Hardness testing for

Quality control of heat treatment processes

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The hardness test is used in hardening plants for such purposes as quality control and monitoring the heat treatment process. If heat-treated, hardened parts (e.g. gears, shafts, engine blocks, etc.) are tested directly on the production floor, then the hardness testing machine must be robust enough to deliver reliable and reproducible measurement results in the harsh production environment.

Rockwell tests are frequently conducted during the course of production in the manufacturing facility, although low-load and micro hardness testing methods are also used if, for example, the specimens are separated for closer examination before the hardness test.

Quality control of heat treatment processes
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Hardening plants

Our References

With the Duravision 20, EMCO-TEST has taken a significant step forwards compared with its predecessor. The simple handling and precise brightness regulation, combined with the evaluation are real highlights. We’re very satisfied.
Anton Gützer, QA Manager, Busatis
Quality control after inductive hardening - with DuraVision 20 and automatic turret
Quality control after inductive hardening - with DuraVision 20 and automatic turret
  • Required methods: HV10, HV30, HV50, HRC
  • Fully automatic evaluation
  • Data transfer to MS Access
  • Testing during production in shifts
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We’re very satisfied with EMCO-TEST. We’ve always bought EMCO-TEST devices because they are very high quality and we’ve never had a problem with them.
Alexander Desch, Purchasing
Quality control after hardening and nitriding - with DuraJet
  • Required test method: HRC
  • Fast hardness testing
  • Large test height
  • Easy accessibility
  • Data transfer option
  • Simple operation
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The machine is very easy to operate and I find the automatic conversion of hardness values great. With the automatic turret and the micrometer spindle, series measurements are uncomplicated and quick. After that, all I need to do is print out a test report.
Konrad Denifl, hardening shop manager
Quality control after heat treatment - with DuraScan
Quality control after heat treatment - with DuraScan
  • Required test method: Vickers
  • Simple determination of CHD and Rht
  • Automatic report generation
  • Simple operation

 

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Hardening Plants

Application Examples

Automated hardness testing - with DuraVision Semi-Automatic or DuraJet G5
Automated hardness testing - with DuraVision Semi-Automatic or DuraJet G5
Automated hardness testing - with DuraVision Semi-Automatic or DuraJet G5

It is possible to integrate a hardness tester into a production line via a hardware interface. This enables external control of the machine.

  • External machine control
  • Option to connect foot switch


Both the DuraVision Semi-Automatic universal hardness tester and the DuraJet G5 Rockwell tester are equipped with an additional interface. This additional interface allows 100% tests to be conducted without having to remove test specimens from the production process.

Another option is to connect the available foot pedal to the interface, in order to use this for performing the clamping movement to fix a workpiece. The significantly simplifies handling in tests on large, unwieldy components.  

Multiple testing of embedded specimens - with DuraScan Automatic and ecos Workflow software module
Multiple testing of embedded specimens - with DuraScan Automatic and ecos Workflow software module
Multiple testing of embedded specimens - with DuraScan Automatic and ecos Workflow software module
Multiple testing of embedded specimens - with DuraScan Automatic and ecos Workflow software module

Up to twelve embedded specimens, each comprising several test sequences, can be measured fully automatically with the DuraScan micro hardness tester in combination with the ecos Workflow multi-specimen software module.

 

  • Automatic testing of up to twelve embedded specimens
  • Test points positioned quickly and easily with the help of the overview camera
  • High travel through asymmetric arrangement


Up to twelve embedded specimens can be inserted and processed in parallel using the ecos Workflow multi-specimen software module. The test data and test sequence can be specified for each individual specimen, and the measurement can then be executed fully automatically. Positioning of test points and test sequences is simplified by the overview camera.

Checking the target specifications of a hardened component - with DuraVision Semi-Automatic
Checking the target specifications of a hardened component - with DuraVision Semi-Automatic
Checking the target specifications of a hardened component - with DuraVision Semi-Automatic

A hammer is manufactured in the mechanical workshops of a higher technical college (HTL). Following mechanical production and heat treatment, the hammer is tested with the DuraVision 200 universal hardness tester.

  • Test method: HRC
  • Preparation of a test report in PDF format
  • Saving the report to a predefined network drive
  • HV and HBW can be used as alternatives to HRC for other workpieces


The head of the hammer is first given its appropriate shape in the milling shop and then further processed with a file. Next, it is heat-treated, i.e., hardened, quenched and tempered in the hardening plant.

The aim here is to obtain a hardness value of 50 to 58 HRC for the striking face and peen, and a value of approx. 30 HRC in the area of the hammer eye.

These target values are then checked using the DuraVision Semi-Automatic. A test report is prepared and printed directly from the hardness testing machine. In addition, the report is saved to the predefined network drive as a PDF file.

Apart from this Rockwell test, Vickers and Brinell test methods are used for other workpieces, which the DuraVision likewise provides as a universal hardness tester.

Test data management - with DuraJet G5
Test data management - with DuraJet G5
Test data management - with DuraJet G5
Test data management - with DuraJet G5

In order to save all available test data simply and clearly, the DuraJet G5 Rockwell tester can archive the data in a structured manner.

  • Standard test data management
  • Grouped test data management, e.g. for batches, departments, etc.

The preferred type of test data management is selected prior to testing. In the standard test data management system, all results are stored in a collective list.

If test data needs to be associated with individual users or user groups, specific components, batches or departments, then the grouped data management function should be used. All the determined test results are compiled in separate lists, allowing them to be clearly represented, exported or saved as a report. The groups created can be reloaded at any time and augmented with additional test results.