Sauter Leeb HK-DB hardness tester for metals, portable hardness tester

The Sauter Leeb HK-DB hardness tester (MPN HK-DB) is a highly sophisticated mechatronic, metrologically precise and fully portable system solution for the non-destructive hardness testing of metallic materials. Based on the physical principle of the dynamic rebound method (according to Dietmar Leeb), this compact instrument enables highly reproducible hardness measurements to be carried out directly on site on solid components, heavy machinery parts or during incoming goods inspection. For demanding metallurgical tests in the foundry industry, mechanical engineering, steel construction and automotive quality control, this digital hardness testing system provides the metrological basis for monitoring material quality in a way that is gentle on the material, process-reliable and compliant with standards.

The Leeb rebound principle for precise materials analysis

The technical foundation of the HK-DB is based on the precise measurement of the transient velocity of a spring-driven impact body. A standardised carbide impact body is propelled by spring force against the surface of the test specimen. Upon impact, the body undergoes elastic deformation and rebounds. The flight velocities immediately before and after impact are measured inductively. The microprocessor control system generates the Leeb hardness value (HL) from the ratio of these two velocities. This dynamic measurement method is ideally suited to a wide range of metallic alloys such as steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminium, brass, bronze and copper.

Universal scale conversion and smart data interfaces

An outstanding metrological feature of the Sauter HK-DB is the automatic, error-free real-time conversion of the primary Leeb hardness value into all internationally recognised hardness scales. Users can view the measurement results directly on the high-contrast digital LCD display in Rockwell (HRC and HRB), Vickers (HV), Brinell (HB) or Shore (HS). To support seamless quality management in accordance with ISO 9001, the instrument features an integrated measurement data memory. Via the integrated USB interface, the transient test data can be reliably transferred to a higher-level B2B merchandise management system or documentation software.

Robust design for harsh industrial environments

The mechatronic system architecture of the HK-DB is consistently designed for maximum service life in continuous industrial use. The ergonomically shaped housing reliably protects the sensitive control electronics from mechanical vibrations, transient impacts and dusty environmental conditions in the production area. The external impact body of type D (impact device D), supplied as standard, guarantees a consistently constant impact energy thanks to its precise mechanical guidance. For laboratory managers and those responsible for audits, Sauter offers, with this system, a reliable, validatable test medium for reproducible material testing.

Technical details

Measurement system & sensors

• Test method: Leeb dynamic rebound method
• Impact device / sensor: Type D (standard impact device with carbide test tip)
• Measurement accuracy: ±1 per cent at HL=800 (high reproducibility)
• Displayable hardness scales: HL (Leeb), HRC (Rockwell C), HRB (Rockwell B), HV (Vickers), HB (Brinell), HS (Shore)
• Measuring range: Scalable across all common metal hardnesses, depending on the material

Electronics, geometry & interfaces

• Display type: Large, backlit digital LCD display
• Data storage: Internal memory for transient measurement series and individual values
• Digital interface: USB data output for connection to a PC
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 150 x 80 x 30 mm
• Power supply: Battery-powered (for maximum portability)
• Net weight: approx. 0.45 kg (compact and lightweight for mobile test cycles)

Material compatibility

• Testable materials: steel, tool steel, stainless steel, grey cast iron, ductile cast iron, cast aluminium, brass, bronze, forged copper alloys
• Test specimen requirements: Minimum weight of 5 kg (for solid components) or, for thinner specimens, attachment to a stable base using coupling paste

Scope of supply

• 1 x Sauter Leeb HK-DB hardness tester (main unit, MPN: HK-DB)
• 1 x External impact device, Type D
• 1 x Hardness comparison plate (Leeb test block for internal functional testing)
• 1 x Robust transport and storage case
• 1 x USB connection cable
• 1 x Detailed operating instructions / calibration guide

Customised requirements & accessories

To ensure the Sauter HK-DB is optimally integrated into your specific testing processes, we offer a comprehensive range of compatible system peripherals:

• Hardness comparison blocks: DAkkS-certified calibration blocks in various hardness ranges for audit-compliant verification of your measuring equipment in accordance with quality management guidelines.
• Specialised impact devices: Optional impact bodies for tight geometries, internal pipe walls or rough surface structures (e.g. types DC, D+15, G, C).
• Consumables & peripherals: High-viscosity coupling paste for stabilising thin-walled or lightweight test specimens (under 2 kg) during the impact pulse, in order to suppress distorting natural frequencies. Make use of our technical procurement service to design your metallurgical test stations to suit your specific requirements.