Operating Procedures
1. Test Preparation
Check the power cord connection and turn on the power switch; the power indicator light will illuminate. The testing machine will perform a self-test and reset, displaying the current test force holding time. This parameter automatically remembers the state before shutdown.
2. Installing the Indenter
Select the desired indenter, clean off any adhering rust-preventive oil with alcohol, then wipe it clean with cotton or other soft cloth. Insert it into the spindle hole and rotate the set screw to lightly press it against the flat part of the indenter's tail shank. Simultaneously, place the sample stably and securely on the sample stage. Turn the handwheel clockwise to raise the sample stage, bringing the sample into contact with the indenter until the handwheel and nut slide relative to each other (slippage). Finally, tighten the indenter set screw.
3. Selecting the Test Force
The hardness tester offers five test forces to choose from, with a total of seven weights: one 1.25kg weight, one 5kg weight, and five 10kg weights. The five test forces are achieved through combinations of these weights.
4. 5. Test Force Holding Time Setting
For common materials, the test force holding time is generally set to 10-15 seconds, which can be adjusted by the user as needed. The machine's setting range is 6-99 seconds.
6. Test
Place the sample to be tested in the center of the sample stage. Rotate the handwheel clockwise smoothly to raise the sample stage, bringing the sample into contact with the indenter. Stop rotating the handwheel when relative slippage occurs between the handwheel and the nut. Press the "Start" button to begin the test automatically, completing the following steps: test force loading (loading indicator light illuminates); after the test force is fully applied, a countdown begins for the set holding time, maintaining the test force (holding indicator light illuminates); after the time expires, unloading begins immediately (unloading indicator light illuminates); after unloading, the machine returns to its initial state (power indicator light illuminates).
6. Verification and Determination of Test Results
Rotate the handwheel counterclockwise to lower the sample stage and remove the sample. Use a reading microscope to measure the indentation diameter on the sample surface. The reading microscope included with this hardness tester is 20x, and the minimum scale value of the drum is 0.01mm. The light source should be used appropriately during operation. When measuring smaller indentation diameters, other reading devices with higher magnification can be used to improve reading accuracy.
7. Power Off
Release all test force and turn off the power switch. If the device will not be used for an extended period, disconnect the power cord; remove the indenter, weights, etc., and store them properly.