Handheld Shore A hardness tester is an instrument used to measure the hardness of rubber, plastic, and other soft materials. It evaluates the hardness of the material by applying a certain amount of pressure on the surface of the material being tested, and then based on the depth of indentation or elastic deformation. The following are the instructions and steps for using a handheld Shore A hardness tester:
1. Preparation work
a. Check the instrument
Ensure that the hardness tester is in good working condition and check if the battery is sufficient (for electronic devices).
Check if the measuring head is clean, free from dirt or damage.
b. Calibration equipment
Generally speaking, handheld Shore A hardness testers have been calibrated before leaving the factory, but it is recommended to calibrate them after the first use or prolonged disuse.
Use standard hardness blocks for calibration according to the instructions. If the hardness tester displays a value that does not match the standard value, please adjust it to the correct value.
2. Testing steps
a. Prepare test samples
The tested material should be flat, dry, and free of obvious surface scratches or defects.
If the material is soft, ensure that its thickness is sufficient to avoid the bottom affecting the test results (usually the thickness should be greater than 6mm).
b. Conduct measurements
Choose measurement location: Select a flat and representative area on the surface of the sample for measurement.
Apply pressure:
Place the measuring head of the hardness tester perpendicular to the surface of the material to ensure good contact with the sample surface.
Press the measurement button to start applying pressure. Pay attention to maintaining the stability of the hardness tester and do not tilt it.
Read data:
The pointer or digital display on the measuring head will show the current hardness value.
Wait for a few seconds, make sure the reading is stable, and then record the result.
3. Multi point measurement
To improve accuracy and reliability, it is recommended to conduct multi-point measurements on the same material, usually at least 3 to 5 times.
Record the results of each measurement and calculate the average as the final hardness value.
4. Cleaning and maintenance
a. Cleaning
After the measurement is completed, gently wipe the measuring head with a clean cloth or tissue to remove impurities and residues on the surface.
b. Storage
Put the hardness tester back into the protective box to avoid high temperature, high humidity environment, and strong vibration, in order to extend its service life.
5. Precautions
Environmental conditions: Measurements should be taken in an environment with suitable temperature and humidity, and extreme conditions may affect the measurement results.
Operation method: Keep the handheld hardness tester stable to avoid inaccurate readings caused by movement or shaking.
Material characteristics: Pay attention to the hardness range of different materials to ensure that the measured material is within the measurement range of the hardness tester.
6. Common problems and solutions
Unstable reading: Confirm that the measuring head is in good contact with the material surface and retest if necessary.
Unable to calibrate: Check if the standard block is normal, replace the standard block or check the hardness tester if necessary.
Display abnormality: Check the battery level and replace the battery if necessary.