PCE Health and Fitness PCE-950 User manual

© PCE Instruments
PCE-950 Hardness Tester
User Manual
User manuals in various languages (français,
italiano, español, português, nederlands, türk, polski,
русский, 中文) can be found by using our
product search on: www.pce-instruments.com
Last change: 11 May 2018
v1.0
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
1Safety notes........................................................................................... 1
2General description .............................................................................. 2
3Main applications.................................................................................. 2
4Technical specifications ...................................................................... 3
5Delivery contents..................................................................................3
6Optional adaptors ................................................................................. 4
7Optional external impact devices........................................................5
8Device description................................................................................6
9Operation ............................................................................................... 7
10 Menu structure....................................................................................10
11 Settings................................................................................................10
12 Calibration ........................................................................................... 15
13 Battery recharging..............................................................................15
14 Automatic Shut Off ............................................................................. 15
15 Connection to the computer..............................................................15
16 Conversion chart.................................................................................16
17 Maintenance ........................................................................................16
18 Warranty...............................................................................................17
19 Disposal ...............................................................................................17

© PCE Instruments
1
1 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.
Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and
not covered by our warranty.
•The devicemust only be usedas described inthis instruction manual.If used otherwise,
this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
•The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative
humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose
the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.
•Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
•The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
•Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
•You must not make any technical changes to the device.
•The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner,
no abrasives or solvents.
•The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
•Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not
use the device.
•Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
•The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under
any circumstances.
•Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.
We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of
business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments.The contact details can be found at
the end of this manual.

© PCE Instruments
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2 General description
•Customised curve for a specific testing material
•OLED display of 128×32 matrix
•Converts to all common hardness scales (HV ,HB,HRC,HRB,HRA,HS)
•Easy to use menu system
•With miniUSB interface, multiple communication modes are adopted to meet
customized requirements of various users
•Max. 600 groups of data can be stored in memory
•Upper and lower limit of hardness can be preset; with alarm
•Test values software calibration function
•Working voltage:3.7 V rechargeable Li-Ion battery
•Continuous working period: approx. 50 h
•Can be used with impact device Type C, DC, G, D+15, DL, E
•Smart and skid-proof design
•Charging indicator
3 Main applications
•Direct measurement of heavy workpieces and permanently installed parts
•Measurements during production process, especially in mass production
•Material identification of metal materials
•Failure analysis of pressure vessels
•Bearings and other parts
•Testing of parts in confined or hard-to-access areas

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4 Technical specifications
Hardness measuring range by
material
Cast steel
HRC: 19.8 ... 68.5
HRB: 59.6 ... 99.6
HRA: 59.1 ... 85.8
HB: 80 ... 651
HV: 83 ... 976
HS: 32.2 ... 115
Hammered steel
HB: 143 ... 650
Cold-rolled steel
HRC: 20.4 ... 67.1
HV: 80 ... 898
Stainless steel
HRB: 45.5 ... 101.7
HB: 85 ... 655
HV: 85 ... 802
Cast iron
HB: 93 ... 334
Ductile iron
HB: 131 ... 387
Aluminum alloy
HRB: 23.8 ... 84.6
HB: 19 ... 164
Brass
HRB: 13.5 ... 95.3
HB: 40 ... 173
Bronze
HB: 60 ... 290
Forged copper alloy
HB: 45 ... 315
General specifications
Accuracy
± 6 HL at 730 ... 790 HL
± 10 HL at 490 ... 570 HL
Repeatability
6 HL at 730 ... 790 HL
10 HL at 490 ... 570 HL
Total measuring range
170 ... 960 HL
Hardness scales
HL (HLD): Leeb (Type D impact device)
HB: Brinell
HRC: Rockwell C
HRB: Rockwell B
HRA: Rockwell A
HV: Vickers
HS: Shore
Impact device
Type D
Measuring direction
360°
Display
128 x 32 OLED
Data storage
Internal memory saves up to 600 readings
Power supply
Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery
Battery life
Approx. 50 hours
Data interface
Mini USB
Dimensions
Approx. 153 x 54 x 24 mm / 6.02 x 2.13 x 0.95
in
Weight
Approx. 250 g / < 1 lb
5 Delivery contents
1 x durometer PCE-950, 1 x brush, 1 x miniature adapter, 1 x USB cable, 1 x power supply, 1 x
test block, 1 x user manual, 1 x carrying case

© PCE Instruments
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6 Optional adaptors
No.
Order
code
Image
Description
1
HK16.5-
30
Adaptor to measure spherical surfaces as
for example in mould making. Enables
centering and prevents slipping and
resulting measurement errors. Radius:
16,.5 ... 30 mm
2
HK11-13
Adaptor to measure spherical surfaces as
for example in mould making. Enables
centering and prevents slipping and
resulting measurement errors. Radius: 11
... 13 mm
3
Z25-50
Adaptor to measure outer radii, e. g. on
round steel and pipes. Enables centering
and prevents slipping and resulting
measurement errors. Radius: 25 ... 50 mm
4
Z10-15
Adaptor to measure outer radii, e. g. on
round steel and pipes. Enables centering
and prevents slipping and resulting
measurement errors. Radius: 10 ... 15 mm

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5
HZ12.5-
17
Adaptor to measure inner radii, e. g. in
pipes and tanks. Enables centering and
prevents slipping and resulting
measurement errors. Radius: 12.5 ... 17
mm
7 Optional external impact devices
The external impact devices just have to be connected to the device. The device will recognize
them automatically (for connection, see device description).
No.
Order code
Type
1
SG-D
D, 1800 HV
2
SG-G
G, 1800 HV
3
SG-DL
DL, 1800 HV
4
SG-C
C, 1800 HV
5
SG-D+15
D + 15, 1800 HV
6
SG-DC
DC, 1800 HV

© PCE Instruments
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8 Device description
8.1 Device
1 On/Off key 2 MiniUSB connection
3 Release button 4 Loading sheath
5 Charging LED 6 Connection external impact device
7 OLED display 8 Operating keys:
Arrow keys –move cursor
MENU/OK –Main menu/confirm
8.2 Main screen
1 Alarm upper limit 2 Reading
3 No. of measurements 4 Battery level indication
5 Alarm lower limit 6 Hardness scale
7 Impact direction

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Upper / lower limit alarm
When measured value is over/below the limit, the icon will be full.
Measured value
Current measured value (without “AVE”) or current average value (with “AVE”) will be displayed.
The average value can only be displayed if the desired no. of impacts has been set in advance.
If ↑is displayed, this means that the measured value exceeds the measurement range / the
convertible range. If ↓is displayed, this means that the measured value is below the measurement
range / the convertible range.
No. of measurements
The number of measurements is displayed here. The no. of measurements after which the
average value is shown can be set previously in the menu.
Battery level indication
The battery icon shows the current battery level.
Hardness scale
The hardness scale currently used is shown here.
Impact direction
The current impact direction is displayed here.
No.
Type
ofimpactdevice
hardness
value of
standard
Leeb
hardness
block
Error
ofdisplayedvalue
Repeatabilityofdisplayedvalue
1
D
760±30HLD
530±40HLD
±6 HLD
±10 HLD
6 HLD
10 HLD
9 Operation
9.1 Preparation prior to testing
•If the surface to be tested is too rough, measuring errors can occur. The surface of the
sample must be smooth, flat, and free from oil or grease.
•Curved surfaces: Make sure that the testing surface of workpiece is plane. When the
radius of curvature R of the curved surface to be tested is less than 30 mm，a small
support ring or should be used.

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•When the sample is magnetic, this can falsify the result.
•When the sample weighs over 5 kg, a support is needed.
•Samples made of profile material or with thin wall thicknesses and parts weighing
between 2 and 5 kg need a support of more than 5 kg which must be tightly and evenly
coupled with the sample to avoid deformations caused by the impact of the impact
device or by vibrations.
•Samples with a weight below 2 kg also have to be coupled tightly and evenly to a
support of more than 5 kg. The surface between the sample and the support should be
even and smooth. Apply an adequate but not an excessive amount of coupling agent
to these surfaces.
•The minimum weight of a sample should always be 100 g.
•The minimum thickness of the sample is 3 mm.
•The hardness penetration depth of hardened parts must be at least 0.8 mm.
•To avoid errors caused by rough surfaces, the surface should be polished and have a
roughness Ra <2 µm or Rz <l0 µm
9.2 Testing the accuracy
A standard Leeb hardness block should be used to verify the accuracy of the portable hardness
tester and themesasurement error and repeatability should not exceed the values in the following
chart.
No.
Type of impact
device
Hardness value of standard Leeb
hardnesss test block
Accuracy
Repeatability
1
D
760±30HLD
530±40HLD
±6 HLD
±10 HLD
6 HLD
10 HLD
Note: It is recommended that you take a minimum of 5 tests and obtain your average. That value
should be within the tolerance shown in the chart above. If the value exceeds this tolerance, you
must send the device to PCE Instruments for calibration.
9.3 Measurement
Press the On/Off key to turn on the device. The following will be shown on the screen:
The device will automatically enter measurement mode.
Push down the loading sheath to lock the impact body. Now place the device with the support
ring on the surface of test sample. The direction of impact should be vertical with the testing
surface. Make sure that the meter is placed firmly on the test surface and push down the release
button on the top of the device to make a measurement. Five measurements should be carried
out per measuring point of the test sample. The deviation of the mean value should not exceed
the values in the chart.
PCE950
Hardness Tester

© PCE Instruments
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The distance between any two indentations, or the distance between any indentation center and
the edge of the test sample should be in accordance with the specifications in the following chart:
Type of impact
device
The distance of two
indentation centers
The distance between indentation center
and edge of test piece
No less than
No less than
D
3
5
9.4 How the results are displayed
⚫The hardness value will be displayed ahead of the unit HL (Leeb hardness), followed by
the type of impact device. For example, 700 HLD expresses that the Leeb hardness is
700 and was measured by means a D-type impact device.
⚫For values converted into other hardness units, the corresponding hardness scale should
be added ahead of Leeb hardness abbreviation. For example, 400HVHLD expresses that
the Vickers hardness value is 400, which was converted from the Leeb hardness value,
measured by a D-type impact device.
9.5 Information on hardness scales
•Not all materials can be converted into every hardness scale. The hardness scale will
return to Leeb hardness (HL) automatically after the material has been changed.
Therefore, the material must be selected first when setting the measurement
parameters, and the hardness scale should be set next.

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10 Menu structure
When you are in measurement mode, press the MENU/OK key to enter the main menu. Here you
can set all parameters.
11 Settings
Function overview
Press the MENU/OK key to enter the main menu.
You can move the cursor by using the arrow keys. With the MENU/OK key, you can select a
function.
Save Average
Delete Single
Cal.Average
MemoryManager
Test Set
System Set
About software
Exit

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Function
Description
Save Average
Savest he measured average.
Delete Single
Deletes individual data measured to
calculate the average.
Cal. Average
Calculates the average of individual
measurement results.
MemoryManager
View From No.1
All measured values (averages)
View From End
All measured values from new to old
View From No.
Here you can set what measurements you
want to view.
Print
Function not yet available
Delete By No.
Here you can delete certain measurements
Delete All
All measured data are deleted from the
memory
Exit
11.1 Save Average
This function is used to save the current average value. This function is only available if you have
made as many measurements as previously set under Test Set –Average or via the
“Cal.Average” function that stops the measurement immediately.
11.2 Delete Single
If you wish to delete the displayed measured value or average value, go to “Delete Single”, use
the arrow keys to select “Yes” or “No”. The latter applies if you decide not to delete the value.
11.3 Cal. Average
This function is to calculate the average value and to terminate the test.
11.4 Memory Manager
Use the MENU/OK key to go to the main menu.

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Save Average
Delete Single
Cal.Average
MemoryManager
Test Set
System Set
About software
Exit
Navigation
Deletion
Navigatethroughthedata byusingthearrow
keys. To return to the last page, press the
MENU/OK key.
Use the arrow keys to select the file to be
deleted and confirm with the MENU/OK key.
Select „Yes“ by using the arrow keys and
confirm with MENU/OK.
11.5 Test Set
.
Press the MENU/OK key to enter the main menu. Press the arrow keys to move the cursor and
press MENU/OK to select “Test Set”. Move the cursor to the parameter you wish to set and press
MENU/OK.
Impact Direction
Press the arrow keys to select the impact
direction and confirm with MENU/OK.
Impact Direc.
Average
Material
Hardness Scale
Tolerance Limit
Exit
View From No.1: 0001
:
No.001 01/17 789HL
No.002 01/17 517HL
No.003 01/17 788HL
No.004 01/17 522HL
Confirm delete
Yes No
File No. 1: 0001

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Average
Here you can set the no. of impacts /
measurements to calculate the average. You
can select a no. between 1 and 10. The
number can be changed using the arrow
keys, At the end, confirm with the MENU/OK
key.
Material
Press the arrow keys to select a material and
confirm with MENU/OK.
Note: When a new material is measured, the
value will automatically be displayed in HL:
Therefore, it is important to first select the
material and then the hardness scale.
Hardness Scale
Press the arrow keys to select a hardness
scale. Press MENU/OK to confirm.
Note: Only provide hardness scales that are
available for the selected material. When a
new material is measured, the value will
automatically be displayed in HL: Therefore,
it is important to first select the material and
then the hardness scale.
Tolerance Limit
Change the lower and upper limit with the
arrow keys and use the MENU/OK key to get
to the next digit. When the last digit has been
set, you will enter measurement mode.
Note: When the value set exceeds the
measurement range, you will be asked to set
it again.When theMin value exceeds the Max
value, Min and Max will be swapped.
11.6 System Setting
Key Sound On（OFF）
Auto Save On （OFF）
Auto Delete On(OFF)
Auto Trans.On(OFF)
LCD Brightness
Time Date Set
Exit
Save Average
Delete Single
Cal.Average
MemoryManager
Test Set
System Set
About software
Exit
Min Max
0960
0170
Cast steel
CWT.Steel
STAIN. Steel
GC.Iron
NC.Iron
Cast Alumin
Copper-Zinc
Copper-alumin
Wrought Copper
MeanTimes:
10
HV HB HRC
HS HRB HRA
HL

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Warn Sound
Here you can enable or disable the alarm tones. Use the MENU/OK key to enable or disable the
function.
Key Sound
Here you can enable or disable key sounds. Use the MENU/OK key to enable or disable the
function.
Auto Save
This function allows automatic saving of the averages. Use the MENU/OK key to enable ordisable
the function.
Auto Delete
If you enable this function, the system will automatically delete those test results that are out of
range. The deleted values need to be replaced by making the same number of measurements as
values deleted. Use the MENU/OK key to enable or disable the function.
Auto Transfer
After the average is calculated, the data can be transferred in text format to a computer
automatically via the USB cable. Use the MENU/OK key to enable or disable the function.
LCD Brightness
Use the arrow keys to set the brightness of the display. Confirm with MENU/OK:
Time Date Set
Press the arrow keys to select the menu item
Time Date Set. Press MENU/OK to confirm.
Press MENU/OK to move the cursor to the
next digit and change it by using the arrow
keys. At the end, press MENU/OK to confirm.
11.7 About software
Press MENU/OK to enterthe main menu. Use
the arrow keys to select the menu item “About
Software” and confirm with MENU/OK.
In this menu item, you will find some
information about the device, including the
serial number and the software version. To
navigate, use the arrow keys. By pressing the
MENU/OK key, you return to the
measurement mode.
Save Average
Delete Single
Cal.Average
MemoryManager
Test Set
System Set
About software
Exit
Hardness tester
SN：
Time Date Set
08/08/2010 06:48

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11.8 Exit
Via this menu item, you can leave the menu.
12 Calibration
The device needs to be calibrated before first
use or after a long period of non-use.
Press and hold the On/Off key and the arrow
keys at the same time to enter the calibration
screen. Set the impact direction【↓】and
make 5 measurements of the test block that
comes with the meter.
The meter will then display the average value.
Use the arrow keys to enter the standard
value which you can find on the test block.
Press MENU/OK to finish the calibration. The
accuracy is ±6HL.
13 Battery recharging
This icon (flashing) indicates low battery. Recharge the battery to avoid the device
switching off automatically.
14 Automatic Shut Off
The auto shut off function is designed to save battery power.
➢The battery will automatically shut off after 5 minutes of inactivity.
➢The screen will flash for 20 seconds before automatic shut off. Press any button other than
the On/Off key to terminate the shutting off.
➢When the battery is too low, the system will be shut off automatically and the battery icon
will flash.
15 Connection to the computer
- Switch on the device.
- Install the driver and the software on your computer. Both can be found on the USB
pen drive.
- Connect the device to the computer, using the USB cable.
- Open the software and click “CONN” in the lower part of the software screen so that
the software recognises the device.
- Now you can load your measurements and view them as graphics by clicking “READ”
or “LOAD.”
Calibration
0/5 times
Average = 550
Nominal =
550

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16 Conversion chart
Material
HL
HRC
HRB
HB
HS
HV
30D2
10D2
Cast steel
300 ~
900
20.0 ~
68.0
38.4 ~ 99.5
80 ~ 647
32.5 ~
99.5
80 ~ 940
CWT steel
300 ~
840
20.4 ~
67.1
80 ~ 898
Stainless steel
300 ~
800
19.6 ~
62.4
46.5 ~
101.7
85 ~ 655
80 ~ 802
Grey cast iron
360 ~
650
93 ~ 334
Nodular cast
iron
400 ~
660
131 ~
387
Cast aluminium
174 ~
560
20 ~
159
Copper zinc
200 ~
550
13.5 ~ 95.3
40 ~
173
Copper alum.
300 ~
700
60 ~
290
Wrought
copper
200 ~
690
45 ~
315
17 Maintenance
17.1 Troubleshooting
Failure
Cause
Solution
Failure in starting
Battery empty
Recharge battery
No measuring value
Probe wire open circuit
Replace probe wire
Value is inaccurate
Calibration data loss
Repeat calibration
17.2 Other maintenance
➢For every 1000-2000 impact, use nylon brush to clean the pipe/tube and the impact body
of the impact device. Take the supporting ringand the impact bodyoff, insert andtwist nylon
brush counterclockwise to the bottom and pull back. Repeat for 5 times and re-install the
supporting ring and the impact body.
➢Keep the impact body released after use.
➢Using of any kind of lubricant is strictly prohibited in the impact device.
➢When calibrating error is more than 2 HRC, it might be necessary to replace the test tip or
the impact body. Contact PCE Instruments.
➢The impact body, the supporting ring and the loading sheath are excluded from the
warranty.

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18 Warranty
You can read our warranty terms in our General Business Terms which you can find here:
https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/terms.
19 Disposal
For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/ECdirective 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.
For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with
your local waste regulations.
If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

© PCE Instruments
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PCE Instruments contact information
Germany France Spain
PCE Deutschland GmbH PCE Instruments France EURL PCE Ibérica S.L.
Im Langel 4 23, rue de Strasbourg Calle Mayor, 53
D-59872 Meschede 67250 SOULTZ-SOUS-FORETS 02500 Tobarra (Albacete)
Deutschland France España
Tel.: [phone] Téléphone: [phone] Tel. : [phone]
Fax: [phone] Numéro de fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/french www.pce-instruments.com/espanol
United States of America United Kingdom Italy
PCE Americas Inc. PCE Instruments UK Ltd PCE Italia s.r.l.
711 Commerce Way suite 8 Unit 11Southpoint Business Park ViaPesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6
Jupiter / Palm Beach Ensign Way, Southampton 55010 LOC. GRAGNANO
33458 FL Hampshire CAPANNORI (LUCCA)
USA United Kingdom, SO31 4RF Italia
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone] Telefono: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[email protected] [e-mail] [email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/us www.pce-instruments.com/english www.pce-instruments.com/italiano
The Netherlands Chile Hong Kong
PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE Instruments Chile S.A. PCE Instruments HK Ltd.
Institutenweg 15 RUT: 76.154.057-2 Unit J, 21/F., COS Centre
7521 PH Enschede Santos Dumont 738, local 4 56 Tsun Yip Street
Nederland Comuna de Recoleta, Santiago, Chile Kwun Tong
Telefoon: [phone] Tel. : [phone] Kowloon, Hong Kong
Fax: +31 (0) 53 - 430 36 46 Fax: [phone] Tel: [phone]
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch www.pce-instruments.com/chile www.pce-instruments.cn
China Turkey
PCE (Beijing) Technology Co.,Ltd PCE TeknikCihazlarıLtd.Şti.
1519 Room, 6 Building HalkalıMerkezMah.
Men Tou Gou Xin Cheng, PehlivanSok. No.6/C
Men Tou Gou District 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
102300 Beijing Türkiye
China Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone] Faks: 0212 705 53 93
[email protected] [email protected]
www.pce-instruments.cn www.pce-instruments.com/turkish