Technology continues to advance the quality, features and user friendliness of testers measuring hardness and roughness of metals. Portable and handheld testers contain the ability to measure from any position. LCD screens provide readouts with the push of a button and light weight means easy access anywhere in shop or field. PC software comes with some of the models to use in gathering information, charts and presentations for certifications.

The tester marketplace contains many types of testers, each with specific capabilities. When selecting a new tester for a hardness or metal roughness measurement in shop or field, consider the following:

1. Determine the amount of use/time required for a handheld metal analyzer, from hardly at all (low-end) or most of the time (higher-end), when considering price.

2. Think of the benefits of obtaining both a hardness and a metal roughness tester, especially for production facilities.

3. Look at cost benefits in outsourcing your metal testing requirements.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a portable metal roughness tester with or without PC interface

Some models come with built-in or detachable stylus and English/metric readouts. Optional styluses are available for certain models to measure bores, holes or grooves.

I recommend: Select the model that best fits your requirements with standard Ra and Rz parameters or multiple (13) Ra, Rz, Rms and Ry among others at Portable Testers.com LLC; click “Payment Information” to order. Choose your metal roughness testing model, suitable for shop and laboratory environments, with discount pricing at Gaging.com for testing Ra, Rq, Rt and Rz; click photo for specifications and accessory pricing. Go to Newco, Inc., select a portable or handheld metal roughness tester based on roughness parameters and click “Add to Quote Cart” for price. Rent a portable metal surface finish tester that measures 19 analysis parameters at Advanced Test Equipment Corp.; click “Request Quote” for further information.

Purchase a portable metal hardness tester

Choose static or impact type testing units with different hardness scales.

I recommend: Select a portable or handheld metal analyzer based on hardness measurement values and testing capabilities at Landmark Industrial, Inc, click “About us” for quotes and solutions via phone, fax or email address. Consider a high resolution tester for large structures like towers and bridges or hard to reach areas such as gears and crank shaft metal casts at Micro Photonics, Inc., with accessories and prices. Order an impact type hardness unit at WESTport Corp.; call toll free for price quote.

Get a hardness and surface roughness test at laboratory service companies

Let professional service companies provide the precise measurements required for your business. Save costs associated with purchasing a metal surface roughness tester or metal hardness tester, maintenance of equipment and hiring additional in-house employees.

I recommend: Consult with ThyssenKrupp Steel N.A., Inc., regarding their metal surface analysis or click “Lab Services” to select “Hardness Testing” or “Surface Analysis.” Contact Dimensional Measurement, Inc., for a surface finish analysis quote or additional information.

Choose hardness or metal roughness testers from the manufacturer

Deal with companies that manufacture and specialize in metallurgical equipment and solutions.

I recommend: Select a portable metal hardness tester, ideal for on-site testing, at Proceq USA, Inc., click “Request Quote” or “Place an Order.” Take a metal roughness measurement with a portable surface roughness tester at Phase II Plus, click “contact us” for form, email, fax or phone.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Common hardness scales for a handheld metal analyzer include HV (Vickers hardness), HB (Brinell hardness), HRC (Rockwell hardness) and HS (Shore hardness) among others. Each tester's capability determines the type of hardness it measures.
• •  A metal surface roughness tester reads waviness (longer wavelength) and roughness (short wavelength).