Standardisation of hardness measurement at the touch of a cursor

The HM2000 series includes the measurement software WIN-HCU® for evaluating the measurements. In addition to the standard-conforming (DIN EN ISO 14577-1) determination of the characteristic values, the software also enables the conventional determination of the Vickers hardness (DIN EN ISO 6507-1) by measuring the indentation diagonal using the video microscope. For this purpose, a magnified video image of the pyramid displacement is shown on the screen of the personal computer that controls the measurement sequence and evaluates the test results. The Vickers hardness is calculated automatically simply by positioning the cursor marks at the corner points of the indentation diagonal. This is particularly advantageous when both characteristic values are required for a materials test or when a correlation between the Universal hardness and the Vickers hardness is to be determined.

Flexible and extensive micro hardness presentation results

The software displays the test results clearly arranged in diagrams and tables on the colour monitor of the evaluation and control computer. Presented is the correlation between the test load and the indentation depth as well as the Martins Hardness HM profile over the test load, over the indentation depth or over time, among other parameters. The hardness indentations are displayed with multiple magnifications. The software also shows numerous computed material characteristics, among them the elastic and plastic deformation portions, the creep and the modulus of elasticity for the material. In addition, the software evaluates the measurement data statistically or presents them optionally in an SPC chart, in a histogram or in a probability chart. The measurement data can be exported into an EXCELspreadsheet via a standard software interface of the operating system for additional evaluation or documentation.

The significant cooperation in the standardization of the indentation measurement with instruments again demonstrates the great competency of Helmut Fischer GmbH + Co. KG in industrial measurement technology.

Based on over fifty years of experience, Helmut Fischer GmbH + Co. KG continues to develop trend-setting, practical and economical test instruments. Today, these instrument specialists of Sindelfingen, Germany are counted among the global market leaders in coating thickness measurement, micro-hardness determination and materials analysis. They are available to users with extensive service, process-technology advice and practical training worldwide at eight manufacturing and distribution sites.