New Indentec tester reduces equipment costs

Citation

(2001), "New Indentec tester reduces equipment costs", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 53 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2001.01853fad.004

New Indentec tester reduces equipment costs

New Indentec tester reduces equipment costs

Keyword: Hardness testing

Indentec has developed a machine to help users minimise costs in upgrading hardness testing. Thought to be the first of its type, the 9150LKV (CAMS) combines the three most popular hardness scales with computerised measurement of indentations and automatic downloading of results. According to Indentec it will enable testing to be updated to the latest technology without the need for three separate testers.

The bench-mounted digital machine is designed to test to all 15 Rockwell scales and – with change of indenter – to Vickers scales from 3 to 30 kgf and Brinell scales from 5 to 30 kqf. After testing, the software automatically downloads Rockwell hardnesses and related test data to computer or data logger. Vickers and Brinell indentations are projected by a built-in video camera to a monitor where they are measured automatically. Indentec says that this point-and-click technique is much more repeatable than the old-fashioned measurement by eyepiece, which often leads to misjudgements and inconsistencies. Hardnesses are displayed and stored in memory, which can also hold dedicated test files containing loads, indenters and specimen information. Other options include an automatic focus, an automatic X-Y positioning table, and password-secured access. A machine has been ordered by a Thailand university, which will use it to introduce students to modern hardness-testing procedures.

In another development Indentec reports on how Kingfisher (Lubrication) Ltd has saved time and mistakes in hardness testing grease fittings with an advanced Vickers tester with computer- aided indentation measurement.

Supplied by Indentec, the benchtop digital system has a special video camera in place of the usual measuring eyepiece. Projecting an image of the indentation on to a monitor for electronic measurement, the system eliminates the human judgements that can lead to reading errors and delays with conventional Vickers testers. Repeatable accuracy in hardness measurement is crucially important for the Leeds-based high-volume specialist, which can produce over 200 million grease fittings a year, 90 per cent for export. Ranging in size from 7mm to 18mm hexagon, the nipple bodies are case-hardened before assembly. The depth and hardness of the case must be established within close limits to ensure that the nipple can be peened over to retain the ball and spring, and that the assembled nipple is hard enough to be used for self-forming.

The Indentec machine is operated alongside conventional Rockwell and Vickers testers in a batch inspection process following heat treatment of the nipples in a new carbonitriding line. As well as helping speed up an intensive testing operation, the system produces related test data automatically, identifying specimens by type, batch, furnace, etc. as tests are carried out.

Kingfisher says that the availability of projected images of indentations has also helped in training and familiarising operators. Other features available in the machine include preprogrammed test sequences and password-secured access to prevent unauthorised use.

Further information is available from Indentec Hardness Testing Machines Ltd, Lye Valley Industrial Estate, Bromley Street, Lye, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY9 8HX, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1384 896949.