Introduction
NewSonic SonoDur-R
Issue 105 06/2020
Page 6
WARNING
Carefully read the safety instructions in Chapter 2.2 in this manual, before using this device.
2
Introduction
The operating manual at hand describes the SonoDur-R test device with motor measuring probes and
hand-held measuring probes for performing UCI hardness testing (Ultrasonic Contact Impedance).
2.1
Measuring methods and suitable test materials
A hardness test using the UCI method indirectly evaluates the test impression of the Vickers Diamond
and immediately displays the result digitally. The application of force can be performed by means of
a motor or by hand against a spring. A hardness value for a defined force (penetration force) is
calculated that corresponds to the indentation surface after relief, although the measurement was
performed under load. Basically, this testing method is suitable for most metallic materials, but has
only limited suitability for ceramics and glass.
The UCI hardness testing is standardized according to ASTM A 1038, DIN 50159-1 and -2 and
described in the VDI/VDE guideline 2616 sheet 1.
It should be noted in this context, that the measurement result inter alia depends on the elastic
properties of the test material and therefore, the measuring device must be adjusted to the test
material, if required. Our test probes are factory calibrated for materials with an elasticity modulus
of 210 GPa and can therefore usually be used for such metallic materials without further adjustment.
The UCI hardness testing represents a comparative procedure that is traced back to a reference
standard (calibrated or adjusted by the operator). The Vickers Unit (HV) is used as reference scale for
the hardness Testing. The adjustment can be performed indirectly on the Hardness Reference Plates
or via a comparative measurement, for example, by using a Vickers machine (same test force)
directly on a sample of the to be tested material.
If another test method is used (Rockwell, Brinell, etc.), the shape and the material of the indenter,
the indentation size and thus the measured area will be different. Therefore, and depending on the
material, the condition of the treatment and the nature of the surface, the adjustment or the
conversion of hardness values both with each other and as tensile strength values, may be inaccurate
or inadmissible.
Conversion from the calculated Vickers Hardness Values are therefore only permitted with
restrictions and only in accordance with the relevant standards. All conversion tables according to EN
ISO 18265 and ASTM E 140, are stored in the SonoDur-R test device. However, the responsible
person must make the decision on the permissibility of a conversion from the calculated Vickers
Hardness into another hardness unit based on such persons, instructions and experiences.
