Cheap Diamond penetrator hardness tester...

[ccw]

Looking for a cheap vickers type hardness tester, 80-220 D.P.N. range, part size is 3/8" dia prepped section and 3/8" thin wall tube, 70-30 cartridge brass.

It can be VERY cheap, as long as it is repeatable, ie. simple stage, penetrator, dead weight, separate microscope and scale. Any suggestions?

 

[Goahead]

If you use an available microscope and buy an indenter you may be able to design and make a fixture to apply slowly the dead weight load (how much?).

It is questionable if such a machine can be Calibrated and Certified per ASTM or equivalent.

Or you may wish to look for used and rebuilt equipment properly calibrated.

http://www.welding-advisers.com/

 

[ccw]

Goahead,
That is it. Just something simple, open setup, not necessarily certifiable (ASTM-E384, I think). Or, if there is something old, manual, surplus, etc., that would work also. Thanks.

 

[ccw]

Goahead,
The load is 2.5 Kg.

 

[unclesyd]

If you can get by with just comparison you might want to look at the Ames testers. I have used them with DPH standards and reported the Rockwell numbers as converted DPH with the knowledge of all parties involved.

If this is just a comparison could you just use the appropriate Rockwell scale. This is a fine instrument for hollow components such as tubes pipe.

 

[unclesyd]

Forgot to add the website.

http://www.amesportablehardnesstesters.com/Rockwell_portable_hardness_tester_models.cfm

 

[ccw]

.
Thanks Goahead and unclesyd.

I have determined that the 15 T range would be appropriate. However, those rockwell testers shown on your ref. site cost more new than an older Rockwell Superficial Benchtop Tester. One bench top rig went on E-Bay for less than $500 the other day, older, but had all the goodies. I should have gotten it.
[he said while kicking himself]