• Its ultra-lightweight design (with carbon fiber reinforced material) reduces total weight by up to 50%.
• It has excellent resistance against water and dust (IP66 protection level) enabling you to use it in machining situations that include splashing coolant fluid.
• Direct readout of inside measurements from the LCD (you can easily set the offset value by using the offset button).
• Preset function lets you set a desired starting point.

• Its ultra-lightweight design (with carbon fiber reinforced material) reduces total weight by up to 50%.
• It has excellent resistance against water and dust (IP66 protection level) enabling you to use it in machining situations that include splashing coolant fluid.
• Direct readout of inside measurements from the LCD (you can easily set the offset value by using the offset button).
• Preset function lets you set a desired starting point.

• Its ultra-lightweight design (with carbon fiber reinforced material) reduces total weight by up to 50%.
• It has excellent resistance against water and dust (IP66 protection level) enabling you to use it in machining situations that include splashing coolant fluid.
• Direct readout of inside measurements from the LCD (you can easily set the offset value by using the offset button).
• Preset function lets you set a desired starting point.

🛠️ Achieve Ultimate Precision: The Ernst AT-130 Rockwell Hardness Tester Solution

Operating on the proven Rockwell principle (conforming to international standards ASTM E-18 / ISO6508), the AT-130 provides exceptionally reliable measurements that sample bending or deflection cannot affect. This is a crucial distinction. Traditional testers often suffer from accuracy issues when samples lack perfect flatness or support. The AT-130 bypasses this problem entirely. Its innovative, self-referencing spring-load system references the part's surface directly. This revolutionary design means you need minimal surface preparation, significantly cutting down on lab time and effort. The result is superior accuracy and consistent data, even when the industrial environment is demanding or slightly dirty, making perfection impossible.

Testing is streamlined, rapid, and highly efficient. The entire testing process simplifies with a single, smooth lever motion that applies the preload and the final load. The precise digital hardness result displays in just three seconds. This lightning-fast testing capability dramatically boosts productivity for high-volume batch inspections, and 100% component checks right on the shop floor.

Furthermore, the AT-130 offers unmatched versatility. Thanks to the included adjustable clamping shield and the wide range of optional stands and supports (such as the T, N, CAR, and MUR models), the instrument easily measures large, awkwardly shaped, irregular, or overhanging components that a standard bench model cannot test. This adaptability allows the AT-130 to serve as your portable, highly accurate solution for all your regular and superficial Rockwell and Brinell testing requirements. Opt for the Ernst AT-130 for an economical, durable, and universally precise upgrade to your inspection process.

The term durometer refers to both an instrument and a unit of measurement. Essentially, it is the standardized method used to quantify a material's hardness—specifically its resistance to permanent indentation. This measurement is absolutely critical in industries like manufacturing, where materials such as rubber, plastics, and elastomers must meet precise quality and performance specifications. Therefore, knowing the durometer value is vital for product reliability, whether you're making car tires, O-rings, or skate wheels.

Understanding Durometer Scales

The key to accurate measurement lies in using the correct scale. Consequently, several specialized durometer scales, known as Shore scales, have been developed. The two most common are Shore A and Shore D.

• Shore A: This is primarily used for softer materials, like flexible rubber, elastomers, and soft plastics. A running shoe sole, for example, typically measures around 70 Shore A.

• Shore D: Furthermore, this scale is reserved for harder materials, such as rigid plastics (like PVC or nylon) and hard rubbers. A hard hat or a skateboard wheel would be measured on the Shore D scale.

The testing process involves pressing a standardized indenter into the material's surface with a calibrated force. The depth of the resulting indentation translates directly into the durometer value, which ranges from 0 to 100. In conclusion, an accurate durometer reading ensures that materials possess the correct properties—not too soft to fail under pressure, and not too hard to be brittle or lack the necessary sealing capability.

The Challenge of Manual Testing

Durometer Test stand test hardness of materials—rubber, plastics, and elastomers—with a hand-held durometer proves challenging. Often, human error in applying the force or maintaining perpendicularity introduces measurement variability. This inconsistency is a major problem for quality control and material specifications. Therefore, relying only on manual readings can cause unnecessary product rejection or product failure from incorrect material data.

The Precision of a Durometer Test Stand

A durometer test stand eliminates these variables. This instrument holds the durometer gauge. It features a precision mechanism that controls both the rate and the amount of force applied to the test sample. Consequently, technicians perform every test under nearly identical, standardized conditions. The stand typically uses a precisely weighted mass or a lever system to ensure the correct downward force. International standards like ASTM and ISO mandate this process.

Key Benefits for Quality Control

Using a test stand offers several vital advantages:

• Consistency: It ensures the indenter penetrates the material at a uniform speed and with a constant force, producing repeatable readings every time.

• Perpendicularity: Furthermore, the stand guarantees the durometer's foot is perfectly parallel to the test sample. This ensures the indenter enters the material exactly perpendicular to the surface.

• Reduced Operator Error: It minimizes the operator's influence. Different technicians can achieve highly comparable results.

In conclusion, if precision and reliability are paramount in your manufacturing process, a Durometer Test Stand is an essential tool. It ensures accurate and defensible material hardness data.

What is a Mechanical Force Gauge? A Guide to Push-Pull Testing

Meta Description: Learn about mechanical force gauges for accurate push and pull force testing. Discover how they work, their key benefits, and common applications in quality control.

A mechanical force gauge is an essential tool for measuring tension and compression forces (push and pull) in pounds, kilograms, or Newtons. Unlike digital models, these instruments use a precision spring mechanism and analog dial for direct, reliable readings without needing batteries.

Key Benefits of Mechanical Force Gauges

Why choose a mechanical gauge? The advantages are clear:

• Durability and Simplicity: With no electronic components, they are robust, withstand harsh environments, and require minimal maintenance.

• No Power Required: Ready to use anytime, anywhere—no batteries or power outlets needed. This eliminates downtime.

• Cost-Effective: They typically offer a lower initial investment than digital force gauges, providing excellent value.

• Real-Time Response: The analog dial provides an immediate, easy-to-read measurement, ideal for fast-paced production lines.

Common Applications

Mechanical force gauges are vital across numerous industries for quality control and product testing. Common uses include:

• Peak Load Testing: Determining the breaking point of wires, seals, and components.

• Spring Testing: Measuring the compression and extension force of springs.

• Quality Checks: Verifying the actuation force of buttons, switches, and keyboards.

• Package Testing: Ensuring peel strength on seals and adhesives.