System comprises two fully automated hardness testing devices: a machine for testing according to the Rockwell method and an additional tester for Vickers
Hardness testing of metallic materials often places high demands on the patience of the user due to the standardised test methods defined within the various ISO and ASTM standards.
In particular, the mandatory indentation dwell times are to be strictly observed while the time needed for equipment setup plays a significant role.
The result - a long test time.
Thus, automating such tests is a logical consequence.
Indentec and its parent company Zwick have come up with what they say is an outstanding solution: an automatic system which is fully compliant with international testing standards and is both fast and reliable.
The system comprises two hardness testing devices: a machine for testing according to the Rockwell method and an additional tester for Vickers hardness tests.
Both machines are fully automated and designed for testing a range of components.
The specimens are fed into the testers using a six axis industrial robot.
The Vickers system has automatic focus and indentation measurement, which eliminates any operator influence normally associated with such tests.
Additional workstations include a barcode reader, which recognises the relevant test to be performed by the label on each specimen and a thickness measuring station with two sensors for determining the specimen thickness.
The system is fully controlled using the Zwick testing software Testxpert Autoedition.
Of particular mention is the fact that specimens can be tested in parallel as both hardness testing machines can be operated simultaneously.
If more than one test should be required per specimen, a shifting station will move the specimen the necessary distance.
Thanks to an intelligent test program, the system recognises which of the hardness testers is free and feeds the next specimen accordingly.
Two buffer magazines are provided to harmonise operations, ensuring that the next specimen is ready on time and adjusting discrepancies in times occurring between the Vickers and Rockwell testers.
The result, the company says, is fast specimen throughput.
Furthermore, the tested specimens are sorted into containers in accordance with specific criteria, eg, measured hardness value within/out of tolerance.
The system can conveniently be connected to a higher-level host computer for automatic upload of the relevant test results.
