Hardness Measurement
Hardness testing is a key element of quality assurance and material characterization. It describes the mechanical resistance a material offers to the penetration of another body. Modern non-destructive hardness testing methods, such as Ultrasonic Contact Impedance (UCI) and the Leeb rebound method, convert mechanical deformation and elastic response into quantifiable hardness values — based on ultrasonic and dynamic impact principles.
Hardness reflects the microstructure and heat treatment of a material, such as quenching, tempering, or induction hardening. In production, properties like surface hardness, case depth, and structural uniformity must be verified quickly and reliably. Mobile hardness measurement enables this directly on finished parts — even at difficult-to-reach points.
The UCI method determines hardness via the frequency shift of an ultrasonic vibration, offering quasi non-destructive testing ideal for fine-grained and surface-hardened materials. The Leeb rebound method calculates hardness from the ratio of rebound to impact velocity, making it particularly suited for coarse-grained or massive components. Stable positioning, precise calibration, and temperature control ensure reproducible, standards-compliant results. Together, both methods form a robust, portable solution for fast and accurate hardness verification across a wide range of metallic alloys.
Application Examples
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