The Metallography Lab at Laboratory Testing Inc. has expanded its capabilities with the purchase of a state-of-the-art hardness testing system, a Struers DuraScan. The PC operated system covers both microhardness and macrohardness test applications. The new equipment has significantly expanded our test load range for Vickers and Knoop with capabilities from 10 gf to 10 kgf:

• Vickers: 10 gram – 20 kilogram

• Knoop: 10 gram – 2 kilogram

In addition to load range, the mounted sample size features of this hardness testing equipment have increased the company’s previous capabilities. The Struers DuraScan accommodates test samples up to 5.5” in diameter and 10″ in height.

Our Metallography Lab generally performs microhardness testing on metal samples, but other materials may be tested on a case-by-case basis. The new equipment is ideal for case hardness depth (CHD) measurements and testing the quality of welds in the heat affected zone.