Sauter HO 10K UCI hardness tester HV 10 / 100 N

With the Sauter HO, you measure the hardness of metal directly on the component, even if it is permanently installed. The portable UCI hardness tester consists of a display unit and a UCI sensor unit with an 18 mm probe diameter. The four models differ in test force: HO 1K works with 10 N (HV 1), HO 2K with 20 N (HV 2), HO 5K with 50 N (HV 5) and HO 10K with 100 N (HV 10).

Measuring principle and differences from other methods

In the UCI method, a rod vibrates at ultrasonic frequency and is pressed onto the sample with a defined test force. A Vickers indenter sits at its lower end. As soon as it touches the sample, the resonance frequency rises. From the shift, the device assigns the corresponding Vickers hardness. Compared with Rockwell and Brinell, the test force is smaller and the indentation is microscopically small; Kern describes this as a nearly non-destructive test. Compared with Vickers, the optical evaluation of the indentation is not needed, which is why measurement is also possible on a permanently installed workpiece. Compared with the Leeb method, the weight of the test object plays hardly any role.

According to Kern, the test object should weigh at least 300 g (100 g with the optional support ring), be at least 2 mm thick and have a test surface of approx. 5 x 5 mm.

Measuring ranges and setting

All models measure 80 to 1,599 HV, 20.3 to 68 HRC, 41 to 100 HRB, 79 to 618 HB and 255 to 2,180 MPa tensile strength. For Rockwell A, 61 to 85.6 HRA applies, for the HO 1K 37 to 85 HRA. Kern states the measurement accuracy as ± 3 % for HV, ± 1.5 HR and ± 3 % for HB. The device can be set to standardised hardness reference plates or to up to 20 reference values. Different materials can then be measured without having to adjust the device each time. A hardness reference block (approx. 61 HRC) is included.

Memory, statistics and rechargeable battery

The memory holds up to 1,000 measurement groups with 20 individual values each. The mini statistics show the result, number of measurements, maximum, minimum, mean and standard deviation. The data go to a PC via USB; the software for this is part of the scope of delivery. A Li-ion rechargeable battery is built in. According to Kern, it runs for up to 6 h with and up to 12 h without backlight, and charging takes about 8 h. In battery mode, the device switches itself off after 30 min.

Typical applications

• Mechanical engineering and precision mechanics: hardness of spot welds, stamped parts and forged parts
• Automotive industry: testing of gear flanks and ball bearings
• Tool and mould making: casting tools and moulded parts after heat treatment
• Aerospace and medical technology: hardness testing of small components
• Research and development: hardness testing on samples and castings

The size of the indentation changes with the test force: the smaller the test force, the smaller the indentation. If a value is to be compared with existing Vickers tests, the test force should match the previous test.

Models at a glance

Technical details

These values apply to all models. Deviating values are given in the model table.

Scope of delivery

• Sauter HO display unit and UCI sensor unit
• Hardness reference block (approx. 61 HRC)
• USB cable
• Plug-in mains adaptor with EU plug
• Software for transferring the stored data to the PC
• Carrying case
• Protective cover (turquoise)

Factory calibration certificate

A factory calibration certificate (item no. 961-270) can be ordered separately.

Warranty

According to Kern & Sohn, this device comes with a 3-year warranty. Kern grants 3 years on products with a list price of €500 or more and 2 years on products below that and on components; wear parts such as batteries and rechargeable batteries are excluded. Warranty repairs are carried out by Kern or by a Kern dealer.

Downloads

• Operating instructions Sauter HO (PDF)

Regulatory information

As electrical devices, the test devices fall under the ElektroG. The manufacturer Kern & Sohn GmbH is registered under the WEEE registration number DE 80821200. How to return old appliances is described on the page Environment and disposal.

Individual requirements and procurement service

Further UCI probes are also available: HO-A01 (HV 1), HO-A02 (HV 2), HO-A14 (HV 10) and the motorised probes HO-A15 (HV 0.3), HO-A16 (HV 0.5) and HO-A17 (HV 0.8). Support rings (HO-A04, HO-A05, HO-A06), the test stand HO-A08 and hardness reference plates (HO-A09 for 28 to 35 HRC, HO-A10 for 38 to 43 HRC, HO-A11 for 48 to 53 HRC, HO-A12 for 58 to 63 HRC) are available as well. Enquiries are handled via our procurement service.