PCE Instruments PCE-2600N User manual

© PCE Instruments
PCE-2500N/PCE-2600N Hardness Tester
User Manual
User manuals in various languages (français,
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Last change: 16 May 2018
v1.0
English

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Contents
1Safety notes........................................................................................... 1
2Features ................................................................................................. 2
3Delivery contents.................................................................................. 2
4Measuring principle .............................................................................. 2
5Device description ................................................................................4
6Technical specifications ...................................................................... 7
7Operation ............................................................................................... 8
7.1 Preparation of sample surface.......................................................................................... 8
7.2 Stabilisation of the sample................................................................................................ 9
7.3 Prior to first measurement............................................................................................. 9
7.4 Power on......................................................................................................................... 9
7.5 Charging......................................................................................................................... 9
7.6 Measurement..................................................................................................................10
7.7 Readings displayed.......................................................................................................10
8Calibration ........................................................................................... 12
9Battery replacement............................................................................ 12
10 Additional information........................................................................12
10.1 Specifications of impact device ...................................................................................12
10.2 Sample requirements....................................................................................................12
10.5 Conversion chart HLD/HLDL............................................................................................ 1
11 Warranty.................................................................................................1
12 Disposal ................................................................................................. 1

© PCE Instruments
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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 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 expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
•Avoid dust, strong magnetic fields, oil, etc.
•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.

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2 Features
•128*64 OLED display;
•Micro USB storage device can be connected directly;
•Memory for 600 average values and 6 files;
•Limit alarm;
•Auto Power Off when battery is low;
•Easy-to-read display, clear digits
•Rechargeable Li-Ion battery
•Applications: ball bearings and other parts, fault analysis of pressure vessels, steam
turbine generators and plants, heavy workpieces, mechanical and permanently
installed parts, limited space
3 Delivery contents
1 x hardness tester PCE-2500N or PCE-2600N
1 x charging cable
1 x test block
1 x cleaning brush
1 x user manual
1 x carrying case
4 Measuring principle
The LEEB method of measurement was first used in 1978. It is defined as the quotient of the
rebound velocity of an impact body over its impact velocity, multiplied by 1000. The harder a
material surface, the higher the rebound velocity will be. The Leeb hardness value represents the
direct relation of a group of materials (e. g. steel, aluminium) to its hardness properties.
For the most common metals, conversion charts are available. These enable the user to convert
HL hardness values into other standard hardness units (HB, HV, HRC, etc.).
An impact body with a spherical measuring tip made of tungsten carbide is accelerated towards
the test surface and then rebounds. The impact and rebound velocities are measured at a
distance of 1 mm from the test surface, using the following method: a permanent magnet in the
impact body induces an electrical current into the coil when passing through the coil in the coil
holder. This electrical current is proportional to the velocities of themagnet. Leeb hardness values
can be calculated by using the following formula:
HL = 1000 x (VB / VA)
HL : Hardness according to Leeb
VB : Rebound velocity
VA : Impact velocity

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The voltage curve of the output signal when the impact body passes through the induction coil is
shown in the following figure:
If you measure the hardness of a material with the conventional static test method, the pressure
you apply will affect the reading, e. g. 720 HLD ≠ 720 HLC. Since different impact devices
correlate with different conversion charts when converting Leeb hardness values into other
hardness units, the impact device used should be indicated in addition to the converted value.

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5 Device description
PCE-2500N
1. Display
2. Keypad
3. Loading tube
4. D-type impact body (within guide tube)
5. Micro USB charging socket
6. Support ring
1
2
3
4
5
6

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PCE-2600N
1. Display
2. Loading tube
3. Keypad
4. DL-type impact body (within guide tube)
5. Micro USB charging socket
1
2
3
4
5

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Display
After switching on the device, it will show the main screen:
HL: Hardness scale
AVE: Average value
: Impact direction
Difference between PCE-2500N and PCE-2600N
•PCE-2500N has a D probe for even surfaces
•PCE-2600N has a DL probe for uneven, small surfaces
PCE-2500N
PCE-2600N

© PCE Instruments
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Keys
-On/Off
-Up
-Menu/Confirm
-Down
6 Technical specifications
Hardness scales
HL, HV, HRA, HRC, HRB, HB, HV, HS
Measurement ranges
170 … 960 HLD
17.9 … 69.5 HRC
19 … 683 HB
80 … 1042 HV
30.6 … 102.6 HS
59.1 … 88 HRA
13.5 … 101.7 HRB
Testable materials
Steel and cast steel, alloyed tool steel,
stainless steel, grey cast iron, spheroidal
graphite iron, cast aluminium, copper-zinc
alloy (brass), copper-tin alloy, copper
(bronze)
Accuracy
HLD: ±0.5% (800 HLD)
Repeatability
HLD: 0.8% (800 HLD)
Resolution
128 x 64 OLED display
Operating time
Approx. 10 h
Operating conditions
Temperature: 10 ~ 50 °C
Humidity max. 90 °C
Storage conditions
Temperature: -30 ~ 60 °C
Humidity max. 90 °C
Power supply
Rechargeable lithium battery
Dimensions
PCE-2500N: 148 x 32 x 25 mm
PCE-2600N: 205 x 32 x 25 mm
Weight
PCE-2500N: 64 g
PCE-2600N: 80 g

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7 Operation
Before using the device, read the information on calibration and about the factors that have an
effect on the measuring accuracy.
7.1 Preparation of sample surface
When preparing the sample, it is essential to observe the information given in the charts at the
end of this manual.
•When preparing the sample surface, bear in mind that heat, cold, etc. affect the
hardness of the surface to be tested.
•An excessively rough test surface can cause measurement errors. Therefore, the test
surface should have a metallic gloss and be even and free from grease.
•Surface: The test surface should be as smooth as possible. When the radius of
curvature R of the surface is smaller than 20 mm, a small support ring or another ring-
shaped fixing aid should be used.