A Guide to Maintenance of the BENKWELL Portable Hardness Tester

 

Portable hardness testers play a crucial role in various industries, offering a swift and efficient method for evaluating material hardness. To maximize the longevity and performance of your BENKWELL Portable Hardness Tester, it is essential to implement regular maintenance practices. In this guide, we'll explore steps for maintaining the efficiency and accuracy of your portable hardness tester.

Daily Maintenance Guide

1. Cleaning and Inspection.

Begin each day by visually inspecting the device for any visible damage or wear. Clean the surface of the tester, including the impact device and supporting components, using a soft, lint-free cloth.

2. Battery Check.

Verify the battery status regularly. Ensure the battery is charged when necessary to prevent unexpected disruptions during testing.

3. Impact Body Inspection.

Examine the impact body for signs of damage or excessive wear. If wear is evident, consider replacing the impact body to maintain accurate results.

Impact Device Maintenance

After 1000-2000 uses, it is recommended to clean the catheter of the impact device and impact body using a nylon brush. Before cleaning the catheter, unscrew the supporting ring. Then, remove the impact body, rotate the nylon brush counterclockwise into the tube, and gently pull it out when it touches the bottom. Repeat this process. Finally, reload the impact body and supporting ring.

Users should release the impact body after each use. Additionally, it is important to note that the use of lubricant is prohibited.

Troubles and Solutions

No. Issue Cause Solutions
1 No response when switched on Insufficient power supply Charge the battery
2 Abnormally high results Test tip wearing Replace the test tip
3 No test results Coil damage Contact distributor for assistance.
4 Printer not responding Beyond the transmission range Place within 3 meters for proper communication
*The others, please contact the distributors for assistance.

 

Maintenance

In the calibration of the hardness tester, if you find that the error is larger than 12HL, you should replace the impact ball or impact body. This could be because the impact ball or impact body is worn out, leading to operational failure.

If the hardness tester experiences other abnormal phenomena, do not dismantle or adjust any fixed assembly parts. Instead, complete warranty cards and send them to the authorized maintenance department for servicing.

Calibration Process

1. Prepare Controlled Test Blocks.

Use calibrated test blocks with known hardness values for the calibration process.

2. Perform Calibration.

Follow the step-by-step calibration procedure outlined in the user manual. This involves comparing the readings of the tester against the known hardness values of the test blocks.

3. Adjust Settings.

If any discrepancies are identified during calibration, adjust the device settings accordingly to align with the known hardness values.

4. Verification Testing.

After calibration, conduct verification tests using different test blocks to confirm the accuracy of the adjustments.

5. Record Calibration Details.

Maintain a comprehensive log of maintenance activities, including dates, components checked, and any replacements made. Keep records of calibration dates and adjustments.

Regular maintenance and calibration ensure that BENKWELL Portable Hardness Testers continue to deliver precise and reliable results, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of material hardness assessments across various industrial applications. By integrating these practices into your routine, you not only extend the lifespan of the device but also uphold the integrity of your testing processes.


How to Measure Hardness with BENKWELL Hardness Tester

How to Measure Hardness with BENKWELL Portable Hardness Tester

Introduction.

Understanding the hardness of materials is crucial in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and quality control. Hardness testing helps assess the durability and strength of materials, ensuring they meet the required standards. One effective tool for this purpose is the portable hardness tester. In this article, we will and provide a comprehensive guide on how to measure hardness using the BENKWELL Portable Hardness Tester.

Importance of Hardness Testing.

Hardness is a fundamental material property that determines its resistance to deformation, wear, and abrasion. It is a critical factor in assessing the suitability of a material for specific applications. Hardness testing aids in quality control, material selection, and evaluating the effectiveness of heat treatment processes. By measuring hardness, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet the necessary standards and comply with industry regulations.

Steps to Measure Hardness with BENKWELL Portable Hardness Tester.

1. Setting up the Tester.

Press the power button to turn it on and check if it needs charging. Inspect whether every setting is correct, paying particular attention to the material type and scale. Inconsistencies in settings with the actual conditions may lead to significant errors.

2. Sample Preparation.

The preparation of the sample and the test surface should adhere to the following basic requirements:

  1. During the sample surface preparation process, users should avoid the impacts of cold and thermal processing.
  2. The sample surface should be flat to ensure better results. The test surface should exhibit a metallic sheen and should be free from oxide layers or other stains.
  3. The sample must possess sufficient mass and rigidity. If it lacks quality and rigidity, it may experience displacement or shaking during the testing impact, leading to substantial errors.
  4. For the coupling method, the back of the testing sample should be prepared to create a flat supporting surface with a smooth formation. By applying a small amount of coupling substance (Industry Vaseline can be used), users can press it onto the surface of the supporting object (the weight of the supporting object should be more than 5 kg, and it can be replaced by a test block) to integrate them.
  5. Samples should be thick enough and have sufficient surface absorption layers. The thickness of the sample should not be less than 5mm (1mm for Type C), and the surface absorption layer (or surface-hardening layer) should not be less than 0.8mm (0.2mm for Type C).
  6. When the testing sample surface is not horizontal, the curvature radius of the testing and nearby surface should be larger than 30mm, and an appropriate supporting ring should be selected and installed.
  7. A sample should not be magnetic; otherwise, the signal of the impact device may be significantly interfered with by magnetism, leading to inaccurate test results.

3. Test Procedure.

hardness test with BENKWELL

  1. Loading: Load simply by sliding the loading tube forward.
  2. Location: Next, place and hold the tester on the test surface at the desired test point. Ensure that the impact direction is vertical to the test surface.
  3. Impact (Measurement): Trigger the impact by pressing the release button. The hardness value will be instantaneously displayed.
  4. Read out the test result from the LCD.

4. Data Printing.

BENKWELL wireless mini printer

The tester can be linked with a wireless mini printer for printing a test report. First, place the printer near the tester, turn on the printer, press “Print”, will print out the current data. A complete test report is shown. Because printing paper is thermal paper, it should be preserved to avoid the heat and direct light. If the print records are necessary to be kept in long-term preservation, please copy and preserve in time.

The tester can be connected to a wireless mini printer for printing a test report. First, place the printer near the tester, turn on the printer, and press “Print” to generate the current data. A complete test report will be printed out. Since the printing paper is thermal paper, it should be stored to prevent exposure to heat and direct light. If the printed records need to be preserved for the long term, please make copies and store them promptly.

BENKWELL Portable Hardness Tester.

To measure hardness effectively, follow the steps with the BENKWELL Portable Hardness Tester. From setup and sample preparation to testing and data printing. Embrace the efficiency and reliability of BENKWELL for accurate hardness measurements.


How to Choose the Right Hardness Tester

How to Choose the Right Hardness Tester

Introduction

Selecting the right hardness tester is a crucial step in ensuring the success of material hardness testing processes. With various options available in the market, this article will provide a step-by-step guide to help you choose a hardness tester that suits your needs.

How to Choose Hardness Tester

1. Identify Application Requirements.

Before choosing a hardness tester, identify your application requirements. Determine the type of material to be tested, the required hardness range, and the testing environment. Are you conducting tests in the field or in a laboratory? Consider these factors to narrow down your options.

2. Consider the Measurement Scale.

Each type of hardness tester has different measurement scales. Ensure you choose a scale appropriate for the type of material being tested. Using an incorrect scale can lead to inaccurate results.

3. Check the Hardness Range.

Examine the hardness range measurable by the hardness tester. Make sure this range includes relevant hardness levels for the material under consideration. This is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable test results.

4. Choose the Appropriate Type of Hardness Tester.

Hardness testers come in various types, such as Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers, and Leeb. Select the type of tester that best fits your needs. For example, Rockwell is suitable for metals, while Leeb is more portable for field testing.

5. Review the Penetrator and Indenter Capabilities.

Pay attention to the type of penetrator and indenter used by the hardness tester. Different materials may require different penetrators and indenters, so ensure the tool can accommodate your testing needs.

6. Verify Accuracy and Consistency.

Ensure that the hardness tester you choose meets industry standards for accuracy and consistency. High accuracy and consistent results are essential for obtaining reliable data.

7. Consider Portability and User-Friendliness.

If you require a hardness tester for field use, choose one that is portable and user-friendly. Ensure the tool meets criteria for convenience and portability to be efficiently used in various locations.

BENKWELL Portable Hardness Tester

The BENKWELL Portable Hardness Tester is a hardness testing tool that combines the advantages of portability, user-friendliness, and efficiency across various industrial applications. For more information, visit our product page to explore the features and specifications of the BENKWELL Portable Hardness Tester.


The Importance of Material Hardness in Production Processes

The Importance of Material Hardness in Production Processes

Introduction

In the world of manufacturing, the importance of material hardness in production processes cannot be overstated. The level of hardness a material possesses is a key determinant of product quality, influencing durability, functionality, and overall performance. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of material hardness and explore how hardness testers emerge as tools for ensuring quality control in diverse industries.

Understanding Material Hardness and Its Impact on Product Quality

Material hardness

Material hardness refers to a material's resistance to deformation, indentation, or penetration. This property plays a pivotal role in various production processes, influencing the final outcome of manufactured goods. Here's how understanding material hardness contributes to product quality:

1. Durability and Longevity.

Harder materials often exhibit greater durability, ensuring products withstand wear and tear over time. Understanding material hardness aids in selecting materials that can withstand specific environmental conditions, extending the lifespan of the end product.

2. Precision in Manufacturing.

Knowledge of material hardness allows manufacturers to tailor their production processes, ensuring precision in shaping and forming components. It facilitates the creation of intricate designs and structures, crucial in industries where precision is paramount.

3. Optimized Performance.

Materials with appropriate hardness levels contribute to optimized product performance. Whether in automotive, aerospace, or machinery, materials with the right hardness enhance the overall efficiency and functionality of the end product.

Hardness Testers Enhancing Quality Control

To ensure the desired material hardness levels are achieved and maintained throughout the production process, hardness testers have become instrumental. Here are a couple of case studies illustrating their impact on quality control:

1. Automotive Manufacturing.

Automotive Manufacturing

In an automotive manufacturing plant, hardness testers are employed to assess the hardness of critical components such as engine parts and chassis. By conducting on-the-spot hardness tests, manufacturers can identify deviations from specified hardness levels early in the production process, preventing defects and ensuring consistent quality.

2. Construction Industry.

Construction Industry

Hardness testers find application in the construction industry to assess the hardness of structural materials like steel beams.

Ensuring the right hardness levels in construction materials is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of buildings. Portable testers provide real-time data, allowing for quick adjustments and quality assurance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a profound understanding of material hardness is foundational to achieving excellence in production processes. The ability to control and measure material hardness, especially with the aid of hardness testers, empowers manufacturers to deliver products of superior quality, durability, and performance. Embracing these tools is not just a choice but a necessity for industries committed to upholding the highest standards of quality in their manufacturing endeavors.