hardness testing procedure

QUALITY DOCUMENT

HARDNESS TESTING PROCEDURE

DOCUMENT No

QD-HT-01

REVISION

01

DATE

21st August 2012

PMI JUST IN CASE, Fern House, 32 Fern Valley, Crook, Co. Durham, DL15 9PZ Tel: 01388 763527 Mob: 07846 185234 e-mail: [email protected] web: www.pmijustincase.co.uk

PMI Just In Case

Positive Material Identification Ferritscope & Hardness Testing

mailto:[email protected]

PMI-Just In Case Hardness Testing Procedure ________________________________________________________________________________

Revision 01 Uncontrolled when printed QD-HT-01

21st Aug 2012 Page 1 of 5

Contents

1.0 Purpose

2.0 Scope

3.0 References

4.0 Training

5.0 Safety

6.0 Equipment

7.0 Procedure

8.0 Identification and Marking

9.0 Reporting

Appendix I Sample Report




1.0 Purpose

To define the scope and method of carrying out Hardness Testing (HT) using an Equotip 3. This form of testing is an effective way of determining hardness of a material without leaving a permanent mark in the area tested.

2.0 Scope

This procedure is a standard procedure that describes the methods for carrying out Hardness Testing on materials and components, during manufacture and in service.

All material/part types which are subjected to Hardness Testing will be clearly detailed on the Hardness Test Report.

3.0 References

Equotip 3 Portable Hardness Tester Operating Manual. Standardized according to ASTM A956 and DIN 50156

4.0 Training

Personnel applying this procedure shall be familiar with this procedure and only trained personnel are permitted to operate the Equotip 3 Portable Hardness Tester

Directors of PMI Just In Case have attended a manufacturers training course in the use of the Equotip 3 equipment. Personnel subsequently employed by PMI Just In Case are trained in house.

5.0 Safety

All activities will be carried out in accordance with the site Health, Safety and Environmental Policy and Site Safety Manual.

Testing, monitoring and control of the hardness test shall be undertaken by experienced / authorised personnel only.

6.0 Equipment

Equotip uses a proven, dynamic testing principle. An impact body with a hard metal test tip is propelled by spring force against the surface of the test piece. Surface deformation takes place when the impact body hits the test surface, which will result in loss of kinetic energy. This energy loss is detected by a comparison of velocities vi and vr when the impact body is at a precise distance from the surface for both the impact and rebound phase of the test, respectively.




Velocity measurements are achieved through a permanent magnet in the impact body that generates an induction voltage in the coil of the impact device. The signal voltage is proportional to the velocity of the impact body. Signal processing provides the hardness reading for display and storage.

The large LCD display always shows how the Equotip is configured to test.

Variable function keys allow for quick change of common test parameters.

Converts to all common hardness scales (HV, HB, HRC, HRB, HS, Rm)

No subjective measuring errors are possible, giving highly repeatable results.

Internal self diagnostics with error messages assure reliable test results.

Readings can be stored automatically in the internal memory or sent directly to a printer.

In addition to the above, a certified reference Test Piece supplied by Proceq can be used as a comparison between readings obtained and actual certified readings to confirm the accuracy of the machine.

Automatic compensation for impact direction

Accurate on curved test surfaces (R > 10mm)

7.0 Procedure

Surface Preparation

The surface condition of components to be tested and the reference materials shall be free of any foreign material, including oxidation, which may interfere with the test.

Analysis shall only be carried out on surfaces that are bare metal with no residual contaminants from scales, coatings, paints or embedded remnants from contact with other materials.

Reference Set-up Samples and Equipment Checks

For standard testing, set-up check readings shall be carried out on the calibrated Test Piece, as a minimum:

Each time the analyser is switched on

and re-confirmed at least at the following times:

At intervals not exceeding each 200 determinations carried out

Each time a different Standard or material range is required

If there is a significant change in equipment or material temperature

Whenever the equipment has been accidently knocked or adjusted

Whenever any error is suspected

Immediately at the end of a work session

Reading Frequency

As a minimum 3 readings shall be taken in each designated area, and the average value calculated. All readings shall be reported, including the average, in the format is shown in Appendix 1.

Witness Tests

All readings and recordings associated with the test shall be available for third party witness.




1. Load 2. Place 3. Measure 4. Display Load the impact device by Place and hold the impact Trigger the impact by pressing Showing all information sliding the loading tube device on the surface of the the trigger button. The on a large clear display.

forward. test piece at the desired hardness value will be test point. instantaneously displayed

8.0 Identification and Marking

When required by the client or contract, all test items and verified to be within the specified tolerance shall be stamped, using 3mm low stress stamps, with hardness value and scale.

9.0 Reporting

All test results shall be the subject of a typed test report, which shall be issued on completion of the testing.

If another reporting format is required, it shall be specified by the client or contract. In such instances, the client shall supply the relevant report sheets and copies of all completed reports will be retained on file.

The test report sheet shall generally contain, as a minimum, the following information:

Client

Client Reference No

Part Identification

Date of Test

Report No

Procedure No, and Revision

Equipment used

Material type

Description of component tested

Readings taken and average

Operator name and Signature.

The Client will be made aware of all readings which fall outside of specification requirements as stated on drawings and responsibility of accepting or otherwise will be solely theirs.

Where required, or advised by the client, notes referring to any inaccuracies will be made in the Comment box at the end of the report.




APPENDIX I

hardness testing procedure

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