TPT July 2009

T echnology U pdate

Innovative hardness testing in micro and macro ranges

Hardness testing is highly complex, with a number of different testing methods used for a wide range of materials. Zwick, Germany, offers two innovative hardness- testing instruments that combine universal application and easy operation. The ZHV1 fully automatic micro Vickers hardness testing instrument is used for automatic series and hardness profile tests. The instrument’s fully automatic operation saves time and minimizes operator error. The image analysis integrated into the testXpert ® testing software automatically measures the hardness indentations. Control, evaluation and transfer for further processing by quality assurance systems are also handled by testXpert. One outstanding feature of this advanced hardness tester is enhanced indentation and sharpness identification, with different surfaces at any magnification. Automatic indentation measurement has also been further improved, even with difficult surfaces, while hardness profile tests with multiple sequences are now also possible. The ZHV1 micro Vickers hardness tester covers a wide range of applications. These include determination of case- hardened depth CHD to DIN EN ISO 2639, determination of the conventional depth of hardening after surface heating to DIN EN 10328, and determination of the effective depth of hardening after nitriding to DIN 50190-3. The instrument’s advanced features make it a highly effective testing instrument, particularly in the metals industry (steel producers, steel suppliers, hardeningshops).

It is also ideal for tests in the automotive and aerospace sectors and in research by universities, institutes and government organisations. The latest developments in Zwick’s ZHU/zwicki- Line provide a unique, innovative system for classical and instru- mented hardness testing. This fully automatic universal hardness testing

 ZHV1 micro Vickers hardness tester is used for automatic series and hardness profile

automation and reduction of operator influence. Indentation setting, microscope positioning and optical measurement of the indentation are all performed completely automatically. The range of compound (XY) tables has also seen further improvements in support surface area, test load and travel. The new motorized tables are designed for test loads up to 250kg and have travel ranges up to 150mm x 50mm. As a result of these innovations the range of applications covered by the ZHU/zwicki-Line has been expanded to include fully automatic Jominy testing to ISO 642 and ASTM 255. In the end-quenching test (Jominy test) the hardness of steel is determined by performing a hardness profile test with the Rockwell (HRC) or Vickers (HV30) method on a prepared specimen. Zwick GmbH & Co KG – Germany Fax : +49 7305 10 200

system covers the Vickers, Knoop, Brinell, Rockwell, ball indentation and instrumented indentation methods. The ZHU/zwicki-Line for instrumented indentation testing in the macro range covers a range of applications. It features hardware and electronics tailored to the requirements of hardness testing, guaranteeing high reproducibility. In addition to instrumented indentation tests to determine hardness and other material parameters, the ZHU/ zwickiLine can perform all the classical hardness testing methods used for metals. The testing system records the load- indentation depth curve to provide additional material assessment. The instrumented indentation test includes elastic and plastic deformations in order to obtain the elastic and plastic material characteristic values. The core of the testing system is a hardness measuring head, which contains the measuring systems for test load and indentation depth plus an indentor with hold-down device. This unit is motorized in accordance with the trend for increasing

Email : info@zwickroell.eu Website : www.zwick.com

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better fittings: from a leading manufacturer. Proven and used throughout the world. ERNE buttwelding fittings are made of alloyed and unalloyed steels, stainless steel and further materials. best connections: that means product availability, rapid response times and reliability in quality and delivery. Outstanding logistical capabilities and excellent service make ERNE FITTINGS a flexible partner for stockists/distributors and project specialists the world over. e

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erne fittings gmbh, A-6824 Schlins, Hauptstrasse 48, Austria/Europe, office@ernefittings.com

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J uly 2009

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