Barcol, Leeb Hardness Tester - Portable Hardness Tester

Barcol, Leeb Hardness Tester - Portable Hardness Tester

Portable Hardness Calibration Services

Portable Hardness Tester Calibration

Portable Barcol, Leeb and UCI hardness tester calibration

What Is Portable Hardness Tester Calibration?

Portable Hardness Tester calibration is the process of verifying and adjusting handheld hardness testing devices to ensure accurate on-site material measurements.

Unlike desktop hardness testers, portable devices such as Leeb, Barcol and UCI hardness testers are designed for fast inspection in production areas, workshops and field environments.

Leeb testers determine hardness from impact and rebound velocity, while Barcol testers measure indentation resistance using a spring-loaded indenter. UCI testers evaluate hardness through the ultrasonic response of a vibrating indenter under a controlled test load.

Calibration helps ensure reliable readings despite frequent field use, changing environmental conditions and variations in test surfaces. This supports material verification, quality control and compliance with applicable ASTM and ISO requirements.

Method of Portable Hardness Tester Calibration

The calibration process follows recognised practices such as ASTM A956 for Leeb, ASTM B648 for Barcol and ASTM A1038 for UCI, using suitable certified reference blocks.

1 Device Inspection and Setup

  • Check the probe, Leeb impact device, Barcol indenter or UCI probe for visible wear or damage.
  • Ensure clean contact surfaces and proper device operation.
  • Verify the battery condition, controls and display performance.

2 Reference Block Verification

  • Use certified hardness reference blocks suitable for the applicable Leeb, Barcol or UCI scale.
  • Confirm the correct hardness scale, material type and device settings before testing.

3 Measurement Testing

  • Perform multiple readings at suitable positions on the certified reference block.
  • Maintain consistent probe positioning, loading and test direction throughout the measurement process.

4 Directional and Surface Check

  • For Leeb testers, verify measurements at applicable impact directions, such as vertical and horizontal orientations.
  • Ensure the test surface is smooth, clean and sufficiently stable to provide reliable contact.

5 Repeatability and Accuracy Evaluation

  • Compare the measured results with the certified reference values.
  • Confirm that repeatability and measurement deviation remain within the applicable tolerance limits.

6 Device Adjustment and Calibration

  • Apply suitable correction factors or recalibrate the device settings where supported.
  • Replace a worn impact body, probe or indenter when necessary.

7 Data Verification

  • Check hardness conversion scales, such as HL to HRC, HB or HV, where applicable.
  • Verify that the displayed, stored and exported values are accurate.

8 Certification and Reporting

  • Provide a calibration certificate containing traceable measurement results.
  • Record the relevant test conditions and measurement deviations.
  • Support compliance with applicable ASTM, ISO and quality-system requirements.

Maintain Reliable On-Site Hardness Measurements

Contact MSP METROLOGY to arrange professional Barcol, Leeb or UCI portable hardness tester calibration and maintain “Precision You Can Trust.”

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