PCE Instruments 3000 Series User manual

© PCE Instruments
PCE-3000 Series Durometer
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: 17 May 2019
v1.2
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
1Safety notes........................................................................................... 1
2Applications........................................................................................... 2
3Specifications........................................................................................ 2
3.1 Calibration scales .............................................................................................................2
3.2 The limits of permissible basic error of measurement........................................................2
3.3 Working conditions ...........................................................................................................2
3.4 Dimensions and weight.....................................................................................................2
3.5 Power supply....................................................................................................................2
3.6 Requirements of the material to be tested.........................................................................3
4Delivery contents .................................................................................. 3
5Principle of operation........................................................................... 3
5.1 Rebound method..............................................................................................................3
5.2 UCI method ......................................................................................................................4
6Preparations for operation................................................................... 4
6.1 Battery supply...................................................................................................................4
6.2 Connection of probes........................................................................................................4
7Basics of operation............................................................................... 5
7.1 Keys.................................................................................................................................5
7.2 Selection of measurement method....................................................................................5
8Operation ............................................................................................... 5
8.1 Preparation of the test material.........................................................................................5
8.2 Features of the measurement methods.............................................................................6
8.3 Device menu.....................................................................................................................6
9Hardness measurement .....................................................................11
9.1 Using of the UCI method.................................................................................................11
9.2 Using of the Rebound (Leeb) method .............................................................................14
10 Measurement modes ..........................................................................15
10.1 Normal mode..................................................................................................................15
10.2 Statistics mode...............................................................................................................15
10.3 Smart mode....................................................................................................................16
10.4 Signal mode....................................................................................................................16

© PCE Instruments
11 Calibration ........................................................................................... 17
11.1 Main calibration ..............................................................................................................17
11.2 Calibration of rebound (Leeb) probe ...............................................................................19
11.3 User (additional) calibration ............................................................................................21
12 Technical maintenance, special conditions of operation...............23
12.1 General...........................................................................................................................23
12.2 Probe maintenance.........................................................................................................23
12.3 Handheld device maintenance........................................................................................23
12.4 Battery maintenance.......................................................................................................23
12.5 Storage...........................................................................................................................24
12.6 Transportation ................................................................................................................24
12.7 Putting into operation after storage and transportation....................................................24
12.8 Special operation conditions...........................................................................................24
13 Warranty............................................................................................... 25
14 Disposal ............................................................................................... 25

© 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 themanual are excluded from our liability and not
covered by our warranty.
•The device must only be used as described in this 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 sink the hardness tester into any liquids. If the hardness tester gets wet, take the
battery out and leave for 24 hours to get dry. If the hardness tester is used under the
increased humidity or dust conditions, place the information processing unit into the
plastic bag. After work period is over, it is mandatory to get the hardness tester dry.
•Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
•Do not expose the hardness tester to aggressive chemical medium.
•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.
•Always check the integrity of the cables, Information processing unit and probes. Provide
immediate replacement of the damaged parts by the original ones. This job shall be
performed by skilled personnel.
•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
2
2 Applications
The hardness tester PCE-3000U / PCE-3000UL is handy, easy to operate and can carry out tests
quickly without any difficulties.
Hardness tester PCE-3000U / PCE-3000UL is mainly suitable:
• for measurement hardness of low and non-alloyed steels;
• for measurement hardness of high-alloyed steels;
• for measurement hardness of nonferrous metals.
3 Specifications
3.1 Calibration scales
Device has 20 calibration scales of hardness that conventionally divided into four scales and five
materials for each:
Each of the scales can be additionally calibrated by 1 or 2 points. Also, the unit measures in Leeb
scale (with rebound probe) and Tensilestrength, through the automatic recalculation from theBrinell
scale.
3.2 The limits of permissible basic error of measurement
Hardness scale
Error (%)
Rockwell C
± 1.5
Brinell
± 3.0
Vickers
± 3.0
Leeb
± 3.0
Tensile strength
Not rated
3.3 Working conditions
-20 …+40 °C
3.4 Dimensions and weight
Part
Dimensions / weight
Hand-held device incl. batteries
136 x 75 x 33 mm
250 g
UCI probe
Ø25х140 mm
100 g
Rebound probe
Ø20х150 mm
100 g
3.5 Power supply
Powered by two rechargeable 1.2 V Ni-MH batteries (1000 mAh). To save battery power, make use
of the Auto Power Off function in the menu.

© PCE Instruments
3
3.6 Requirements of the material to be tested
Surface roughness, not more than
UCI (10N) probe U1 (optional)
UCI (50N) probe U1 (standard package)
Rebound probe D1 (CE-3000UL only)
1.5 Ra
2.5 Ra
3.2 Ra
Radius of curvature of the surface
UCI probe U1
Rebound probe D1
5.0 mm
10.0 mm
Weight of the test material, not less than
UCI probe U1
Rebound probe D1
0.1 kg
5.0 kg
Thickness of the test material, not less than
UCI probe U1
Rebound probe D1
1.0 mm
10.0 mm
4 Delivery contents
1 x UCI hardness tester PCE-3000U or PCE-3000UL
1 x 50 N UCI probe
1 x rebound probe (PCE-3000UL)
2 x rechargeable 1.2 V Ni-MH battery (1000 mAh)
1 x charger
1 x user manual
1 x USB cable
1 x carrying case
The software can be downloaded here:
https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/download-win_4.htm
5 Principle of operation
5.1 Rebound method
Rebound probe consists of an impact body and the capture. The impact body has a carbide tip and
a permanent magnet for generating a voltage pulse; the impact device has a spring mechanism for
loading and impelling the impact body, and an induction coil for detecting the magnet in the impact
body. In the rebound hardness testing method, the speed variation caused by the impact of the
impact body against the material surface is measured.
The impact energy is adjusted via the spring for the measurement. The impact body contained in
the tube of the impact device is impelled against the test surface by means of the release button. In
the course of this, the magnet of the impact body induces in the coil a voltage signal whose height
is proportional to the impact phase speed. The impact causes a plastic deformation of the material
and a permanent spherical indentation is produced in the surface. This plastic deformation leads to
a loss of energy of the impact body and thus to a lower speed after the actual rebound phase.
The speed ratio is determined exactly at the moment of impact/rebound by means of the special
signal processing. The speed ratio is therefore unaffected by the impact direction. As opposed to
this, other rebound hardness testers require presetting of the impact direction in fixed steps
(influence of gravitation on the speed ratio) - which constitutes a considerable disadvantage with
frequently changing test positions.

© PCE Instruments
4
5.2 UCI method
The Vickers diamond is fixed to the tip of a roundmetal rod. This metal rod is excited, to its resonant
frequency of approx. 78 kHz, into longitudinal oscillations. When the Vickers diamond contacts the
sample surface, the resonant frequency will change. This change happens in relation to the size of
the indent area from the Vickers diamond. The size, in turn, is a measure for the hardness of the
tested material. Resonant frequencies can be measured very accurately. This is why the UCI
method is suited to make the evaluation of Vickers indents, and thus of the complete test procedure,
so much easier and quicker.
There are also two additional advantages:
- the measurement is made under load. (No impairment of the measurement due to elastic
resilience);
- the hardness measurement is based on the area of the indent and not on the length of the indent
diagonals.
The measurement is thus less affected by surface roughness; even gunmetal-finished surfaces can
be measured.
Concerning the UCI method, the measurement value is also dependent on the Young’s modulus of
the material.
6 Preparations for operation
6.1 Battery supply
The hardness tester PCE-3000U / PCE-3000UL is powered by two 1.2 V Ni-MH batteries (1000
mAh) which can be charged by using the included charger.
NOTE! The batteries must be fully charged before first use.
Use of rechargeable batteries:
Open the battery compartment. Insert the batteries, observing the correct polarity. Close the battery
compartment.
Used or defective batteries are special refuse and must be disposed of according to the governing
laws!
6.2 Connection of probes
Socket for the probe is at the top of the information processing unit. Connect the probe cable to the
PCE-3000U / PCE-3000UL socket in accordance with the marks on the connector.

© PCE Instruments
5
7 Basics of operation
7.1 Keys
Key
Description
Function
On / off
- Switch meter on/off
- Select option 1
OK
Select option 2
Mode
Select measuring mode
SEL
Select hardness scale
Up
Selection up
Down
Selection down
7.2 Selection of measurement method
7.2.1 Rebound method
This method is appropriate for:
- testing objects weighing more than 5 kg and a wall thickness more than 10 mm;
- massive products, products with a coarse-grained structure, forged and cast products;
- testing objects with minimal preparation of the surface.
7.2.2 UCI method
This method is appropriate for:
- testing objects with low mass and small wall thickness;
- testing objects with a glossy surface (with special requirements to the minimum size of the
imprint);
- surfaces of the testing objects with hardened layers.
8 Operation
8.1 Preparation of the test material
The surface must be clean and free of oil, grease and dust.
The surface roughness of the material shouldmeet the requirements of a specific probe (paragraph
3.6).

© PCE Instruments
6
8.2 Features of the measurement methods
8.2.1 UCI method
Distinct reading variations may especially occur with a mass lower than 0.1 kg and a specimen
thickness of less than 1 mm if the test material is excited to resonance or sympathetic oscillations.
Otherwise, such test materials must be fixed to a solid base, e.g. using a viscous paste. The same
applies to the hardness test blocks.
8.2.2 Rebound method
With smaller and less heavy test objects, the impact effect of the impact device may cause vibrations
which could produce distorted measurement results.
- Test objects weighing less than 2 kg must in any case be fixed to the support using couplant so
that there are no any vibrations.
- Test objects weighing between 2 kg and 5 kg must be placed on a large metal support (e. g. a
table) in such a way that they are not moved or caused to vibrate by the impact.
8.3 Device menu
After connecting the probe, press and hold the on / off key.
Then, you get to the main menu of the device:
The menu consists of 6 sections:
1. Measuring
2. Calibration
3. Archive
4. Settings
5. Memory card
6. Information
Scroll through the menu using the Up and Down keys. For entering, press the OK key (soft key
SELECT).

© PCE Instruments
7
8.3.1 Measuring
Selecting Measuring, you go to the measurement of hardness mode, depending on the probe at
the top of the screen will display the angle of the probe (for rebound probe), or the state of the
diamond indenter (for UCI probe).
For a detailed description of the measurement of hardness, see paragraph 9.
8.3.2 Calibration
Selecting Calibration, you go to the table of calibrations where the scale conventionally divided into
four hardness scales: Rockwell (HRC), Brinell (HB), Vickers (HV), User (U1). Each of the scales can
be calibrated to 5 conventional materials: Steel (ST), Alloy Steel (AST), Stainless steel (SST), Cast
Iron (CI), User material (U1).
Detailed description of the calibration process, see paragraph 11.
8.3.3 Archive
Selecting Archive you go to the list of saved measurements, which displays Measurement name,
Scale, Material and Average Value.
You can save up to 1024 measurements.
Scroll through the list using the Up and Down keys.

© PCE Instruments
8
8.3.4 Settings
Selecting Settings you go to the settings menu, there are 2:
- Measurement settings:
- Device settings:
8.3.4.1 Measurement settings
By selecting Measurement settings you can configure the following settings:
Result: displaying measurement results can be Current (display instantaneous values of
measurements) and Average (unit accumulates the series of measurements and display average
value of hardness).
Tolerance, %: This parameter is used only for Smart mode. Set the % value adjusts the range of
deviations of measurements to be included in the calculation of the average for the series in Smart
mode. Detailed description of the Smart mode, see paragraph 10.3.
Retro: allows you to return to the measurement mode with saved last measurements after restarting
of the device.

© PCE Instruments
9
8.3.4.2 Device settings
Language: selection language of the device menu (available: English, Russian, Spanish and
French).
Brightness: setting the brightness of the backlight.
Sound: there are 4 modes of device sound (Off, Key, Measurement, Key and Measurement)
Auto Off: setting of the automatic shutdown device when it is not in use.
8.3.5 Memory card
Selecting Memory Card you go to the menu of memory.
8.3.5.1 Create backup copies of calibrations
After calibration of the probe is recommended to create a backup copy of the calibration (usually the
manufacturer makes the calibration of 1-2 scales, to check the probe). This is done in order to be
able to resume adequate calibration after incorrect settings in the future.
8.3.5.2 Load backup copies of calibration
After the initial save of calibrations you can always download it to theprobe. This function is needed
for the resumption of adequate calibration in case of wrong settings of the probe.

© PCE Instruments
10
8.3.5.3 Clear SD card
Clearing saved records in the archive, after clearing SD card the archive will be empty.
8.3.5.4 Memory state
This menu displays the total, used and empty memory cells.
8.3.6 Information
In this menu you can see the serial number of the meter and the probe(s), the firmware version and
the number of measurements you can make until the meter needs to be re-calibrated.

© PCE Instruments
11
9 Hardness measurement
9.1 Using of the UCI method
The design of UCI Probe is shown in Figure 1a. Probe has a special removable collapsible nozzle
with the puck (Figure 1b). The puck provides the convenience of positioning the probe relative to
the testing object and a clip for the measurements
1a
1 –Probe’s body
2 –Collapsible nozzle
3 –Puck
4 –Place for fingers
1b
1 –Probe’s body
2 –Nozzle main part
3 –Puck
4 –Protective tube
5 –Diamond

© PCE Instruments
12
One side of the puck is flat to using probe on flat surfaces. Another side has grooves for using a
probe on cylindrical surfaces.
It is marked slots designed for ease of measurement of hardness on cylindrical products of various
diameters. Probe with demounted nozzle is usually using to measure hardness in difficult places,
such as narrow or deep groove.
The probe may be removed from the nozzle is used for measuring the hardness in the narrow and
hard to reach places.
2
Turn on the hardness tester by pressing the On / off key and select the measurement mode by
pressing the Mode key. Detailed description of the modes, see paragraph 10.
Then select the scale and material hardness for which there is a proper calibration(How to calibrate
device see paragraph 11). For select the hardness scales press the SEL key and chose the scale
by using the Up and Down keys. Then press SEL and choose the material.
During themeasurement you can select otherhardness scale. The displayedmeasurement reading
will be converted according with the new hardness scale if it is calibrated.
NOTE! Calibration of UCI probe is carried out by the direct method, so the conversion is carried out
on the basis of pre-calibration, and does not correspond to any standard.
Install the probe puck on the sample surface, keeping it in the tough skirt as shown in Figure 3a. By
clicking on the skirt thrust both hands to bring the diamond tip of the probe perpendicularly to the
sample surface to the touch (Figure 3b). Slowly (in about 0.5 seconds) by pressing with a force of
(5 or 1 kg depending on probe type) thrust skirt, push the diamond tip into the metal surface,
preventing swinging (Figure 3c). After the beep, remove the probe from the tested object.
State of the diamond indenter (ready for
measurement)
Material
Scale

© PCE Instruments
13
3
The display shows the value of hardness. The result of measurement is displayed on the display
until the next measurement.
WARNING! Not allowed a sharp click and scratching sample by indenter, this may lead to exceeding
the allowable value of error and damage the diamond indenter.
NOTE! The "exciter" in the probe is powered from the batteries. If thebatteries are depleted you will
get erratic test results.
You can get the value of the current measurement or the average for the series of measurements,
depending on the settings in Measurement settings menu Current or Average:
a
b
c
This symbol indicates that
the diamond indenter is in
contact with the testing
object or device is not ready
for the next measurement

© PCE Instruments
14
After the measurement, you can save measurement (series of measurements) in the archive by
pressing SAVE with the OK key.
Move the cursor over the keyboard with the Up and Down keys and selecting a symbol by
pressing the OK key. Then select SAVE by cursor. The record is stored in the archive.
9.2 Using of the Rebound (Leeb) method
Select scale and material with the existing calibration. Load the impact body using charging
mechanism.
Press the Up and Down keys to set the angle of the measurement. Fixed angle is displayed in the
upper part of the display.
Position of the probe perpendicular to the ground plane corresponds to the angle 0°.
Place the rebound probe vertically onto the test surface and press it slightly against the surface.
Charge the impact body by a charging mechanism pressing the probe enclosure until the clicks, as
shown below:
4
Measurement
angle

© PCE Instruments
15
Press the release button on top of the impact device by finger of your free hand.
After pressing the shutter release button and the impact body hitting in the area of measurement
sounds a beep and the display shows the value of measured hardness.
WARNING! The minimum distance between the imprints of measurements must be not less than 3
mm.
10 Measurement modes
To select the measurement mode, go to Measurement and press the Mode key. The device will
offer you the following measurement modes:
- NORM –normal operation mode;
- STAT –statistics mode;
- SMART –mode of filter incorrect measurements;
- SYGNAL –the display signal mode (only for Leeb).
To select the measurement mode, press the Mode key.
10.1 Normal mode
In normal mode, the device displays the current measurement value or average of series of
measurements, depending on selected the Current or Average in Measurement settings menu:
10.2 Statistics mode
Statistics mode allows to monitoring the following parameters of measurement series:
- Maximum;
- Minimum;
- Deviation;
- Average;
- Number of measurements.

© PCE Instruments
16
10.3 Smart mode
Smart mode allows the user to identify the general sequence of measurements. The device selects
the first three series of measurements that do not exceed the specified tolerance. After that, the
following measurements that exceed a given tolerance will be excluded from the series and will not
be taken into account when calculating the average of the series.
Filled with the color readings indicate that the device has fixed the general sequence and Smart
mode is active.
To set the tolerance of Smart Mode, go to Measurement Settings:
And set the percentage tolerance values from 1 to 10.
10.4 Signal mode
Mode is active only for Leeb probe and shows the voltage produced during the impact and rebound
of impact body. M is the maximum value of the conditional code number which corresponds to the
received signal.