What is a Barcol Hardness Tester?

Barcol Hardness Testers have been around for over 70 years. This article focuses attention on Barcol Hardness Testers, what they are, how they work and provides examples of products available now.

What is the Barcol Hardness Test

The Barcol Hardness Test determines the hardness of materials by measuring the penetration depth of an indentor pressed into a sample. A tension string and lever transfer this to an analogue dial that displays the measurement in absolute Barcol numbers.

The Barcol Hardness Scale is from 0 to 100 Barcol.

How to Take a Measurement Using Barcol Hardness Tester

To take a Barcol hardness measurement:

1. Place a sample under the indenter pin of the Barcol tester.
2. Apply uniform downward pressure until the dial indicator reaches a maximum reading.
3. Record the measurement.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 several times across the entire sample. Calculate the average for your final sample Barcol measurement.

Barcol Hardness Testers at Instrument Choice

Instrument Choice offers two Barcol Hardness testers to suit a range of measuring applications. Check out these meters along with their uses and specifications below. If you are unsure what Barcol hardness tester is best for your application, contact us!

Barcol 934 Product code: Barcol-934   The Barcol 934 measures the hardness of a range of materials and instantly displays the measurements on the easy-to-read dial. The unit is lightweight, portable, straightforward to use, and supplied with all items required to make precision measurements on the move.   Ideal for: The Barcol 934 complies with the requirements of AS/NZS 3572.22 for: Fibreglass Hard plastics Aluminium & its Alloys Brass; and Copper.   Specifications: Range: 35 to 100 Barcol Weight: 500g   Supplied with: Two spare indenter points, test disc(s), adjusting wrench and a carry case.

Barcol 935 > 700Um, Soft Plastics and Very Soft Materials Product code: Barcol-935   The Barcol 935 features a measuring scale for coatings >700 um, soft plastics, and particularly soft materials. The measurement scale is clear and easy to read, and thanks to its small size, the unit can perform hardness measurements in any position or space that can accommodate an operator’s hand.   Ideal for: Coatings (min 700m) Soft plastics; and Other very soft materials.   Specifications: Range: 50-110HRR Weight: 500g   Supplied with: Two spare indenter points, test disc(s), adjusting wrench & carry case.

Conclusion

A Barcol Hardness Tester is an analogue device that uses indentation to assess the hardness of materials, reporting results on a scale of 0 – 100 Barcol.

For more information or assistance selecting the correct Barcol Hardness Tester for your application, speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist. Call 1300 737 871 or email customer-service@instrumentchoice.com.au.