What is Barcol portable hardness Tester?

Portable. The Impressor is a convenient tool for testing the hardness of aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, brass and other materials including plastics and fiberglass. The instrument is designed for use on fabricated parts and assemblies as well as on raw stock.

How does a Barcol hardness Tester work?

Barcol hardness is a method that a hardness value obtained by measuring the resistance to penetration of a sharp steel point under a spring load. The instrument, called the Barcol impressor, gives a direct reading on a 0 to 100 scale. The hardness value is often used as a measure of the degree of cure of a plastic.

What is measured in Barcol hardness?

The Barcol hardness test is generally used on soft materials such as rigid plastics. It measures hardness based on indentation of a sharp point with a flat tip. The test is performed using a similar method and indentation device as that used to measure Shore D hardness, however the Shore D indentor has a round tip.

What is the process of Barcol Tester for metals?

Test Procedure: The specimen is placed under the indentor of the Barcol hardness tester and a uniform pressure is applied to the specimen until the dial indication reaches a maximum. The depth of the penetration is converted into absolute Barcol numbers.

What is the minimum value for barcol test?

For accurate readings, material should be at least 1/32″ thick and large enough for a minimum distance of 1/8″ in any direction from the indenter point to the edge of the specimen. The testing area should be smooth and free from mechanical damage.

How is Vickers hardness measured?

The Vickers number (HV) is calculated using the following formula: HV = 1.854(F/D2), with F being the applied load (measured in kilograms-force) and D2 the area of the indentation (measured in square millimetres).

What is the limitation of Vickers hardness test?

One limitation of the Vickers test is its speed. Most international test methods limit how fast the test can be performed so that repeatable results are obtained. Also, some kind of surface preparation is typically required so that the diagonal lengths required to calculate the area are clearly visible.

How does the Barcol impressor portable hardness tester work?

Approved by the NFPA. for the softer plastics and very soft metals. For extremely soft materials such as lead, linoleum and leather. Simply exert alight pressure against the instrument to drive the spring-loaded indenter point into the material… Follow the step by step calibration procedure for the Barcol Impressor.

What are the standard values for Barcol hardness?

Scales and values. The governing standard for the Barcol hardness test is ASTM D 2583. Barcol hardness is measured on a scale from 0 to 100 with the typical range being between 50B and 90B. A measurement of 60B is roughly equivalent to a Shore hardness of 80D or a Rockwell hardness M100.

What was the purpose of the Barcol test?

It is inexpensive and quick, and provides information on the cure throughout a part. Originally called the Barber-Colman Impressor, the Barcol impressor was developed by Walter Colman as a hand-held, portable means of assessing the hardness of a material during World War II.

What kind of hardness tester do I Need?

A Hand-Held Portable Hardness Tester, Models GYZJ934-1, GYZJ935, GYZJ936 The Impressor is a convenient tool for testing the hardness of aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, brass and other materials including plastics and fiberglass. The instrument is designed for use on fabricated parts and assemblies as well as on raw stock.