Webster hardness testers – SAMW

The Webster hardness tester is a practical, lightweight clamp-type instrument designed for rapid hardness checks on aluminium, light alloys, brass, copper and materials compatible with the selected model. It is particularly suitable for profiles, extrusions, tubes, thin sheets and components that can be inserted between the anvil and the indenter.

Measurement is based on the indentation principle. The component is positioned between the anvil and the indenter, then the operator closes the clamp fully. Hardness is read directly on the analogue dial in the Webster HW scale, allowing immediate verification of the material being tested.

The clamp design makes the instrument easy to use in production, incoming inspection and on-line checks. It can be operated with one hand and provides a rapid reading without the need to remove samples and take them to a laboratory.

Webster hardness testers are widely used for checking aluminium and light alloys, particularly on extruded profiles, window and door frames, tubes, bars, sheets and components with compatible thicknesses. They can also be used for checks on brass, copper and certain thin sheets of steel or stainless steel, provided and components with compatible thicknesses. They can also be used for checks on brass, copper and certain thin sheets of steel or stainless steel, provided that the correct version is selected for the material being tested.

Model selection is important because each version is designed for a specific group of materials, measuring range and sample geometry. Before testing, thickness, internal diameter, part shape and material must be checked to ensure they are compatible with the selected Webster hardness tester.

Reading in the HW scale allows the component hardness to be assessed quickly and compared with internal control references. This makes the instrument suitable for repeated checks on batches, incoming supplies, profiles and serially produced components.

The Webster hardness tester is suitable when an immediate instrument is required for comparative checks and rapid production inspections. It can be used directly on the component whenever the geometry allows correct insertion between the anvil and the indenter.

Applications

• Rapid hardness checks with a Webster hardness tester
• Measurement in the Webster HW scale
• Hardness testing on aluminium profiles
• Checks on aluminium extrusions and window or door frames
• Measurements on tubes, bars and components with compatible thicknesses
• Checks on thin sheets
• Testing of hard or half-hard brass with the dedicated model
• Checks on soft brass and pure copper with the dedicated model
• Incoming goods inspection
• Rapid production checks
• Quality-control checks on lightweight components
• Testing of parts that can be inserted between the anvil and the indenter

FAQ – Webster hardness testers

What is a Webster hardness tester?
It is a clamp-type hardness tester used for rapid hardness checks on compatible materials, especially aluminium, light alloys, brass, copper and certain thin sheets, depending on the selected model.

How does a Webster hardness tester work?
The component is inserted between the anvil and the indenter. By closing the clamp fully, the indenter acts on the surface and the value is read directly on the analogue dial in the Webster HW scale.

What does a Webster hardness tester measure?
It measures material hardness in the Webster HW scale through an indentation principle.

Which materials is it suitable for?
It is suitable for aluminium and light alloys, brass, copper and certain thin materials compatible with the available versions. Model selection depends on the material and sample geometry.

Is it suitable for aluminium profiles?
Yes. This is one of the most common uses of a Webster hardness tester, particularly for rapid checks on extruded profiles, window and door frames, bars, tubes and aluminium components with compatible thicknesses.

Can it be used on brass and copper?
Yes, provided that the correct model is selected. Dedicated versions are available for hard or half-hard brass, soft brass and pure copper.

Can it be used on steel?
Some versions are designed for thin cold-rolled steel sheet and stainless steel, within the ranges and conditions specified for the individual model.

Which thicknesses can be tested?
Permitted thickness depends on the tester model and sample geometry. Before measurement, it is necessary to verify that the component falls within the applicable range.

Is the Webster hardness tester suitable for very large components?
It can be used only when the measuring point can be inserted correctly between the anvil and the indenter. Part shape and accessibility are therefore decisive factors.

Does the surface need to be prepared?
Yes. The surface must be smooth, clean and free from coatings, oxidation, contamination or marks that could affect the action of the indenter.

Do coatings affect the measurement?
Yes. Coatings or surface layers can alter the reading. For correct measurement, testing must be performed on the surface of the material to be checked.

Is the distance from the edge important?
Yes. The measuring point must be sufficiently far from the component edge, as a reading taken too close to the edge may generate errors.

Is it suitable for production checks?
Yes. It is suitable for rapid production checks, material acceptance, batch verification and quality control on compatible components.

What is the advantage compared with more complex instruments?
The Webster hardness tester is lightweight, immediate and can be used directly in the field. It is suitable when a quick, practical check is required on parts compatible with the clamp geometry.