The digital Barcol hardness tester is a portable instrument for measuring indentation hardness on aluminum, aluminum alloys, rigid plastics, reinforced plastics, fiberglass, composites and other materials compatible with the instrument’s measuring range.
Operation is based on the action of an indenter that penetrates the sample surface with a force defined by the internal spring. Indentation depth is processed by the instrument and the Barcol hardness value is displayed directly on the digital screen.
Compared with the analog Barcol hardness tester, this version provides a more immediate reading of the measured value and includes useful functions for repeated checks. The display shows the test result clearly, reducing the subjective interpretation associated with reading a mechanical dial.
The SABA934P is suitable for rapid checks on pure aluminum, soft aluminum, aluminum alloys, bars, strips, forgings, profiles and machined components. It can be used directly on the part when the surface is accessible, stable and compatible with indentation measurement.
The instrument can also be used to test rigid plastics, reinforced plastics, fiberglass and compatible composites. It is therefore also used in the marine sector, for example for rapid checks on fiberglass surfaces, laminates, molds, hulls, boat shells and resin components, when the material and surface allow the test to be performed correctly.
The maximum value function is useful when the highest value detected needs to remain visible on the display while pressure is applied to the sample.
The average value function allows multiple readings to be managed on the same sample and provides a more representative result. This is particularly useful on materials that are not perfectly uniform, such as fiberglass, composites and reinforced plastics, where hardness may vary slightly from one point to another.
To obtain a correct measurement, the sample must have a smooth, clean surface free from scratches, coatings, dirt or mechanical marks that could interfere with indenter penetration. Sample thickness, component stability and distance from edges must also be assessed before testing.
The digital Barcol hardness tester features a data output. Optional cable and software allow measured values to be transferred to a PC in real time, exported and managed in measurement reports. This function is useful when checks need to be documented or results archived in a more organised way.
The indenter is a precision component and must be kept in good condition. Wear, material residue, slipping or damage can affect measurement. Its condition should therefore be checked regularly and reading consistency verified using the reference test blocks.
A calibration report is available on request, providing metrological documentation useful for internal control management and periodic verification of the hardness tester.
Applications
- Barcol hardness measurement with digital reading
- Rapid checks on aluminum and aluminum alloys
- Testing of pure aluminum and soft aluminum
- Checks on aluminum bars, strips, profiles and forgings
- Measurements on aluminum-alloy components
- Checks on rigid plastics
- Testing of reinforced plastics
- Measurements on fiberglass and compatible composites
- Checks on fiberglass and composites in the marine sector
- Rapid verification of hulls, boat shells, molds and compatible resin components
- Quality-control checks in production
- Testing of large components with an accessible surface
- Inspection of batches and incoming supplies
- Comparative measurements on compatible materials
- Display of the maximum measured value
- Calculation of the average value from multiple measurements
- Data acquisition to a PC through optional cable and software
FAQ – Digital Barcol hardness tester
What is a digital Barcol hardness tester?
It is a portable instrument for measuring indentation hardness on compatible materials, with direct value display on a digital screen.
How does a digital Barcol hardness tester work?
The instrument is pressed onto the sample surface. The indenter penetrates the material with a force defined by the internal spring, and the hardness value is shown on the display.
What is the difference between an analog and digital Barcol hardness tester?
The analog model is read through a mechanical dial. The digital model displays the value on a screen and includes functions such as maximum-value display and average-value calculation.
Which materials can it be used on?
It can be used on aluminum, aluminum alloys, rigid plastics, reinforced plastics, fiberglass, composites and other materials compatible with the instrument’s measuring range.
Is it suitable for testing aluminum?
Yes. It is suitable for checks on pure aluminum, soft aluminum, aluminum alloys, bars, strips, profiles and machined components.
Can it be used on fiberglass and composites?
Yes. The digital Barcol hardness tester can be used on compatible fiberglass and composite materials. Multiple measurements should be taken when the material is not perfectly uniform.
Can the digital Barcol hardness tester be used in the marine sector?
Yes. It is also used in the marine sector for rapid checks on fiberglass, laminates, hulls, boat shells, molds and compatible resin components. The surface must be accessible, stable and suitable for indentation measurement.
What is the maximum-value function used for?
The maximum-value function keeps the highest value detected during the test visible on the display.
What is the average-value calculation used for?
The average value provides a more representative result when several measurements are taken on the same sample or on materials that are not perfectly uniform.
How many measurements should be taken?
The number of measurements depends on the material and its uniformity. On softer materials or composites, several readings should be taken and the average value assessed.
Does the surface need to be prepared?
Yes. The surface must be smooth, clean and free from scratches, coatings, dirt or mechanical marks that could affect the indenter action.
Is sample thickness important?
Yes. The sample must have adequate thickness and stability. If the part bends or deforms during the test, the measured value may not be correct.
How should the instrument be positioned during measurement?
The indenter must be perpendicular to the surface and the instrument must be pressed steadily, avoiding inclination or lateral movement.
Can it be used on large parts?
Yes. The digital Barcol hardness tester is portable and can also be used on large components, provided that the measuring point is accessible or lateral movement.
Can it be used on large parts?
Yes. The digital Barcol hardness tester is portable and can also be used on large components, provided that the measuring point is accessible and the surface allows correct support of the instrument.
Does the hardness tester have a data output?
Yes. The instrument features a data output and can be connected to a PC through optional cable and software to acquire values in real time.
What is included as standard?
The standard supply includes the instrument, two indenters and two standard hardness test blocks.
What are the standard hardness test blocks used for?
They are used to periodically verify the consistency of the instrument reading and check its condition before use.
Is the indenter replaceable?
Yes. The indenter can be replaced when worn or when it no longer provides a consistent reading on the standard test blocks.
Is a calibration report available?
Yes. A calibration report is available on request.
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