the standard DIN EN ISO 6508 for the depth of penetration of a conical penetrator. With a predetermined measurement force for the material, the conical penetrator is loaded and its point impacted at 120º against the surface of the material. The depth of the impact serves as a comparison. Next, the penetrator is pressed aainst the material with a constant pressure for six seconds. The load is then released. The differences in depths is known as the Rockwell hardness of the material.

If you wish to view or print a selection of hardness testers from our catalogue, click the PDF symbol.

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Below you will find an overview of the different product groups of measuring instruments