What is Ultrasonic Hardness Testing

Hardness testing is absolutely critical in many industries and phases of manufacturing. Detecting defects during this process can save thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches later due to product or structural failure. Yet, traditional hardness testing is destructive to the test sample. In many cases, this is not what you want. Instead, you want to use a non-destructive testing method, like Ultra Sonic Hardness testing.

What is Ultrasonic Hardness Testing

Ultrasonic Hardness Testing is also known as Ultrasonic Contact Impedance. The Ultrasonic Contact Impedance method has been around for over 50 years and was developed heavy and/or unmovable parts where traditional testing methods could not be used or would take a great difficulty to use. The test was first put to use in 1965 under the name “SonoDur”

UCI hardness tester is made with a hand-held probe and host connected by a cable. The probe has a vibration bar a 136-degree diamond at the end or also known as a Vickers. the vibration bar creates the ultrasonic vibration and hence the name of the test. The test does not harm the work sample. The measurement probe is positioned by hand during mobile hardness testing and is then pushed down onto the material, either manually or by a motor depending on your tester model.  After 1 second (typically), the measured hardness values will be displayed digitally and saved.

Advantages of testing hardness using Ultrasonic Hardness Testers (UCI Method)

The fact that this testing method does not damage the test sample is just one of the advantages of the UCI method.  Some other advantages of ultrasonic hardness testers include:

• They are capable of functioning in all directions within tight spaces
• They are capable of performing and taking measurements in difficult test positions and challenging component geometries, such as at the base of gear teeth
• Ultrasonic Hardness Testers can provide fast, reliable test results and the test can be automated.
• With a Small indentation size/depth, the process is considered nondestructive.
• You can modify the speed of detection according to your requirements.
• Ultra Sonic Hardness testers are built with an internal protection circuit to protect the device against interference.

Applications of Ultrasonic Hardness Testers (UCI Method)

The portable, non-destructive nature of the ultrasonic hardness testers make it perfect for some applications, including:

• Maintenance of built-in components that cannot be moved
• Incoming goods or products that need on-site testing
• Complex geometries such as gears and pipe bends
• Welds and welding seams
• Any situation where traditional hardness measuring techniques are not possible or useful.

Ultrasonic Contact Impedance ( Ultrasonic hardness testing) has a wide range of uses and applications. When using an Ultra Sonic Hardness tester, always test the equipment first before the operation. Learning the equipment, even though they are relatively easy to use, will help ensure accurate testing results.

Metallurgical Supply Company (METSUCO) has been a leading supplier of portable hardness testers such as Ultrasonic hardness testers for over 30 years. We serve not only industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, and heavy manufacturing, but also universities and quality testing labs. Call 713-827-0700 or email sales@metsuco.com with inquiries