Testing non-standard metals and alloys

The TKM series testers manufactured by the research and production company "Mashproject" are capable of performing tests on a wide range of metals and alloys. However, once in a while, we need to measure the material's hardness, and the tester's memory has no record of customization for this specific type of material. In this case, the tester should be tuned-up using samples of a non-standard metal. 

To avoid unnecessary spending on a tester, which surely will not meet your technical needs, we offer you testing on your samples with our tester.

Below are the requirements for all samples of materials, and the steps of testing are named.

Samples preparations

One sample for each type of metal should be available:

• One sample should be prepared in case the approximate accuracy rate is satisfactory. The curve will be constructed through two points, one of which is zero and the other is the point showing the hardness of the sample;
• Three samples will be the choice in case maximum accuracy is required. The proportion 1:2:4 shows the difference between samples' hardness. The middle piece will have the hardness that will require more frequent measurements.

Requirements for samples

• Thickness (height) should be at least 10 mm.
• The sample's surface must be ground and polished following the scale (Brinell, Rockwell, or Vickers) that will be used to measure the hardness.

Standardized blocks of hardness	Surface roughness Ra, µm, at least
	Tested surface	Supporting side surface	Sides surfaces
HRC	0,2* (0,32); 0,15**	0,5	2,5
HB	0,15 (0,32)
HV	0,04

* For balls with diameter equal to 10 mm

** For balls with diameter equal to 2,5 and 5 mm

• The hardness of the samples should be known. To obtain the data, the measurements must be performed with a stationary hardness tester before the delivery. It should be reminded that the difference in hardness should satisfy the following proportion 1:2:4.  

Important! If there you need to measure the hardness of the object's coating, a sample for each combination of layer and base should be available (one or three depending on the hardness measure needed).

Necessary steps

• We will perform an essential number of measurements for each sample;
• We will produce a report with measurements result with dispersion and average readings included;
• Then we will check out the possibility of generating scales in the tester for each metal or each coating/base combination;
• After completing all steps, we will decide what tester – UCI, Leeb, or universal – to use in tests of hardness samples of a particular metal or coating.

Then the client will decide if the results obtained are satisfactory. After that, the customer may opt to buy a portable hardness tester of the TKM series.

Please, keep in mind that to test a real object, a location should be prepared beforehand. The spot's roughness should correspond to the scale's standardized hardness blocks that will be chosen for the results (Brinell, Rockwell, or Vickers).

It is possible that a cordless sander may be needed to polish the surface of the tested object accordingly.