The ZHU/zwicki-Line for instrumented indentation testing in the macro range covers a wide range of applications and features hardware and electronics precisely tailored to the requirements of hardness testing, guaranteeing high reproducibility. In addition to instrumented indentation tests to determine hardness and other material parameters, the ZHU/zwickiLine can perform all the classical hardness testing methods used for metals.
Whichever method is used, the testing system records the load-indentation depth curve to provide additional material assessment. The instrumented indentation test includes elastic and plastic deformations in order to obtain the elastic and plastic material characteristic values.
The core of the testing system is a hardness measuring head, into which the measuring systems for test load and indentation depth plus an indentor with hold-down device are integrated. For optically based hardness testing methods to Vickers, Knoop and Brinell an add-on unit with measuring microscope is available. This unit is motorized in accordance with the trend to increasing automation and reduction of operator influence, while indentation setting, microscope positioning and optical measurement of the indentation are all performed completely automatically.
The range of compound (XY) tables has also seen further improvements in support surface area, test load and travel. The new motorized tables are designed for test loads up to 250 kg and have travel ranges up to 150 mm x 50 mm.
As a result of these innovations the range of applications covered by the ZHU/zwicki-Line has been expanded to include fully automatic Jominy testing to ISO 642 and ASTM 255. In the end-quenching test (Jominy test) the hardness of steel is determined by performing a hardness profile test with the Rockwell (HRC) or Vickers (HV30) method on a prepared specimen. Available from Zwick are motorised compound tables with appropriate Jominy tooling for 3 or 5 standardized specimens. Testing is carried out completely automatically with user-friendly testtXpert® II software; the operator only has to enter the starting points and test sequence directions. Accurate, reliable test results are guaranteed with this system, which is suitable for use both in research and development and in production and goods inwards testing.