Handheld hardness testers solve awkward access problems in checking aircraft wheels and brake parts, which are difficult to test on a conventional bench
One of the latest handheld hardness testers has helped Dunlop Aviation division solve awkward access problems in checking safety critical components at its Coventry plant.
Chiefly aircraft wheels and aircraft brake parts, the components are sometimes difficult to test on a conventional bench machine.
Some are too heavy, large or remote; others are too roundly shaped to be easily accommodated on a test table.
With the pocket sized portable tester from Indentec, Dunlop can now obtain on the spot readings and print outs of hardness on any component, whatever its size, shape or location.
Importantly for the company, the digital instrument can be applied from any direction (including upside down), saving any need to manhandle or manoeuvre specimens.
Unlike its older predecessor, the new Indentec unit has proved to be very easy to use, enabling operators to achieve consistently repeatable results without any special training. Although all the popular hardness scales are available, Dunlop uses the system mostly for Vickers testing, with some tests to the Rockwell scale.
Hardnesses are calculated automatically to plus/minus 0.5% accuracy.
The reading is registered on the tester's built-in display along with test scale, material tested, number of tests, running average hardness, test direction and ultimate tensile strength.
The results are recorded by the accompanying infra red printer for logging in records of hardness levels.
