The portable Brinell hardness indentation testers are digital instruments designed to automatically read and measure the indentation produced during a Brinell hardness test. They do not apply the load or create the indentation: they are used after testing to measure the mark left by the hardness tester and obtain the HBW value.
In the Brinell test, the hardness value depends on the diameter of the indentation left by the ball indenter on the sample. For this reason, the reading stage is critical: more controlled indentation measurement helps reduce errors in interpretation, transcription and calculation.
Compared with a traditional optical microscope, the digital system acquires the indentation image through a digital microscope and processes it with the software. The edge of the indentation is recognised automatically and the Brinell hardness value is calculated without requiring manual reading of the diameter.
The portable version is suitable when the indentation must be read directly on the component. This configuration is useful for large, heavy or installed parts, components that are difficult to move, or items that are impractical to bring to a bench workstation.
The magnetic probe facilitates positioning on ferromagnetic surfaces and helps maintain stable contact with the component during measurement. This feature supports measurements on horizontal and vertical surfaces.
The system can be used alongside a Brinell bench hardness tester when the indentation is read separately from the test, or with a multiscale bench hardness tester to measure the HBW indentation.
Compared with a bench Brinell hardness indentation tester, the portable version provides greater operational flexibility. The bench model is intended for a stable dedicated reading station, while portable indentation testers are more practical when the operator needs to reach the component directly or work at different points in the production area.
Two configurations are available. The SAKBT-30AE/1 is suitable for indentations from 0.6 to 3 mm, intended for a stable dedicated reading station, while portable indentation testers are more practical when the operator needs to reach the component directly or work at different points in the production area.
Two configurations are available. The SAKBT-30AE/1 is suitable for indentations from 0.6 to 3 mm, generated with Brinell balls from 2.5 to 5 mm. The SAKBT-30AE/2 is designed for indentations from 2.4 to 6 mm, generated with a 10 mm Brinell ball.
Both versions operate up to 650 HBW. The choice between the two models depends on the size of the Brinell indentation to be read, and therefore on the ball diameter and type of test carried out by the hardness tester.
LED illumination helps make the indentation edge easier to read. Good image quality is essential to allow the software to recognise the indentation profile correctly.
The software displays the acquired image, measures the indentation and manages the test results. During repeated inspections, this approach speeds up reading and keeps documentation more organised than manual management with an optical microscope and conversion tables.
Portable Brinell hardness indentation testers are useful for checks on castings, metal structures, heavy components, parts in production and components that must remain in their operating position. They are suitable when the Brinell test has already been carried out by a hardness tester and a more practical digital indentation reading is required.
For reliable measurement, the indentation must be clean, clearly visible and compatible with the range of the selected model. Correct probe support, contact stability and illumination of the measuring area also affect reading quality.
Applications
- Portable measurement of Brinell indentations
- Automatic reading of Brinell indentations
- Calculation of the HBW hardness value
- Reading of indentations generated with 2.5 mm and 5 mm balls
- Reading of indentations generated with a 10 mm ball
- Checks on large or heavy components
- Measurements on components that are difficult to move
- Inspections on castings and metal structures
- Checks on components directly in production
- Use alongside Brinell bench hardness testers
- Image acquisition through a digital microscope
- Automatic recognition of the indentation edge
- Measurement management through software
- Reduction of manual reading errors
FAQ – Portable Brinell hardness indentation testers
What are portable Brinell hardness indentation testers?
They are portable digital instruments used to read and measure the indentation produced during a Brinell test, obtaining the HBW value through software.
Are they complete Brinell hardness testers?
No. Portable Brinell hardness indentation testers do not apply the load or produce the indentation. They are used to read the indentation after the test has been carried out by a hardness tester.
How is the indentation measured?
The digital microscope captures the indentation image, the software recognises the edge of the indentation and calculates the Brinell hardness value according to the test performed.
What is the advantage over a traditional optical microscope?
Digital reading reduces manual operator intervention, speeds up measurement and limits errors caused by interpreting the indentation edge or transcribing its diameter.
When should the portable version be selected?
The portable version is suitable when the indentation must be read directly on the component, for example on large, heavy, installed parts or components that are difficult to bring to a bench workstation.
When should a bench Brinell hardness indentation tester be selected instead?
The bench model is more suitable when a stable station dedicated to Brinell indentation reading is required, particularly for samples that can be moved easily.
What is the magnetic probe used for?
The magnetic probe helps maintain stable contact on ferromagnetic surfaces, making measurement easier also on horizontal surfaces.
Can the testers be used with a Brinell bench hardness tester?
Yes. They can be used to read indentations produced by a Brinell bench hardness tester when portable digital measurement of the indentation is required.
Which models are available?
SAKBT-30AE/1 and SAKBT-30AE/2 are available. The correct model is selected according to the size of the Brinell indentation to be read.
When should SAKBT-30AE/1 be selected?
SAKBT-30AE/1 is suitable for indentations from 0.6 to 3 mm, generated with Brinell balls from 2.5 to 5 mm.
When should SAKBT-30AE/2 be selected?
SAKBT-30AE/2 is suitable for indentations from 2.4 to 6 mm, generated with a 10 mm Brinell ball.
Can images and results be saved?
Yes. The software manages images and results, making it easier to document completed tests.
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