HARDNESS TESTER Serie RS -S

ENGLISH

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Realizzazione grafica by SEI servizi Bisuschio (VA)

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HARDNESS TESTER
Series RS
-S
HARDNESS TESTER Serie RS -S

Copyright O.M.A.G. 1993

Note!

OMAG believes that the following instructions are accurate and

reliable. OMAG cannot be held liable for damages incurred by
using this instruction manual.

OMAG has the copyright on all the information in this manual.

No printing, either total or partial, can be made without OMAG
written authorization.
This information is subject to change without notice.

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OMAG has the right to modify the specifications of its products
without notice.

BREVETTI ®

are registred trade marks

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 HARDNESS TESTER Series RS -S
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HARDNESS TESTER Serie RS -S

Table of contents
Technical data ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Standard accessories ............................................................................................................................. 8
1 Unpacking ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Mod. 206 parts references .............................................................................................................. 10
Mod. 330/270 parts references ....................................................................................................... 11
2 Using the tester .............................................................................................................................. 12
3 Change of loads ............................................................................................................................. 13
3.1 How to change the anvil ....................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Substitution of the penetrator ............................................................................................... 13
4 BRAM pawl (optional) ..................................................................................................................... 16
4.1 Use of the hardness tester in BRAM version ........................................................................ 16

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5 Option ............................................................................................................................................. 17
5.1 Blockage of long pieces (206 series) .................................................................................... 17
5.2 Blockage of long pieces (270/330 series) ............................................................................. 17
5.3 Assembling the anvil holder (only for 270/330 series) .......................................................... 18
5.4 Assembling the ART plate (optional) .................................................................................... 18
6 Preparation of the surface to be tested ........................................................................................... 19
7 Selection of the testing load, (according to the thickness of the piece) ........................................... 20
DIAGRAM ...................................................................................................................................... 21
TAB 2 ............................................................................................................................................. 22
TAB 2.1 .......................................................................................................................................... 23
8 Notes for correct hardness tester operation ..................................................................................... 24
9 Calibration ....................................................................................................................................... 25
10 Maintenance .................................................................................................................................... 26
Hardness information - User's guide ...................................................................................................... 27
AFFRI Hardness testers .................................................................................................................. 29
Rockwell .......................................................................................................................................... 29
Brinell .............................................................................................................................................. 29
Vickers ............................................................................................................................................ 29
Glossary .............................................................................................................................................. 34
How to find defects and eliminate them ................................................................................................. 36
Space parts list ...................................................................................................................................... 38

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HARDNESS TESTER Serie RS -S

Technical data

MODEL 206 RS 206 S

Pre-load 10 Kgf (98,07) N 3 Kgf (29,4) N
Test loads 60-100-150 Rockwell (588-980-1471) N 15-30-45 Rockwell (147-294-441) N
62,5-125-187,5 Brinell (612-1225-1839) N 15,6-31,2-46,8 Brinell (153-306-459) N
Mode of operation Automatic Automatic
Working Lever with rack Lever with rack
Test possible Rockwell HRC A-D-B-F-G-L-M Superficial Rockwell HRN + HRT
Analogic read out Rockwell Superficial Rockwell
Accuracy of result 1 HR 1 HR
Floating head 50 mm floating 50 mm floating
Total height capacity 215 mm 215 mm
Total depth capacity 190 mm 190 mm
Max load of piece 1000 Kg 1000 Kg
Locking pressure of piece 196 to 4000 N 196 to 4000 N

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Locking of piece included included
Field of application For all metals steel, hard steel, cast iron bronze, aluminium As RS series with depth less than 0,6 mm and nitriding,
over 0,6 mm cementation, hard facing
Net weight 68 Kg 68 Kg
Packing weight 88 Kg 88 Kg
Packing measurements 37x60xH102 cm 37x60xH102 cm
Precision In compliance with ISO 716 standard In compliance with ISO 1079 standard

MODEL 330 RS 270 RS 330 S 270 S

Pre-load 10 Kgf (98,07) N 3 Kgf (29,4) N
Test loads 60-100-150 Rockwell (588-980-1471) N 15-30-45 Rockwell (147-294-441) N
62,5-125-187,5 Brinell (612-1225-1839) N 15,6-31,2-46,8 Brinell (153-306-459) N
Mode of operation Automatic Automatic
Working Lever with rack Lever with rack
Test possible Rockwell C-A-D-B-F-G-L-M Superficial Rockwell HRN+HRT
Analogic read out Rockwell Superficial Rockwell
Accuracy of result 1 HR 1 HR
Floating head 50 mm floating 50 mm floating
Total height capacity (A) 330 mm 220 mm 330 mm 220 mm
Total depth capacity (B) 200 mm 170 mm 200 mm 170 mm
Dimension of base (C) 330x390 mm 280x330 mm 330x390 mm 280x330 mm
Max load of piece 2000 Kg 2000 Kg
Locking pressure of piece 196 to 4000 N 196 to 4000 N
Locking of piece included included
Field of application For all metals steel, hard steel, cast iron bronze, aluminium As RS series with depth less than 0,6 mm and nitriding,
over 0,6 mm cementation, hard facing
Net weight 85 Kg 70 Kg 85 Kg 70 Kg
Gross weight 105 Kg 90 Kg 105 Kg 90 Kg
Packing measurements 72x52xH95 cm 60x45xH90 cm 72x52xH95 cm 60x45xH90 cm
Precision In compliance with ISO 716 standard In compliance with ISO 1079 standard

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 HARDNESS TESTER Series RS -S

Contents of the accessories kit (standard version):

n° 1 - 120° penetrator for Rockwell on hardened steel at 150,

100, 60 Kgf
n° 1 - 1/16" penetrator for Rockwell on annealed steel, cast
iron, aluminium and non ferrous metal to use at 100 of 150
of 60 Kgf

n° 2 - calibration test samples (HRC and HRB)

n° 1 - hexagonal wrench for test loads selection
n° 3 - anvils for round and flat pieces
n° 1 - instruction manual and calibration certificate
n° 1 - centering gauge (for models 270 and 330)

External items of the kit:

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n° 1 - hard board showing the conversion of all hardness

n° 1 - dust cover for the hardness tester when not in use.

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HARDNESS TESTER Serie RS -S

1 Unpacking

· Unscrew the bolts on the bottom of the box

Chiave esagonale da 13 mm.

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· Remove the lid

· Pull the rivets out of the bottom part of the walls

· Remove the horizontal stay on the hardness tester

· Remove the container

· Put the instrument on the table.

(for the 206 series you need a table with a central hole of
about 80-90 mm to allow for the passage of the screw
required for lifting piece)

· Degrease the metallic parts with petrol

(don't use solvent)

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 HARDNESS TESTER Series RS -S

Mod. 206 parts references

5
3 Test load mobile selector

4 Available loads scale

5 Wrench to select tested loads

4 6 Piece press
3
8 Penetrator
10
9 3 cm floating head (with enclosed test

21 instruments)
22 10 Test lever

21 First line end of stroke

22 Second line end of stroke

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23 Instrument identification plate

25 Anvil holder screw

26 Handwheel to regulate the rising screw

6
8

25

26

23

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HARDNESS TESTER Serie RS -S

Mod. 330/270 parts references

3 Test load mobile selector

18 4 Available loads scale
5
5 Wrench to select tested loads

6 Piece press

8 Penetrator
4
9 3 cm floating head (with enclosed test
3
22 instruments)
21 10 Test lever
10
16 Side panel

17 Head clamping

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17
18 Handwheel to change the test height

19 Testing piece holder

20 Anvil holder

21 First line end of stroke

16 22 Second line end of stroke

23 Instrument identification plate

35 Left side covering panel

36 Right side covering panel

9

6
8

35 36

20

19

23

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 HARDNESS TESTER Series RS -S

2 Using the tester

Model 206 - After setting the hardness tester for the required
tests (see tables 1 and 2), place the piece to be examined on the
appropriate anvil. Then turn the handwheel (26) until the distance
between the piece and the capsule is between 1 and 3 cm. In
any case, both the lines (21-22) must be visible.
Turn the control lever to lower the head of the hardness tester
until it touches the piece to be tested. Continue turning slowly
and without stopping until reaching Stop.
Pressure must be applied to overcome a certain elastic resistance
before Stop is reached.
When the word stop, the second line (22) must still be visible.

Remain in this position for several seconds. Then raise the lever
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slowly while watching the indicator on the comparator. When

the indicator stops, stop the lever and read the hardness
displayed on the appropriate dial. Raise the lever slowly until it
returns to the resting position.

To carry out another test, release the calibration test sample,

turning the lever completely to loosen the floating head. Then
insert a new piece to be tested.

Model 270/330 - After setting the hardness tester for the

required tests (see tables 1 and 2), place the piece to be
examined on the appropriatre anvil and release the handwheel
(17). Turn the handwheel (18) until the distance between the
piece and the capsule is between 1 and 3 cm. In any case, both
the lines (21-22) must be visible. Block the handwheel (17).
Pressure must be applied to overcome a certain elastic resistance
before Stop is reached.
When the word stop, the second line (22) must still be visible.

Remain in this position for several seconds, then raise the lever
slowly while watching the indicator on the comparator. When
the indicator stops, stop the lever and read the hardness
displayed on the appropriate dial. Raise the lever slowly until it
returns to the resting position.

Second line end

To carry out another test, release the calibration test sample,
of stroke (22) turning the lever completely to loosen the floating head. Then
insert a new piece to be tested.
First line end of
stroke (21)

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HARDNESS TESTER Serie RS -S

Note
Handwheel (10) The reading position is given by the idle position where the dial
indicator stops at each small movement of the handwheel (10).

The 270/S and 330/S versions differ only in their test loads.
They are used for thin pieces or for surface treatments.
READING

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The BLACK numbers correspond to the use of a 120° diamond
or ball (mm) penetrator for Brinell readings.
The RED scale should be used with a ball penetrator in inches.
Only the BLACK scale is used in the “S” Rockell Superficial
versions.

Warning
Never carry out tests twice on the same point. Shift the piece at
least 3 mm from the previous point.

Red scale

Black scale

(5) 3.0 Change of loads

Turn the wrench (5) till the mobile indicator (3) coincides with the
load required on the graduated scale (4).
(4)
(3) By turning the wrench anti clockwise, the loads will increase (+).
By turning the wrench clockwise, the loads will decrease (-).

The Rockwell loads are on the right. The loads on the left are
Newton values of Rockwell loads. In some versions, they can
also stand for Brinell loads.

(4)
(3)

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3.1 How to change the anvil

The standard kit is provided with 3 anvils:

The first can be used on 2 sides: it has a small rectified table on
Cod. 0330R014 one and a V groove to hold little round pieces on the other.
The other two are one with a 60 mm table and one with a 60 mm
V groove.
Choose the most appropriate one according to the shape of the
piece degrease it and insert it into the anvil hole.
After use, grease the anvil and put it away in the kit box provided.
Cod. 0207R313
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Cod. 0207R016

Cod. 0207R
only mod. 206

3.2 Substitution of the penetrator

Remove the base (6) pushing slightly downwards. Unscrew the

pawl (7) using the wrench (5) provided. Put the wrench pin into
the penetrator and unscrew it. Insert the new chosen penetrator
and screw it in. Hold it tightly while blocking it.
(29) Be careful: if you turn the wrench too strongly, you might break
it!
Screw the pawl tghtly, then insert the base (6).
(6)

The dowel (29) needn’t, in any case, be touched.

(See the utilization field table to choose the suitable penetrator)

(7)

(8)

(5)

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PROGRAMMING TABLE
TAB 1
ROCKWELL
READING TEST READING PENETRATOR LOAD Kgf NEWTON TIMES
SYMBOL SCALE SUGGESTED

Black Rockwell HRA (diamond 120°) (60) 588,6 3

Red Rockwell HRB (ball 1/16") (100) 981 6
Black Rockwell HRC (diamond 120°) (150) 1471,5 3
Black Rockwell HRD (diamond 120°) (100) 981 3
Red Rockwell HRE (ball 1/8") (100) 981 3/6 *
Red Rockwell HRF (ball 1/16") (60) 588,6 3/6 *
Red Rockwell HRG (ball 1/16") (150) 1471,5 3/6 *
Red Rockwell HRL (ball 1/4") (60) 588,6 3/6 *
Red Rockwell HRM (ball 1/4") (100) 981 3/6 *

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Black Brinell HB 30 (ball 2,5 mm.) (187,5) 1839,37 3/6 *
Black Brinell HB10 (ball 2,5 mm.) (62,5) 613,12 3/6 *
Black Brinell HB 5 (ball 5 mm.) (125) 1226,25 3/6 *

TAB 1.1
SUPER ROCKWELL
READING TEST READING PENETRATOR LOAD Kgf NEWTON TIMES
SYMBOL SCALE SUGGESTED

Black S-Rockwell HRN diamond 120o 15 147 3

Black S-Rockwell HRN diamond 120o 30 294 3
Black S-Rockwell HRN diamond 120o 45 441 3
Black S-Rockwell HRT ball 1/16" 15 147 3/6 *
Black S-Rockwell HRT ball 1/16" 30 294 3/6 *
Black S-Rockwell HRT ball 1/16" 45 441 3/6 *

Brinell
Black Brinell HB 30 ball Ø 1 mm. 30 294 3/6 *
Black Brinell HB 5 ball Ø 2,5 mm. 31,2 306 3/6 *
Black Brinell HB 2,5 ball Ø 2,5 mm. 15,6 153 3/6 *

Vickers
Black Vickers HV 15 diamond 136o 15 147 3/6 *
Black Vickers HV 30 diamond 136o 30 294 3/6 *
Black Vickers HV 45 diamond 136o 45 441 3/6 *

Note:

* Use 3 seconds for high hardness materials

* Use 6 seconds for low hardness materials

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4.0 BRAM pawl (optional)

This accessory must be used to check minor details and needs

a more accurate checking during the hardness test.
Be careful not to overload the test lever at the end of the stroke.
(7)

(27)

4.1 Use of the hardness tester in BRAM version

Remove the base (6). Partly screw the grid (27) on the pawl (7).
Insert the 40 mm caliper as indicated below, then pull the lever
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and let the pawl (7) descend until it reaches the reference level.
(6)
The penetrator must re-enter.
Holding everything in this position screw the ring nut (27) until
blocked.
To use the hardness tester in normal version, proceed in
reverse order.

(27) Caliper
40 mm
(7)

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(9) 5 Options
5.1 Blockage of long pieces (206 series)

To block the piece, turn the handwheel (26) till the head (9) has
completely re-entered. In this way the piece to be tested is
blocked. By doing it manually, you can reach the maximum
strength of 400 Kgf.
Once the piece has been blocked, move the lever as usual and
carry out the test.
Unblock the piece by turning the handwheel (26) and take it out.

(18)

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5.2 Blockage of long pieces (270/330 series)
(17)
Unblock the handwheel (17) and turn it (18) till the head has
(9)
completely re-entered. In this way the piece to be tested is
blocked. By doing it manually, you can reach the maximum
strength of 400 Kgf.
Block the handwheel (17), then move the lever as usual and
carry out the test.
Unblock the piece, doing the reverse operation. Then, extract
the piece.

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5.3 Assembling the anvil holder

(only for 270/330 series)
(6)
Put the holder (20) on the instrument table. Insert the pad (28)
into the central hole and attach the locking base (6) to it. Block
the base anchor screw, take the pad off and insert the anvil for
(28) the test.

Anchor
screw
(20)
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5.4 Assembling of ART plate (optional)

It is advisable to use the plate when the instrument base is used

frequently to support the pieces to be tested. Position the plate
directly over the instrument base and fix it with the screws
provided (as shown in the picture).

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HARDNESS TESTER Serie RS -S

6 Preparation of the surface to be

tested

The accuracy of the measurement depends mainly on the

roughness of the surface under examination.

The better the finish of the piece, the greater the reading
accuracy will be. The best roughness is Ra < 0,3 µm.

Never carry out tests on raw surfaces as in this way, only the
scale will be tested and not the material, and there is the risk of
damaging the penetrator.
If possible, either grind the surface, or smooth the surface with

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tools taking care not to overheat the metal, then by using emery
cloth, polish the side to be tested.
A few square millimetres, where the penetrator and piece
presser guide lay, will be enough.

If the piece cannot be polished, so as not to damage the surface,

carry out at least 3 tests, then average.

Vickers and Brinell tests need a bright surface.

The distance among the tests should be enough (2/3 mm. for
loads up to 150 Kg). For greater loads, the distance must be 5
mm minimum.

The surface under test must be parallel with that opposite.

During the test the piece must lie still, otherwise, repeat the test
taking care that the piece is steady enough.

With models of the RS series it is possible to block the piece with

a 400 Kg. torque. In this case the piece lies perfectly still. (see
Blockage of long pieces paragraph)

Accurately clean the surface under test by removing oil, grease

and rust. Every 1000 tests clean the penetrator, and if a ball
penetrator is used, replace it.

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 HARDNESS TESTER Series RS -S

7 Selection of the testing load,

(according to the thickness of the piece)

A proper load is necessary to obtain valid and precise results.

To find them, follow this simple rule:

1° measure the thickness of the piece to be tested

2° estimate the approximate hardness of the piece.

N.B. You must evaluate the thickness of the piece-testing part.

Should the piece have been treated or hardened, the surface
thickness considered is that of the tested part, not of the whole
piece.

If the piece has been tempered, consider the thickness of the

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whole piece.

In the following tables you will find some diagrams, each of them
corresponding to a different kind of test.

Example:

The test sample has a thickness of 1 mm and an approximate

hardness of 60 HRC. If you look for the crossing between HRC
values and mm., you will find out that your test is valid since the
minimum allowed thickness is 0,8 mm.

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HARDNESS TESTER Serie RS -S

DIAGRAM OF MINIMUM ALLOWED THICKNESS FOR HARDNESS

MEASUREMENT

Minimum allowed thickness for sample

Minimum allowed thickness for sample

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Hardness scale Hardness scale
Minimum allowed thickness for sample

Hardness scale

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Hardness tester application field for models

206 RS - 330 RS - 270 RS

TAB 2

INSTRUMENT PREPARING FOR EVERY READING SCALE APPLICATION FIELD

READING HARDNESS LOAD PENETRATOR

SCALE SCALE Kgf

Rockwell
Black HRC 150 Diamond 120o Hardened steel > 1,2 mm.
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o
Black HRD 100 Diamond 120 Hardened steel > 1 mm.
Black HRA 60 Diamond 120o Cemented steel > 0,7 mm.
Red HRB 100 Ball Ø 1/16" Soft steel and non ferrous metals
Red HRF 60 Ball Ø 1/16" Soft steel and non ferrous metals
Red HRG 150 Ball Ø 1/16" Soft steel and non ferrous metals

Brinell
Black HB 30 * 187,5 Ball Ø 2,5 mm. Cast iron
Black HB 10 * 62,5 Ball Ø 2,5 mm. Light alloy bronze copper
Black HB 5 * 125 Ball Ø 5 mm. Light alloy bronze copper

Vickers
HV 60** 60 Diamond 136o All metals

When the utilization field is identical, choose the appropriate

load according to the thickness of the piece to be tested. See the
minimum thickness diagram.

* Brinell hardnesses may be obtained by measuring the diameter

of the mark with our microscope 1216 and comparing the values
with the Brinell tables enclosed.
A second method is by reading the number on the black scale
and comparing it with the “TABLE FOR DIRECT READING OF BRINELL
HARDNESS”

** Reading is only possible by using our microscope 1216 and

comparing the values with the Vickers comparison tables.

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HARDNESS TESTER Serie RS -S

Hardness tester application field for models

206 S - 330 S - 270 S

TAB 2.1

INSTRUMENT PREPARING FOR EVERY READING SCALE APPLICATION FIELD

READING HARDNESS LOAD PENETRATOR

SCALE SCALE Kgf

Rockwell
Black HR 15 N 15 Diamond 120o Hardened steel > 0,2 mm.

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o
Black HR 30 N 30 Diamond 120 Hardened steel > 0,35 mm.
Black HR 45 N 45 Diamond 120o Hardened steel > 0,5 mm.
Black HR 15 T 15 Ball Ø 1/16" Soft metals > 0,2 mm.
Black HR 30 T 30 Ball Ø 1/16" Soft metals > 0,35 mm.
Black HR 45 T 45 Ball Ø 1/16" Soft metals > 0,5 mm.

Brinell
Black HB 30 * 30 Ball Ø 1 mm. Soft ferrous metals > 0,8 mm.
Black HB 5 * 31,2 Ball Ø 2,5 mm. Aluminium bronze copper
Black HB 2,5 * 15,6 Ball Ø 2,5 mm. Aluminium soft materials

Vickers
HV 15** 15 Diamond 136o All thin metals
HV 30** 30 Diamond 136o All thin metals
HV 45** 45 Diamond 136o All thin metals

When the utilization field is identical, choose the appropriate

load according to the thickness of the piece to be tested. See the
minimum thickness diagram.

* Brinell hardnesses may be obtained by measuring the diameter

of the mark with our microscope 1216 and comparing the values
with the Brinell tables enclosed.
A second method is by reading the number on the black scale
and comparing it with the “TABLE FOR DIRECT READING OF BRINELL
HARDNESS”

** Reading is only possible by using our microscope 1216 and

comparing the values with the Vickers comparison tables.

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 HARDNESS TESTER Series RS -S

8 Notes for correct hardness-tester

operation

● The stroke is 30-40 mm. maximum. Do not use the instru-

ment at the limit of the stroke as this may be insufficient to
start the test cycle.
The first line (21) between the locking of the piece and the
surface must be visible.
The floating head stroke must be of 1 or 2 cm. Vary it
frequently. In case of a series of tests, alter the height from
time to time to allow a correct lubrication of the parts.

● Be sure the test piece is tightly fixed on the anvil and its
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surface is perpendicular to the penetrator.

● Be sure the piece is parallel to the holding base.

Be sure that both penetrator and load are suitable for the test
(See table, pages 15 - 22 -23.)

● Remember to screw the back sliding block up in 270 and 330

models.

● Clean the surface of the piece removing oil, rust and any
trace of roughness. The upper surface to be examined must
be as smooth as possible. The best would be a roughness
of <Ra 0,3 µm. (the hardness tester measures the penetra-
tion depth so if the surface to be measured is rough this can
influence the test).

● Clean all the surfaces of the calibration test, the anvil and the
penetrator carefully. You should use a cloth dampened with
petrol or alcohol removing oil or grease. Be sure the surface
has no indentation on it, or the test results won’t be correct.

● Use the calibration test only on the engraved surface. Each

test must distance the previous mark by at least 3 times and
3 mm. from the sample edges.

● Should the measurements not be known for certain, carry

out some tests on the test sample supplied as equipment.
Should the measurements be incorrect, carry out tests with
another scale, test sample and penetrator, and if in this case
the rates obtained are correct, replace the penetrator of the
first scale. Request the spare part from the factory.

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HARDNESS TESTER Serie RS -S

● The penetrator must always be in good condition in order to

obtain the best results, carry out some tests on the samples
supplied. Should the measurements be incorrect, ask for a
new original penetrator. You will avoid damaging your instru-
ment!

● Never use the hardness tester without the piece press,

unless it has already been set up for this function.

● Do not vary the testing load to correct the calibration.

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9 Calibration

● Check the tester calibration by the checking sample pro-

vided. 2 or 3 tests will be sufficient. The hardness tester is
calibrated when the results don’t exceed the tolerance of the
INTERNATIONAL CALIBRATIONS VALUE TABLE RATES.
If this is not the case, replace the penetrator - always ask for
original parts if you want to avoid damaging the internal
components of your instrument and to obtain precise and
guaranteed values.

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 HARDNESS TESTER Series RS -S

10 Maintenance

● AFFRI hardness testers don’t require any special care.

Nevertheless you must follow the listed precautions in order
to obtain precise and reliable tests:

● Check the hardness tester calibration every 500 tests. Carry

out some tests on the test sample.

● Check the penetrator every 500 tests, looking carefully

through it with a magnifying lens. If you find any irregularity,
it will be necessary to return the penetrator to our company
to regrind it.
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● Clean the penetrator and its guide every 500 tests using a
cloth.

● Once a month, lubricate the guides with oil. (don’t overdo it!)

● Put the sample tests away in their supplied boxes.

● Every 1000 tests, clean the penetrator and the locking piece
with a cloth. Should the looking point be worn, ask for a new
one. Do not grind the point: as this can cause an inaccurate
reference for the internal cycle.

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HARDNESS TESTER Serie RS -S

Guida all'USO
Notizie sulla durezza

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 HARDNESS TESTER Series RS -S
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HARDNESS TESTER Serie RS -S

AFFRI Hardness testers

Affri’s durometers comply with the international 6508 ISO

standard for establishing hardness according to the Rockwell
method. It also can generate Brinell and Vickers print in
compliance with 6506 ISO and 6507 ISO standard.

Rockwell
The Rockwell method is the most used for its speed in determining
the result, which is obtained directly on the display in the
Digitronic-version, and on a mechanic dial in the RT and RS

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versions.

Brinell
This method is limited to soft materials (i.e. not hardened) and
requires a more accurate preparation of the surface under
examination. The reading is possible through a microscope,
which enlarges the print obtained. On the other hand, AFFRI’s
durometer allows quick Brinell measures to be taken without the
need of the microscope. For its use, follow the instructions
given.

Vickers
This method is more complicated than the Brinell method as the
surface under examination has to be perfectly polished.
The hardness test is obtained through a microscope-reading of
the square-based print diagonals left by the 136° diamond
penetrator. No other ways of obtaining these ratings are possi-
ble.

For additional information on test methods, consult the stand-

ards:

ISO 6506 for Brinell tests

ISO 6508 for Rockwell tests
ISO 1024 for superficial Rockwell tests
ISO 6507 for Vickers tests

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 HARDNESS TESTER Series RS -S

Rockwell

The Rockwell method is suitable for all metals

Hardened and case-hardened steels

Use 120° diamond penetrator:

150 Kg. for HRC thickness > 1.2 mm
100 Kg. for HRD thickness > 1 mm
60 Kg for HRA thickness > 0.7 mm

15 Kg. for HR15 N for thin thickness > 0.2 mm

30 Kg. for HR30 N for thin thickness > 0.35 mm
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45 Kg. for HR45 N for thin thickness > 0.5 mm

Soft steels, iron, annealed metals, cast irons,

aluminium, bronze, copper.

Use 1/16" ball penetrator; test load

100 Kg. for HRB for soft steels, annealed steel,
iron > 2 mm
60 Kg. for HRF for pure aluminium,
soft metals > 1,2 mm
150 Kg for HRG for cast iron and hard
bronze > 1,8 mm

15 Kg. for HR15 T for thin thickness > 0.2 mm

30 Kg. for HR30 T for thin thickness > 0.35 mm
45 Kg. for HR45 T for thin thickness > 0.5 mm

HRA / HRB / HRC / HRD / HRF / HRG / HRN / HRT / these are
the reading scales according to the presetting of the durometer.

Any hardness rating which has been read can be easily changed
to another hardness scale by following the hardness conversion
table supplied for the use of every instrument.

For example, if the figure is 30 on the HRC scale, this corre-

sponds to 65.5 of the HRA scale, or 298 on Brinell’s scale.

Indication of obtained results.

In compliance with international ISO 6507 standards, you must
indicate the results of your test as following:

ISO 6508
HRC 60 = Rockwell hardness 60, under a load of 150 Kg.

ISO 1024
HR15N90 = Rockwell surface hardness, under a load of 15 Kg
and diamond penetrator 120°.

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Brinell

The Brinell method is suitable for soft metals, non ferrous

metals and cast irons

Some AFFRI durometer versions are also preset for direct

Brinell’s measurement. (The test loads: 15.6 - 31.2 - 30 - 125
- 187.5 are supplied according to the model chosen)
Simply equip the instrument with a 1 mm or 2.5 mm penetrator
with its suitable calibration sample and the 1216 microscope.
After having set up both the penetrator and the sample, see 2
and 2.1 tables.

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Test the piece and measure the print diagonal using our 1216
microscope. Consult the Brinell tests table to convert the
obtained value into Brinell figures.

For quick and comparative measurements, some models are

provided with commonly used scales which can be obtained in
digital versions:

HB 30 with 187.5 load

HB 10 with 62.5 load

Cast irons

Use 2.5 ball penetrator with load:

187.5 K g. for HB30

Non ferrous metals (aluminium, bronze, brass)

Use 2.5 ball penetrator with load:

62.5 Kg for HB 10

On dial versions read the scales on the black dial from 0 to 100
as in the Rockwell test convert, then, the obtained value in
Brinell figures, carrying out the direct reading of the Brinell
tables.

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 HARDNESS TESTER Series RS -S

Very soft non ferrous metals (pure aluminium)

Use 5 ball penetrator with load:

125 Kg. for HB 5

For example, if we use a 62.5 Kg. load 2.5 mm penetrators the

figure on the comparator will be 40, which corresponds to 50.2
Brinell HB10. Some tables are shown below, one for each type
of material.

HB5 - HB10 - HB30: these are Brinell’s hardness scales which

show the Brinell ratio.
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Indication of obtained results.

In compliance with international ISO 6507 standards, you must
indicate the results of your test as following:

ISO 6506
HBW 2,5 - 187,5 - 200 HB Brinell hardness
Test load 187,5
Widia ball Ø W 2.5
Obtained value = 200.

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Vickers

Use Vickers method only when indispensable

For the Vicker’s method only one penetrator is required.

136° pyramidal diamond for all types of metals: both hardened

and soft.

This diamond can be used with a large range of loads: 1 gr to 120

Kg. according to the thickness of the piece being tested and its
estimated hardness.

In order to protect the sharp corners of the diamond penetrator,

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exercise the greatest care when carrying out the test, and using
a lapping machine or a diamond paste, carefully smooth the
surface.

By using our hardness tester with the loads supplied, Vickers'

prints can be obtained.

With special equipment prepare the surface under examination.

If tests with loads exceeding 45 Kg be carried out.
the surface can be prepared with emery cloth of varying grains
and a 500 grain emery cloth has to be used for the final polishing,
until the surface is smooth, that is, without pits.

After making the print on the material being tested, a print survey
must be made.

Our MIBRI 1216 microscope has a micrometric scale with more

than 90° rotation for reading the two opposite diagonals of the
Vickers’s print.

The light supplied with the microscope will remove any marks
from the test piece and will enhance the definition of the
indentation.

Indication of obtained results

In compliance with international ISO 6507 standards, you must
indicate the results of your test as following:

200 HV30 = Vickers hardness 200 with 294.3 N testing load

(30 Kg).

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 HARDNESS TESTER Series RS -S

Glossary

Penetrator

The penetrator is a point with the shape and size designed to

indent the material under examination by applying a load.

These are manufactured in different sizes and shapes, each

one of which is type-tested according to these different test
methods: Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers. They are fixed to the
instrument by a thread.

With the Rockwell method the following penetrators

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are used:

● 120° CONIC DIAMOND for all hardened steels

● 1/16" BALLS for nearly all soft metals, annealed steels, cast
irons, aluminium alloy, bronze, etc.
● 1/8" BALL for plastic materials
● 1/4" BALL for plastic materials
● 1/2" BALL for plastic materials

These devices can be used with test loads of 15 - 30 - 45 - 60

100 - 150 Kgf. The first form superficial Rockwell scales
(namely: Super Rockwell scale), while the 60 - 100 - 150 loads
form the STANDARD ROCKWELL SCALES.

Brinell method uses the following penetrators:

● Ø 10 mm BALL
● Ø 5 mm BALL
● Ø 2.5 mm BALL
● Ø 1 mm BALL

Each one of these must be used with the appropriate loads,

which are calculated with a formula and according to the
thickness of the piece to be examined.
The ball must have a preset ratio with the test load of 2.5 - 5 -
10 - 30 square D. (D is the square ball diameter).

Test load

This is the force applied to the penetrator which allows penetra-

tion in the material being tested.

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Reading scale

These are the hardness degrees obtained after penetrating the

material by means of a penetrator and a test load.

Anvil

The piece-holder can be of different sizes and shapes: “V”

shapes for round pieces; flat, for flat pieces.

Handwheel

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This is used for lowering or raising the anvil-holder screw which
changes the serviceable port and brings the piece being tested
to the penetrator.

Calibration test sample

This is the reference mark for checking the machine’s perfect

calibration: it is manufactured with a special alloy submitted to
special treatment. Regulations forbid regrinding used, pitted
surfaces or taking measurements on the side opposite the
pitted surface.

On Rockwell samples the distance between tests must at least

be 2 mm. On Brinell samples it must at least be as big as the
previous print diameter.

When the samples are full of marks, ask our firm for new original
ones.

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 HARDNESS TESTER Series RS -S

How to find defects and eliminate them

Defect Probable cause Correction

A very high hardness value is The diamond penetrator is Replace the penetrator with an original spare
displayed broken part

The penetrator is imprecise Check the employment field of the hardness

tester
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The ball penetrator is worn Replace the penetrator with an original spare
part

The comparator indicator does Foreign bodies are present in Ask our technician assistance
not move the comparator guide

Diamond penetrator breakes Wide stroke of the floating Check the handwheel (17), it could be
easily head unscrewed (see this manual)

Penetrator misalignment to the Check the penetrator centering (see

round surface to be examined Assembling of anvil base in the User’s gui-
de)

The piece is not correctly po- Verify that the piece face is flat and elimina-
sitioned on the base or on the te any indentation of metal shaving. In case
of tests close to edges, stirrup the piece
before the measurement

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Defect anvil Probable cause Correction

The results are not up to The instrument is not correctly See the User’s guide and make sure that
expectations used all elements are correctly used (scale,
load, penetrator, pre-load, testing time)

The penetrator could be worn Carry out 3 tests on test piece. If the values
are always different, the penetrator must
be replaced. Always use original spare
parts to maintain the validity of the warranty!

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