Sauter manual Shore test stand TI-ACL, hardness testing

The Sauter TI-ACL is a manual lever-operated test stand for Shore A hardness testing. A SAUTER HDA or HD0 hardness tester is suspended within the test stand, with the test specimen resting on the round test table beneath it. Pressing down the lever causes the hardness tester to descend onto the specimen with a defined force. The measurement is therefore less dependent on the force applied by the operator’s hand.

Operation in three steps

• The SAUTER HDA or HD0 hardness tester is suspended from the test stand.
• The test specimen is placed on the round test table, directly beneath the measuring tip.
• The lever is pressed down. This releases the test weight, which presses the measuring tip into the test specimen with a test force of 10 N.

Kern states that the accuracy of the result with this test stand is approximately 25 % higher than with a manual measurement.

Construction

The base plate is made of glass. Kern cites this as the reason for the test stand’s high measurement accuracy. The test table has a diameter of 75 mm; test specimens may be up to 290 mm high. The lever has a maximum stroke of 15 mm. A levelling mechanism precisely aligns the base plate, for example when testing objects that are not of uniform thickness throughout. The housing is made of painted metal; the test stand measures 150 x 200 x 580 mm and has a net weight of approximately 8 kg.

Typical applications

• Plastics engineering: hardness of elastomers and plastic components, tested with repeatable results
• Medical technology: hardness of elastomer and silicone components
• Automotive industry: hardness of seals and rubber components
• Packaging industry: hardness of closure seals
• Food industry: hardness of elastomer seals
• Leather and other materials for which Kern specifies the Shore hardness test

The hardness tester is not included in the scope of delivery. If you already own a SAUTER HDA or HD0, you can complement it with the test stand for reproducible measurements. If you do not yet own one, you will need both.

Practical guidance

The test specimen should lie flat on the glass plate and should not slip as it is lowered. The levelling device aligns the base plate if the test specimen is not of uniform thickness throughout. Taking several measurements at different points spaced apart from one another provides a more reliable picture than repeated measurements at the same point.

Frequently asked questions

Which hardness testers are compatible with the test stand? The SAUTER HDA and HD0 hardness testers, which are used in a suspended configuration.

Which hardness scale is used? Shore A, with a test force of 10 N.

What are the maximum dimensions of the test specimen? The test table has a diameter of 75 mm; the height may be up to 290 mm.

Is a hardness tester included in the scope of delivery? No, the test stand is supplied without a hardness tester.

How long is the warranty? According to Kern & Sohn, this device comes with a 2-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.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• Sauter TI-ACL test stand with glass plate and lever

The hardness tester is not included in the scope of delivery.

Individual requirements and procurement service

Suitable HDA and HD0 type hardness testers are also available, as are accessories for other testing tasks. Enquiries are handled via our procurement service.