PCE Health and Fitness PCE-5000 User manual

PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13
Southpoint Business Park
Ensign way
Hampshire / Southampton
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
From outside UK: +44
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/english
www.pce-instruments.com
Manual
Ultrasonic Hardness Tester PCE-5000
Version 1.2
Date of creation: 16.02.2015
Date of last change: 03.06.2016

Manual
2
Contents
1Introduction .............................................................................................................3
2Safety notes.............................................................................................................3
3Specifications..........................................................................................................5
3.1 Technical Specifications............................................................................................................. 5
4Delivery content ......................................................................................................6
4.1 Optional accessories .................................................................................................................. 6
5System description.................................................................................................7
5.1 Main structure and basic principle.............................................................................................. 7
5.2 Control elements ........................................................................................................................ 8
5.3 Display........................................................................................................................................ 9
5.4 Measurement probe ................................................................................................................. 10
6Battery....................................................................................................................13
7Operation...............................................................................................................14
7.1 Initial operation ......................................................................................................................... 14
7.2 Measurement............................................................................................................................ 14
8Settings..................................................................................................................16
8.1 Test setup................................................................................................................................. 16
8.2 System setup............................................................................................................................ 17
8.2.1 Language option.................................................................................................................. 17
8.2.2 Sound.................................................................................................................................. 17
8.2.3 Battery manager.................................................................................................................. 17
8.2.4 Display................................................................................................................................. 17
8.2.5 Date..................................................................................................................................... 17
8.2.6 Restore default.................................................................................................................... 17
8.3 Save setup................................................................................................................................ 17
8.3.1 Autosave.............................................................................................................................. 17
8.3.2 Result display...................................................................................................................... 17
8.3.3 On-line operation................................................................................................................. 17
8.3.4 Part deletion ........................................................................................................................ 17
8.3.5 All deletion........................................................................................................................... 17
8.4 Print setup................................................................................................................................. 18
9Calibration .............................................................................................................18
9.1 Reasons to calibrate................................................................................................................. 18
9.2 Preparations ............................................................................................................................. 18
9.3 Calibration procedure ............................................................................................................... 18
9.3.1 Calibration with two calibration standards........................................................................... 18
9.3.2 Calibration with one calibration standard ............................................................................ 19
9.3.3Batch-Mode......................................................................................................................... 19
10 Disposal.................................................................................................................20
11 Contact...................................................................................................................20
11.1 PCE Instruments UK ................................................................................................................ 20
11.2 PCE Americas .......................................................................................................................... 20

Manual
3
1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing an ultrasonic hardness tester from PCE Instruments.
The ultrasonic durometer is a device, based on a patent filed in 1961. Therefore the hardness
measurement is performed through a diamond placed on a spring. Due to its design and measurement
method, the ultrasonic durometer allows a simple and non-destructive analysis of metallic objects. The
ultrasonic durometer enables measurements on various construction parts, since it is programmed to
measure with different SI-units, the most common of which are the hardness scales according to
Rockwell, Brinell and Vickers. Featuring a RS-232-interface the ultrasonic durometer PCE-5000 can be
connected to a computer in order to read out and print out the measured data. The ultrasonic durometer
allows a detailed overview of all the data, since it can record even the thresholds as well as mean values.
The mean value is automatically generated as soon as more than one measurement is performed with
the ultrasonic durometer PCE-5000. Its design allows reaching even locations that would be otherwise
hard to reach, and it allows reviewing and reading the values comfortably at its graphic display. Due to an
option to calibrate, the ultrasonic durometer can be always calibrated by the user at any time. A
calibration might be necessary, if for example the last measurement was more than three months back, or
when the environment is significantly different from before, if the ultrasonic sensor has already performed
a major amount of measurements, or if the measurement of a defined calibration object shows a
divergent.
Range of use
- Hardness measurements of the flanged edge and gear root stamping, mold, sheet, surface
hardened tooth and gear groove
- Hardness tests of central axes, thin-walled pipes and vessels
- Hardness testing of tires and turbine rotor
- Hardness tests of cutting blades
- Hardness testing of welded parts
- Hardness tests of certain opening depths, convex depressions, irregular levels
- Hardness tests of most ferrous and non-ferrous metals and other alloys in industrial production.
2 Safety notes
Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The device
may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel. There is no
warranty on damages or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual.
- The device may only be used in approved temperature range
- The opening of the case should only be done by qualified personnel of the PCE Instruments.
- The instrument should never be placed with the user interface (e.g. keyboard side on a table)
- You should not make technical changes on the device
- The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth / use only pH-neutral cleaner
- Do not shake the device since internal components may get damaged.
- Do not scratch objects with the diamond.
- Do not disassemble the unit. Otherwise the warranty will expire.
- Do not use the instrument under inflammable air environment, otherwise it may take fire or
explode.
The ultrasonic hardness tester is a precision instrument that must be used with extreme care to avoid
damage and associated measurement error.
Remove the diamond indenter mentioned above for about half a second after each measurement and
then make a new measurement. Otherwise, the device cannot resonance between the indenter and a
single sample in a short time.
Please ensure that after each use, the device is always kept in the respective carrying case. Avoid
accidents and collisions.
Do not disconnect the probe from the main unit, since otherwise the device loses its functionality.
Do not use the product near flammable gas, as this could result in fire or explosion.

Manual
4
Charger:
- Only use the original manufacturer’s battery
- Do not disassemble the battery
- When inserting the battery, make sure that it is properly seated and the poles were not mistaken
- Do never throw the battery into fire and never bring it in intense heat
- Do not throw the battery into water and also do not touch the water
- If the battery should be deformed, do not use it
- Turn off the power before removing or changing the battery
- Before leaving our factory, the battery is inserted correctly, you do not make any changes unless
absolutely necessary
Recharger:
- Store the device in a dry state
- Avoid short circuits, they will destroy the device
- Do not touch the recharger with wet or damp hands; otherwise there is a danger of an electric shock
Declaration:
- Without the prior written consent of the Company and subsidiaries, for all products that are
referring to the contents of this manual, copies are distributed in any form, or stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into other languages
- The Company reserves the right to change information on soft- and hardware without notice
- All efforts have been geared to grant the correctness and accuracy of the information contained in
this manual. If you still encounter any defects or errors, we strive to correct this in the next edition
This user's handbook is published from PCE Instruments without any guarantee.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms, they can be found in our general terms of business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments.

Manual
5
3 Specifications
There are different kinds of methods for measurement of hardness:
Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers, Leeb, etc. are usually used.
Rockwell and Brinell tests force with larger test loads and large stamps what often leads to visible
damage to the material surface. The hardness-measuring of heavy work pieces, built-in machinery and
permanently assembled parts is therefore relatively difficult.
The ultrasonic hardness tester PCE-5000 uses the Ultrasonic Contact Impedance procedure to carry out
comparative hardness measurements for test pieces, with the advantages of a highly accurate, efficient,
portable and non-destructive measurement with simple operation.
3.1 Technical Specifications
Measurement range
Rockwell
20,3 … 68,0 HRC
41,0 … 100,0 HRB
61,0 … 85,6 HRA
Brinell
85 … 650 HB
Vickers
50 … 999 HV
Tensile strength
255 … 2180 N/mm²
Accuracy
Rockwell HRD
±1,5 HR
Brinell HB
±3 %
Vickers HV
±3 %
General technical data
Measurement principle
Ultrasonic Contact Impedance
Direction of measurement
360 °
Measurement time
2 seconds
HRC, HV, HB, additionally: HRA, HRB, MPa
Display
LCD with backlight
Minimum material thickness
2 mm
Storage
Up to 2000 measurement groups
up to 20 calibration sets
Measurement probe
20 N (standard)
Cable length
1,5 m
Functions
Single value, Min. / Max., average value
Power supply
4,2 V battery, 4800 mAh
Operation time
Approx. 10 hours (without backlight)
Operation conditions
Temperature: -10 … +40°C
Humidity: ≤85 % r.h.
Storage conditions
Temperature: -20 … +60°C
Humidity: ≤85 % r.h.
Dimensions
162 x 81 x 31 mm
Weight
Approx. 755 (incl. probe)

Manual
6
4 Delivery content
1 x ultrasonic hardness tester PCE-5000 incl. battery
1 x testing probe 20 N (standard)
1 x probe cable
1 x USB cable
1 x charger
1 x calibration standard
1 x screwdriver
1 x protective cap (silicone)
1 x RS-232 interface cable
1 x robust carry case
1 x user manual
4.1 Optional accessories
Probes
There are different probes depending on the testing forces available:
- 10 N
- 50 N
- 98 N
Supporting rings
Supporting rings serve to stabilize the measurement tip on the surface to be tested.
- PCE-SRZK
- PCE-SRZG
- PCE-SRF
Test stand
The test stand PCE-HSS increases the accuracy and repeatability of hardness measurements.

Manual
7
5 System description
5.1 Main structure and basic principle
Front and back view of the ultrasonic hardness tester
1 2
6 3
4
5
1. 4-pin socket
2. 8-pin socket
3. Power button
4. USB-interface
5. Operation panel
6. Display

Manual
8
5.2 Control elements
Button
Designation
Function
Material
In measurement mode: open material menu
In material menu: choose material
Measurement unit
In measurement mode: choose measurement unit
In material menu: delete
In hardness scale menu: change between ASTM / DIN
In test result menu: open search function
In deletion menu: delete
Enter
In measurement mode: start measurement
In menu: back
Menu
During measurement: open menu
In menu: back
Power on / off, brightness
Press shortly: switch on / off backlight
Press long: switch on / off the device
High
Move upwards
When in searching mode: increase chosen digit
Down
Move downwards
When in searching mode: decrease chosen digit
Left
During measurement: increase contrast of display
In menu: move left
In input field: decrease value
Right
During measurement: decrease contrast of display
In menu: move right
In input field: increase value

Manual
9
5.3 Display
1
2
3
4
7
2
65
1. Settings
2. Probe type
3. Measurement information
4. Material information
5. Measurement results
6. Single measurements of the test series
7. Measurement result
Settings
The following settings are displayed:
- Auto-save (on/off)
- Sound (on/off)
- Time
- Battery condition
Probe type
The instrument gives information on the assembled probe and its’ testing force. The standard probe type
has got a preset testing force of 20 N.
Measurement information
Here you can see how many measurements have to be made in the current test series. In addition to that
you can see in which slot the measured data has been stored.
Material information
Here you can see which material / calibration profile is in use.
Measurement results
All measured data of the test series are displayed here. It is the average of all made measurements of the
test series.
Single measurements of the test series
Here you can see how many single measurements have been made and what the values of the single
measurements are.
Measurement result
Here the current measurement result is displayed. You can see the MAX/MIN value as well as the mean
value of two other hardness scales.

Manual
10
5.4 Measurement probe
8-pin socket
Vickers diamond
Note:
The standard probe is preset to 20 N. Other probes are available as optional accessory.

Manual
11
Ultrasonic indenter and recesses
During
measurements the inspection stamp entrudes minimally within the material. The indentation depth (H)
and the mean value of the dialog lengths (d) of the various probes of the ultrasonic hardness tester can
be reduced with increasing value.
Material hardness (HV)
Depth (µm)
800
10
600
11
300
16
Material hardness (HV)
Diagonal line of the impression of the inspection stamp
800
68
600
79
300
111
Note: The table only shows the values for the 20 N probe.
Minimum thickness of the tested object
Despite the low penetration depth the workpiece needs to have a minimum thickness so that the
instrument is not damaged. The minimum thickness of the material should be at least ten times higher
than the penetration depth.
Penetration depth h:
F: preset test force
HV: Vickers hardness of the material
Minimum thickness t: t ≤10 h

Manual
12
Material hardness (HV)
Minimum material thickness (µm)
800
100
600
110
300
160
Note: The table only shows the values for the 20 N probe.
Condition of the surface
The applied test force (i.e. the selected UCI probe) must not only match the application but also the
surface quality and roughness of the material. While smooth, homogeneous surfaces with low test loads
can be measured, rougher surfaces and coarse-grained require measurements with high test loads.
However, the surface must always be free of contaminants (oil, dust, etc.) and rust.
Dimensions and weight of the part to be tested
From the above analysis, all probes request coating layer or surface layer less than 1 mm. The hardness
value will change if there is resonance. The highest value of vibration is the elastic oscillation, where
some actions can be made in order to restrain these. To do so the piece has to be put on thicker metal.
Rubber and oil can restrain elastic waves. It is recommended to use pieces that have a thickness of 2…3
mm and a size, which is not less than 5 x 5 mm.
Also the weight of the material is important. Depending on the weight certain preparations have to be
made:
Weight
>300 g
100 … 300 g
10 … 100 g
Action
Measurement can be
made under normal
conditions
Use supporting ring
Couple to heavy
component

Manual
13
6 Battery
The main unit includes a rechargeable battery (charger, 4.2 V, 4800 mAh). You can find the battery lid on
the back of the device. When the battery is flat the symbol “ “appears in the upper right corner from
the main menu, to remind you to charge the battery in time. Plug one end of the charger into the left
socket of the instrument and insert the plug into a 230 V outlet and charge the device completely. After 8
hours, the device is fully charged; The minimum charging time is two hours. When the device is fully
charged, “ “ is displayed in the upper right corner of the screen.
Battery lid

Manual
14
7 Operation
7.1 Initial operation
Connect the angle plug of the 8-pin data cable to the 8-pin connector of the probe together. If you hear a
clicking noise, the device is in the correct position. Now connect the other end of the 8-pin data cable to
the 8-pin connector of the ultrasonic hardness tester. Match with the positions of the groove and put them
together. When you hear a clicking sound, the connections are correct.
7.2 Measurement
To perform a measurement, follow these steps:
1. Press “Power” , and move the “ON/OFF” switch to “ON”, so that the power supply is
turned on. You will reach the main menu then.
2. Press the “Scale”-Button to select the measurement scale and press the “ETR”-button. The
measurement mode will start then. After that the symbol is displayed.
3. Hold the probe with both hands vertikal to the test object. Press down the inspection atamp until
the measurement tip is not visible anymore and the protective ring is lying flat on the test
material.

Manual
15
4. Hold the probe for about 2 seconds in this position until the measurement is complete. The device
then sends a signal, which states that the measurement is complete and the measured values
can be read from the display. The first reading is not included in the determination of the average
value.
Note:
- Normally five measurements, made within 645 mm² suffice to get usable results. If the test
material is very inhomogeneous you should make more than five measurements to get usable
results.
- In case you changed the amount of the single measurements in the settings, you need to stick to
that setting. Otherwise the measurement is not completed.
- The ultrasonic hardness meter is a highly precise instrument. Take care to always hold the probe
with two hands in the vertical position. Do not put the probe under different pressure and take
care that no impacts occur during measurements. When lifting the probe pay attention that you
do not scratch the material with the diamond.
- Check the accuracy and the repeatability regularly. Use the calibration standard which is
delivered with the instrument. To check the characteristics you need to perform 5 measurements
as described above and compare the results that are noted on the calibration standard. If the
deviations should be too big, you need to calibrate the instrument.

Manual
16
8 Settings
Press the menu-button to get to the main menu. There are the following options:
- Test setup
- System setup
- Save setup
- Print setup
Choose the required submenu and confirm with “Enter”.
8.1 Test setup
Calibration
Here you can see all calibrations for the different materials that you have made. Choose the calibration
you need by using the arrow buttons and confirm with the “MAT” key to use the calibration. There will be
a checkmark in front of the chosen option.
If you need to delete a calibration go to the calibration to be deleted and press the “SCALE” key. If you
choose “YES” in the confirmation screen and press “ENTER”, the calibration will be deleted. By choosing
“NO” the procedure will be cancelled.
If you wish detailed information on the calibrations, choose the one you need to know more about and
press “ENTER”. You will be redirected to the information screen, where you can view the measured and
entered data. By pressing the “SCALE” key you can rename the calibrations. Use arrow and “ENTER”
keys to confirm the entered data.
Note: When in measurement mode you can also get into this mode by pressing the “MAT” key.
Hardness scale
Here you can choose the measurement unit, in which the measurement data should be displayed by
default.
Choose between: HB, HRC, HV, HRA, HRB and MPA. By pressing the “SCALE” key you can also choose
between ASTM and DIN.
Choose the correct unit by using the arrow keys and confirm with “ENTER”.
Test number
Here you can set how many single measurements have to be made during one measuring process. Use
the left and right arrow keys to increase or decrease the number and confirm with “ENTER”.
Calibration setup
See chapter “Calibration”.
Error permit
Here you can set the upper and lower error tolerances. Use the high and low arrow keys to switch
between input fields. By using the left and right arrow keys you can increase or decrease the chosen
value. Confirm with the “ENTER” key.
Batch mode
Here you can activate / deactivate the batch mode. Choose your option and confirm with “ENTER”.
Test time
Here you can set the test time. Use the left or right arrow key to increase or decrease the value.

Manual
17
8.2 System setup
8.2.1 Language option
Here you can choose the language of the instrument. You may choose between English, Chinese,
Portuguese, Turkish and German. Use the arrow keys to choose and the “ENTER” key to confirm.
8.2.2 Sound
Here you can choose what sounds the instruments is supposed to make. Make your choice with the
arrow keys and confirm with “ENTER”.
8.2.3 Battery manager
You have got two options here. If “ON” is ticked, the instrument switches itself off after five minutes of
inactivity. If the option “OFF” is ticked, the instrument changes to Standby-mode in case of inactivity.
Make your choice by using the arrow keys and confirm with “ENTER”.
8.2.4 Display
Here the contrast of the display can be set. Use the right / left arrow keys to move the slide control.
Confirm your choice with “ENTER”.
8.2.5 Date
You can set time and date here. The following settings can be made: year, month, day, hour, minute and
weekday. Choose the correct field with the arrow-up and arrow-down keys and put in the correct settings,
using the left and right arrow keys. Confirm your entered data using the “ENTER” key.
8.2.6 Restore default
Here you can restore the factory settings. Please enter the password (standard: ”888888”) and press
“ENTER”. Then press “ENTER” again to confirm the reset. Press the “MENU” key to cancel.
Note: All data is going to be deleted. This includes calibration details, settings and measured data.
8.3 Save setup
8.3.1 Autosave
Here the automatic storage function can be activated or deactivated. You one option and confirm by
pressing “ENTER”.
8.3.2 Result display
Here you can review the saved data. The values are assorted by their numbers. With the up / down keys
you can scroll through the values. By pressing “ENTER” you can open one slot to get detailed
information.
If you need information on one specific slot number, press “SCALE”. A search window will appear. Insert
the number you are looking for using the arrow keys and confirm your choice with “ENTER”.
8.3.3 On-line operation
Here you can activate the data transmission to a PC. Choose an option by using the arrow keys and
confirm with “ENTER”.
8.3.4 Part deletion
Here you can choose and delete the storage slots. Use the arrow keys to choose the storage slot and
press “ENTER” to choose one slot. If you have chosen all slots, press “SCALE” and confirm by choosing
“YES” and pressing “ENTER” afterwards.
8.3.5 All deletion
Here you can delete all measured data. Press “ENTER” to confirm and “MENU” to cancel.
Note: This procedure may take some minutes.

Manual
18
8.4 Print setup
Here you can print out all measured data or certain data slot. This works just as deletion or part-deletion
works.
9 Calibration
9.1 Reasons to calibrate
- If the readings are stable in the process of reviewing the durometer with the reference block, but
the nominal value of the reference hardness block is different.
- After a long storage (more than 3 month)
- After intense using (more than 200.000 measures with the probe
- When operating conditions have changed considerably (ambient temperature, humidity)
9.2 Preparations
For a Rockwell C (HRC) calibration you need two different calibration standards:
- 25 ± 5 HRC
- 65 ± 5 HRC
Note: If you do not use the whole measuring range of Rockwell C (e.g. only from 20 … 40 HRC) you may
also use a 25 ± 5 and 45 ± 5 HRC calibration standards. The same goes for Vickers.
Note: In special cases, only one block per calibration is necessary.
9.3 Calibration procedure
9.3.1 Calibration with two calibration standards
Press “MENU” in the main menu. Move to “test setup” and choose the “Calibration setup”. Insert the
password (“888888” is the preset standard) and press “ENTER”. You will now see the following display:
Choose by using the arrow keys one free storage slot. Then press “MAT”. Now you need to perform six
measurements on the soft calibration standard. After doing so the mean value will be shown at “TEST-L”.
Press “MAT” again and the right-arrow key afterwards. Now you have to make six measurements on the
harder block. The mean value will be displayed at “TEST-H”.
Now press the “MENU” key to enter the nominal value of the calibration standards. Use the arrow keys to
do so. With the “SCALE” key you can set how much the value should be increased or decreased. Press
“MENU” to finish the calibration. The new settings are saved and will be set automatically.
Note: If there is an arrow upwards or downwards displayed during the calibration, the measured value is
above or below the hardness scale.

Manual
19
9.3.2 Calibration with one calibration standard
The calibration with only one calibration standard is similar to the calibration with two standards. The
difference is that you do not calibrate the “TEST-H” part. Press the “MENU” key after “TEST-L” calibration
and enter the nominal value. Finish the calibration by pressing “MENU” again.
9.3.3 Batch-Mode
Within the calibration settings, you can also enter the tolerance thresholds. If you have entered the upper
and lowest value, the instrument shows if the measured value is within that area every time you measure.
If the value is within that area the instrument shows “PASS”. If the value is not within that area it will
display “NG”.
To set the tolerances, use the arrow down key after you have set the “TEST-L” and “TEST-H” values. You
will now get to the points “UP” and “DOWN”. Up stands for the upper threshold, DOWN the lower value.
To set the values is made equal to setting “TEST-L and “TEST-H”.

Manual
20
10 Disposal
For the disposal of batteries, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament applies. Due to the
contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste. They must be given to
collection points designed for that purpose.
In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use them or
give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.
If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.
11 Contact
If you have any questions about our range of products or measuring instruments please contact PCE
Instruments.
11.1 PCE Instruments UK
By post:
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13 Southpoint Business Park
Ensign Way, Southampton
Hampshire
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
By phone:
02380 987 035
11.2 PCE Americas
By post:
PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
33458 FL
USA
By phone:
561 320 9162