Buehler Wilson VH3100 User manual

Visit www.buehler.com for more information
Wilson VH3100 & VH3300 Overview ......................... 3
Excellence in Hardness Testing................................... 5
Customize for your Application .................................. 6
Accessories..................................................................10
System Overview ........................................................12
DiaMet™ Software Overview ....................................15
DiaMet™ Software Features......................................18
System Configuration Guide .....................................20
Specifications ..............................................................22
Table of Contents

3
Wilson®VH3100 & VH3300
Automatic Vickers/Knoop Hardness Testers
The Wilson Fully Automated Hardness Testing System provides
a fully integrated platform for your complete Vickers and Knoop
hardness testing needs. From leading edge modular frame, stage,
and optics designs to a fully featured User Interface, our VH3100
and VH3300 Testers can be built to meet your Application needs
today, tomorrow, and into the future.
The DiaMet™ Hardness Automation Software provides the User
of the VH3100 and VH3300 hardness testers an efficient and
fully automated environment to develop and execute tests that
maximize the precision of the tester system with the minimum
investment of time possible
Load range is important as proper load range and scale is crucial
to accurate testing. The Wilson VH3100 tester can accommodate
one loadcell and one indenter combination. The wider load
range of the Wilson VH3300 can be populated with up to three
loadcells and indenters resulting in a load range of 10gf to 50kgf.
This range can be achieved by selecting the low 10N and high
500N load cell.
Load steps: 0.01 0.025 0.05 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 1 2 3 5 10 20 30 50 kgf
VH3100
VH3300*
HV0.01 HV0.025 HV0.05 HV0.1 HV0.2 HV0.3 HV0.5 HV1 HV2 HV3 HV5 HV10 HV20 HV30 HV50
* configuration with one low and one high load loadcell per scale
Load Range & Hardness Scales

Visit www.buehler.com for more information

5
Wilson®VH3100 & VH3300
Excellence in Hardness Testing
Wilson Instruments
The trend towards tighter manufacturing
tolerances and more advanced heat
treatment processes for the aerospace,
energy, construction and transportation
industries require hardness testing
systems to be durable while maintaining
precise control during critical test data
generation. The systemand its interfaces
must be easy to use, yet flexible enough
to meet the increasing demands of
the testing world. The Wilson VH3000
series delivers exceptional performance
packaged in a reliable, innovative
system that offers superior accuracy,
repeatability, improved safety and an
overall enhanced user experience.
The global expertise of Buehler is
strong as it now includes more than a
century of experience from companies
such as Wilson Instruments, Wolpert
and Reicherter. The Wilson VH3000
series leverages this proud heritage
with loadcell measuring systems,
instrumentation, controls, accessories
and industry preferred software to
provide the ultimate high capacity
testing platform capable of performing
150 make-and-measure indents an hour
using a fully automated test program.
Configurability
The VH3000 Series Testers with DiaMet™Hardness Testing
Automation Software provides you limitless configurability
options to match the correct system with your application.
Configure the hardware optics and loadcells in the 6 Position
Turret to your needs. Configure the DiaMet software layout
and functions to match not only your particular application
requirements but also needs and preferences of your Operators
to maximize their comfort and efficiency.
From color selections, Filar line graphics, and overlay options, the
DiaMet Hardness Testing Automation Software is flexible enough
to be the interface that you require. The options available
through hardware and software configuration allows systems to
be tailored to your specific application.

Visit www.buehler.com for more information
Those laboratories that need to serve
an extremely wide range of applications
and those who need to expect the
unexpected can be well served with
the three indenter Wilson VH3300.
Depending on its configuration, this unit
can cover a load range from 10grams
to 50kilograms. Its fast six position
turret also accommodates the optional
overview optics.
The single indenter Wilson VH3100
is the fast workhorse of the line, with
one indenter, two objectives and
optional overview camera. This system
significantly reduces system complexity
by aligning indenters, objectives and
overview camera at a fixed position. All
turret positioning is controlled by the
high speed stage, while the test head
stays stationary. The lack of moving
parts, actuators and sensors, simplify
adjustments and reduces service needs.
The Collision Detection System
prevents indenter or objective damage
by detecting unintended obstructions
in the test path. The motion
systems are continuously monitored
during the test process and system
movement is instantaneously stopped
if an obstruction is detected. The
Collision Detection System provides
an unparalleled, unique benefit for
operations, while reducing downtime
due to damage caused by collision.
VH3100: √ √
VH3300: √ √
Virtual Turret 6 Position Star Turret Collision Resistant System
Process control or Research & Development? Most use of hardness testing systems falls into these two categories. Two completely
different tasks, both of which need a Vickers/Knoop hardness tester. If the applications are so different, why use the same hardness
tester? Buehler provides the solution in the Wilson VH3100 and VH3300.
Tailor the single indenter Wilson VH3100 configuration to fit the 24/7 demands to guard your internal processes and end up with a
lean and dedicated hardness tester. Need to expect the unexpected? Or simplily have a wide range of customer demands to satisfy?
Then the six position turret of the Wilson VH3300 offers you the flexibility to cover the complete Vickers and/or Knoop range with only
a few mouse clicks.
Wilson®VH3100 & VH3300
Customizable for your application

7
Imagine installing a spare indenter or
switching between Vickers and Knoop
without any alignment effort. This is
achievable with the optional Snap-grip
on the Wilson VH3100 as each indenter
is prealigned in its own snap-grip holder.
Changing indenters is simplified as it
can be changed in seconds without
the need for tools, set-up or alignment
verification.
Fast, precise, and reliable testing with
a sophisticated closed-loop electronic
force measuring system and high
precision “in-line” load application
mechanics. With all critical parts on
one axis and a minimization of moving
parts, this closed loop control prevents
load overshoot from happening, while
compensating for friction and wear over
time.
Snap Grip Closed Loop Load Control Overshoot protection
√ √ √ VH3100
√ √ VH3300
Unintentional external influences during
the indent process result in a shock,
which often is too major for the closed
loop system to compensate for. These
occurances would result inaccurate
hardenss readings.
The built-in overshoot protection
detects load overshoots and aborts
the indent process when the maximum
test load is exceeded. By doing so, soft
readings caused by load overshoots are
a thing of the past.
Force
Time
Nominal Load Level
Precise Loading-Closed Loop
Load Error - Deadweight

Visit www.buehler.com for more information
The Wilson VH3000 series offers the
freedom of choice. For swift and easy
“click and run” automated operation,
use the rugged, highly responsive
touchscreen in a clean production
environment. The large, conventional
monitor option might be a more
suitable solution for large amounts of
reporting and result analysis.
Selecting the most suitable objectives
is made easy with a wide range of
objectives and their fields of view.
All objectives are monitored by the
collision detection system on both
Wilson VH3000 models. Each objective
can be used at five different zoom steps,
allowing you to measure your indents at
the optimum size to meet both ISO and
ASTM standards.
Standard or Touchscreen Choose Magnification
VH3100: Option √ 2 positions + 5 Zoom Steps per position
VH3300: Option √ 3 positions*+ 5 Zoom Steps per position
The optional built-in high resolution
overview camera allows easy navigation
over the entire specimen, accurately
positions indents and enables photo
stitching. The stitch function allows a
user to capture their defined area and
resolution, then uses the DiaMet™
software to create a composite overview
image of one or more parts..
Overview Camera & Stitching
Wilson®VH3100 & VH3300
Customizable for your application

9
Wilson®VH3100 Application Advantages
S, M, L Configuration option VH3100
S, M Configuration option VH3300
High Velocity Stage
Save time and improve efficiency with one of the high speed, motorized XY-stages.
Available in large or extra-large with travel distances of 7.1x7.1in [180x180mm] or
11.8x7.1in [300x180mm] respectively, these stages enable automated sequencing
of multiple samples. The high accuracy and repeatability guarantees precise
positioning of indents and allows re-evaluation of all measurement points in the
current batch using the camera image.
Choose a Frame Size
Various applications require various
frame sizes. The Wilson VH3100 is
available in a compact model, taking up
little counter space while providing a
test capacity of 4.9in [125mm]. If larger
vertical capacity is required, select from
the Wilson VH3100 standard frame for
6.7in [170mm] capacity, or the large
frame for samples up to 8.5in [215mm].
With 4.1in [105mm] vertical capacity,
the Wilson VH3300 is well equipped for
testing any mounted sample, welds and
other typical hardness specimens. For
larger parts the vertical capacity can be
increase to 6.1in [155mm].

Visit www.buehler.com for more information
Vickers & Knoop Accessories
It’s important to keep the test specimen stationary during set-up and testing. The
correct support will help ensure that the specimen remains motionless.
A wide range of supports are available, whether testing mounted samples, tapered
pieces, small diameter parts, wires or sheet metal. Refer to the Buehler Product
Catalogue to select the appropriate support for the application.
Choosing the Correct Support
Wilson®Test Blocks & Indenters
Wilson test blocks and indenters are
available for a wide range of Vickers &
Knoop, as well as Rockwell®and Brinell
applications. Certified according to ASTM
and ISO, we manufacture test blocks
in-house to ensure the highest quality
test reference standards available. Test
blocks and indenters are certified using
the latest standardization and optical
measuring technology. We operate our
own calibration laboratory, traceable to
NIST and are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025
by A2LA®.
Multi sample holder
EZ Clamp
Ensure that both the specimen and the support accessory are free of dirt, swarf, oil or
corrosion. This is the only way accurate and reliable results are ensured.
For more background information on Vickers and Knoop testing, please refer to the most
current edition of the Buehler SumMet book.

11
Buehler is a worldwide leader in
materials preparation and analysis. As
your partner in all aspects, we provide
not only a complete line of equipment
and consumables, but a strong team
dedicated to application knowledge,
technical support, and when need be,
service. With more than 80 locations
across the globe offering telephone
and email support, training courses,
webinars, and one-on-one custom
training, Buehler is there to offer
support to our customers, industry and
applications. Dedicated to your needs,
we strive for fast consumable deliveries,
efficient service support and 24/7
access to our online preparation guide.
Built in a facility with an accredited ISO
17025 calibration laboratory, the Wilson
VH3100 and VH3300 are assembled
by fully trained employees following
a certified process. Each machine is
delivered with a detailed verification
report proving the outstanding quality.
The calibration procedures form the
strong base of our ISO 9001 certified
business processes.
For a tracable on-site calibration, please
contact your local service representative
The Wilson®VH3100 was designed
with ease of maintenance in mind.
This has resulted in a plug and play
modular design, where motorized
stage, loadcell, controller and test
head are easy to exchange in the
field. A smart design in combination
with tight production tolerances
ensure that the modules can
be integrated without significant
mechanical adjustments. The Windows®
based software platform is future proof,
and maintained with regular updates.
The many years of experience in
designing rugged hardness testers,
combined with this new service
friendly concept, will reduce downtime,
contributing to overall productivity
and keeping cost of ownership at a
minimum.
Modular Design Certified Service
Service - US
[phone]
[e-mail]
or visit service.buehler.com
Service - Europe
[phone] 702
[e-mail]
or visit service.buehler.com
Service - Asia-Pacific
[phone]
[e-mail]

Visit www.buehler.com for more information
At a Glance

13
Wilson®VH3100 & VH3300
Automatic Vickers/Knoop Hardness Testers
150*
INDENTS PER HOUR
16
LOAD STEPS
10gf
LOWEST LOAD
50kgf
HIGHEST LOAD
6
POSITION TURRET
15
MAGNIFICATION STEPS
* 10s dwell time, depending on load & specimen

Visit www.buehler.com for more information
Step 4: Evaluate
Step 2: Position PatternStep 1: Select Program
Step 3: Indent & Measure
By removing all unnecessary steps, DiaMet allows users to set-up and run samples in the least possible time. Below is an overview
describing a typical workflow within the DiaMet software.
Use the overview camera or infinite scan to see
where all indents will be placed. Press start to indent
and measure all.
Verify the readings in graph and grid and remeasure
or re-indent where applicable. Export results to PDF,
printer or Excel®.
* On fully automatic configurations.
Machine & software make all indentations &
measure them automatically, with use of the
standard* automatic focus, automatic illumination
and automatic measurement functions.
All application specific parameters like scale, dwell
time, pattern, conversion & report template are
stored in the same program.
DiaMet™
Hardness Testing Made Easy

15
The Collision Detection System
prevents indenter or objective damage
by detecting unintended obstructions
in the test path. The motion system is
continuously monitored during the
test process and system movement
is instantaneously stopped if an
obstruction is detected. The Collision
Detection System provides an
unparalleled, unique to market essential
safety benefit for operators, while
reducing downtime and maintenance
costs.
Developed by the same team, the
Wilson VH3000 series testers and
DiaMet software are completely
complimentary to one another.
This perfect fit results in the fastest test
cycle, fastest auto-focus and fastest
auto-measure sequence. By delivering
accurate results faster, the user is
able to either quickly focus on and
control internal processes or perform
additional tests.
Often a high level of automation comes
with a high level of complexity both
in setup and in operation. Breaking
convention, the DiaMet™ software
focuses on fast and simple operation
to compensate for less experienced
operators while still offering a high
feature set and flexibility required by
expert users. Once a required test
pattern is setup, any operator can run
the series of Vickers or Knoop indents
with a minimum of four clicks or four
touches depending on the monitor
options.
Automation Speed Safety
DiaMet is optimized for evaluating Macro-Vickers, Micro-Vickers and Knoop indents according to ISO 6507, ISO 4545 , ASTM E384
and ASTM E92 as well as Brinell measurements according to ISO 6506 and ASTM E10 standards. A standard DiaMet feature is an au-
tomatic symmetry calculation for Vickers, Knoop and Brinell indents. This extra validation, with clear visual indication, helps to ensure
the results conform to standards.
Versatile
Brinell Knoop Vickers
4 clicks
to run an automated test
5 seconds
or less for Auto-focus & Automeasure
Collision Detection
Indenters & Objectives

Visit www.buehler.com for more information
Navigating the DiaMet™ software is easy with its clear design and simple and intuitive organization. Tabs on the top of the
screen organize primary tools and allows for switching between them. Secondary selections operate in the same fashion,
while the status bar provides comprehensive feedback on test progress. With an entirely new look and feel designed for
touch panel use, the DiaMet software is simple, useful and smart to work with.
QuickTest
The fastest results can be produced using QuickTest.
The user can save programs on the opening screen
of Diamet. Selecting a program brings the user
directly to the measurement screen, with all the
predetermined parameters set and immediately
ready to make indents. QuickTest programs can be
password protected to prevent unauthorized use or
changes.
Intuitive & Touch Optimized
Flexible UI
Use the functions you
need – fully configurable
Overview
Use the overview window for
specimen navigation and
pattern placement
Measurement
State-of-the-art algorithms ensure quick
and effective illumination, focus and
auto-measure
Specimens
Scan your samples and save
them as templates
- automatic pattern
placement
Data Management
Review and manage your test
data with easy access
Status Bar
Total test time and indent counter
– plan your test cycles

17
Easy Handling
DiaMet shows the operator where the
indents will be made, even before the
actual indent process takes place.
The pattern image overlay function
helps whilst positioning multiple test
rows all across the specimen.The pattern
video overlay scales automatically with
every magnification, even within the
macroview.
Using the Macro view function, it’s
possible to create a composite image of
the specimen. The shape and size of the
specimen is irrelevant, since the DiaMet
software can scan any area within stage
limits.
Blend in the overview window to
navigate quickly and efficiently from test
location to test location.
The DiaMet™pattern editor allows the
user to create any number of patterns
with a large number of variables. Create
patterns with great precision and verify
the result in the preview. Combine
different patterns and even different
loads in one program, and run them
fully automatically.
For example 3 CHD rows of 15
indents with HV1, and a core hardness
determination out of an average of
5 indents HV10. This is the level of
flexibility the VH3000-series offers.
Graphical Pattern Editor Macro View / Navigation Map Pattern Image Overlay
Create
to run an automated test
Navigate
on the sample
See
where to place indent

Visit www.buehler.com for more information
Manual positioning of filar lines is
no longer required with the DiaMet
software’s refined measurement
algorithm. Maintain control by
switching to manual measure mode
and adjust measurements by touch or
mouse. Enable the automatic indent
symmetry check on demand for further
standards confirmation.
Astonishing- observe how the software
finds focus from a distance as far away
as 30mm or more. Enjoy the shear
Auto-Focus-speed when focusing at
close range. The DiaMet software
Auto-Focus algorithm sets new
standards.
Repeatable, repeatable, repeatable
– the DiaMet™ software automatic
illumination adjusts to the correct
illumination level on whatever sample,
wherever on the sample independent
from material (steels, tool steels,
carbides, coatings).
Auto-Illumination Auto-Focus Auto-Measurement
Software Features
Dual Monitor Option
Having two screens revolutionizes the way you work
allowing you to display all graphs and results on,
one screen while operating the hardness tester and
evaluating indents on the other. With the flexibility
offered by DiaMet one can configure the dual monitor
according to personal preference.
Repeatable
Brightness & Contrast
Repeatable
Sharpness
Repeatable
Results

19
Configure your personal layout, accessing as many measurement aids on the screen as needed. Filar lines can be colored to achieve
the best contrast to your specimen, a ruler can be added to provide reference during navigation and positioning, and you can pop up
the magnifier glass to help manually position the filar lines.

Visit www.buehler.com for more information
System Configuration
Wilson VH3100
• 3+1 position virtual turret
• 0,050 - 10kgf load range
W3111
Software Options
Main Unit
DiaMet Full-Automatic software package
W3100A03
DiaMet Full-Automatic software package
W3100A03
DiaMet Enterprise software package
W3100A15
DiaMet Enterprise software package
W3100A15
Monitors
24” Touch screen
W3100B03
24” Touch screen
W3100B03
24” Full HD monitor
W3100B04
24” Full HD monitor
W3100B04
Motorized Stages
Standard size
• 180 x 180mm
W3100C02
Wilson VH3300
• 3+3 position motorized turret
• 0,010 - 50kgf load range*
*depending on configration
W3210
Start by selecting either the VH3100 or VH3300 and continue on to create a customized Vickers-Knoop Hardness tester
Standard size
• 180 x 180mm
W3200C02
Large size
• 300 x 180mm
W3100C03
Large size
• 300 x 180mm
W3200C03
Height 125mm - W3100-D01
Height 170mm - W3100-D02
Height 215mm - W3100-D03
Height 105mm - W3200D01
Height 155mm - W3200D02
Vertical Test Capacity