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The TQC Sheen Buchholz Hardness Indentation Test measures the indentation hardness of cured coatings to ISO 2815, giving coatings laboratories and paint manufacturers a fast, standardized hardness result. Supplied with a 20x illuminated microscope, digital dual timer and calibration certificate.
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Brought to you by TQC Sheen, our paint testing specialist brand, the TQC Sheen Buchholz Hardness Indentation Test enables you to carry out ISO 2815-2003 compliant indentation testing of coatings.
The ISO 2815-2003 test method is an international ISO standard that uses an indentation test to measure the residual deformation of single – or multi-layer – coatings of paints, varnishes and related products.
The length of the indentation shows you the level of deformation you can expect when your coating system is challenged by real world conditions. You’ll need a Buchholz hardness tester and ours is ideal!
The Buchholz indentation test is an essential coating hardness evaluation method, but what does it involve?
Simply put – a test body of specified geometry acts for a prescribed time on the specimen using a defined test load. After a specified recovery time the length of the resulting indentation is measured using the microscope. Based on this length of impression in mm, it is possible to calculate:
To use your Buchholz hardness tester effectively you’ll need to test a smooth and evenly coated sample applied to a clean and level substrate, which will resist the test force. There must be an adequate coating thickness, for example, to exceed the depth of impression above by at least 10 µm.
For comparison testing, the specimens should have the same coating thickness; and the conditioning and testing of the specimens should be conducted under identical ambient conditions.
The Buchholz Hardness Indentation Test is a mandatory test in Qualicoat, QIB and GSB accredited laboratories.
The Buchholz Hardness Indentation Test features a calibrated slip-on weight with a sharp-edged metal wheel. The kit comes with an illuminated microscope and spirit bubble level gauge, a digital dual timer, two markers and a template. The accurate, calibrated components of the kit offer you reliably repeatable tests, time-after-time.
The product is also included in our Qualicoat kit, also from TQC Sheen. Qualicoat defines comprehensive quality requirements and monitors their compliance by licensed plants worldwide.
The calibrated slip-on weight is placed on the coated test panel and left in position for 30 seconds under the specified load. The weight is then removed and the coating is given a 35-second recovery period. The length of the residual indentation is then measured with the illuminated microscope, and the Buchholz indentation hardness (BH) is calculated as 100 divided by the indentation length in millimeters.
We have a hardness tester for every test – from Knoop to Rockwell hardness testing and whether you need to test paint or metal. Our reliable devices let you carry out hardness tests that comply with a wealth of industry testing standards.
Some of the other great options from TQC Sheen include our Pendulum Hardness Tester that uses pendulum oscillation, or the Barcol Hardness Tester for testing the hardness of metals and hard plastics.
Through other Industrial Physics’ brands, including Ray-Ran, there’s options such as our Indentation Hardness Testers. Then you could check through our entire portfolio of hardness testing machines and accessories.
Annual factory calibration is recommended to maintain measurement accuracy in line with ISO 2815-2003. Between calibrations, keep the instrument in its case when not in use, and clean only with a soft dry cloth. Wire brushes, abrasive paper or aggressive cleaning agents can permanently damage the precision-machined test wheel.
We like to share this insight with our customers through the knowledgebase of this website.
Here you’ll find some of the blogs we have published, like this one – which looks at protecting your coating performance with scratch hardness testing. Or maybe you’d prefer to read about Microhardness testing: the basics?
Every Buchholz Hardness Indentation Test is backed by a one-year parts-and-labour warranty as standard. Through our global service network, we provide calibration, maintenance, spare parts and technical support to keep your instrument performing to specification.
Our specialists also provide operator training so your team can carry out testing correctly and interpret indentation results with confidence.
Online Range
A graduated surface microscope with built-in LED ring light.
SKU: SP1900
Applications: Coating Testing, Hardness Testing, Scratch Testing
Materials: Paints and Coatings
Weight: According to ISO 2815, 1Kg
Load: According to ISO 2815, 500g
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The Buchholz test measures resistance to indentation using a weighted wheel, reporting hardness from the length of the indentation mark. Pendulum hardness tests measure the damping of a swinging pendulum on the coating surface, and pencil hardness tests measure scratch and gouge resistance using graded pencil leads. Each assesses a different mechanical property, so the method should match the coating property you need to control.
Coating thickness affects Buchholz results, so this should be confirmed against the requirements in ISO 2815 for your coating.
Results depend on correct panel leveling, timing and reading of the indentation mark. The spirit bubble level, digital dual timer and 20x illuminated microscope are provided to control these variables, and each unit ships with a calibration certificate. Testing to ISO 2815 conditions supports consistent, repeatable results.
The SP1900 is supplied with the Buchholz indentation tester, a 20x illuminated microscope, a spirit bubble level, a digital dual timer, two markers with template, 2x AAA batteries and a calibration certificate.
It measures the indentation hardness of cured coatings. A calibrated slip-on weight with a sharp-edged metal wheel rests on the coating for a set time, and the length of the resulting indentation mark indicates the surface hardness. It is a mandatory test in Qualicoat, QIB and GSB accredited laboratories.
Products offered on our website are available for delivery to addresses worldwide by UPS Courier Service. If UPS does not deliver to a specific region or country, we will notify you and refund you the total amount of your order, using the original method of payment. You can return products in the original packaging and with proof of purchase subject to terms and conditions. Read more
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