phase II+ MET-U1A User manual

Model No’s:MET - U1A & MET - UDA
Instruction Manual
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Dynamic Impact Device Type D Ultrasonic Transducer
Dynamic Testing Method information:
The Leeb measuring method was first brought into
measurement technology in 1978. It is defined as
the quotient of an impact body’s rebound velocity
over its impact velocity, multiplied by 1000.
Harder materials produce a higher rebound velocity
than softer materials. For a specific group of
material (e.g. steel, aluminum. etc.). Leeb hardness
value represents a direct relationship to its hardness
properties. For ordinary metal, conversion curves
of hardness HL versus other standard static
hardness (HB, HV, HRC, etc.) are available,
enabling you to convert HL into other hardness
values.
Leeb Hardness Test (definition)
An impact body with a spherical test tip made of
tungsten carbide is propelled against the sample
surface by a spring force and then rebounds back.
At a distance of 1mm from the sample surface, the
impact and rebound velocity of the impact body are
measured by the following method: A permanent
magnet embedded in the impact body, when
passing through the coil in its coil holder, induces
in the coil an electric voltage proportional to the
velocities of the magnet. Leeb hardness is
expressed by the following formula:
HL = 1000 x (VB/VA)
Where: HL is Leeb Hardness
VB is the rebound velocity of the impact body
VAis the impact velocity of the impact body
Ultrasonic Testing (UCI)Method information:
UCI method Ultrasonic Contact
Impedance, a hardness testing method
developed by Dr. Claus Kleesattel in
1961 based on the measurement of the
frequency shift of a resonating rod caused
by the essentially elastic nature of a of
the finite area of contact between the
indenter and the test piece during the
penetration.
In the mobile hardness test under applied
load according to the UCI method, the
size of the produced indents are not
determined optically. Instead the contact
area is derived from the electronically
measured shift of an ultrasonic resonance
frequency. To carry out the UCI test, a
probe containing the rod with the
indenter is excited into a longitudinal
ultrasonic oscillation of about 70 kHz by
piezo-electric ceramics- the so called
zero frequency, which occurs when the
indenter is vibrating in air. A spring
inside the probe applies the specified test
load, the vibrating tip penetrates into the
material creating an elastic contact,
which results in a positive frequency shift
of the resonating rod. This shift is related
to the size of the indent area. The size, in
turn, is a measure for hardness of the test
material at a given modulus of elasticity.

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Functions of the Phase II MET-U1A & UDA Hardness Testers
The Phase II MET’s are state of the art, handheld hardness testers that provide high accuracy and
simplicity of operation for a wide measuring range. It is suitable for testing the hardness of
ordinary metals and is widely applied in many industries including the petroleum, chemical,
industrial machining and electric power industries, etc. Test direction (upside down) does not
influence the readout.
Typical Applications MET-UDA (Using the Dynamic impact device)
Typical hardness testing applications of the MET-UD (dynamic) include:
•Inspection of installed machinery, permanent parts of assembled systems and heavy workpieces
including large castings.
•Inspection of the molding surface of a die
•Analysis of pressure vessels, turbo generator sets, etc.
•Inspection of bearing and other mass produced parts on a production line
•Obtaining original records of test data
•Identification of metallic materials stored in a warehouse
Typical Applications MET-UD/U1 (Using the Ultrasonic Transducer)
Typical hardness testing applications of the MET-UD/U1 (Ultrasonic) include:
•Capable of checking hardness on a variety of metals with varying mass and thickness.
•Especially suited for checking finished articles with a polished surface since there is no visible
imprint left after testing
•Restrictions include all coarse grain structured metals such as Iron or items that are less than
1mm in thickness.
Choosing between Dynamic and Ultrasonic Testing
The choice between using the dynamic impact device or the ultrasonic transducer
depends upon your application. Parameters such as mass, configuration, structure,
degree of mechanical and thermal treatment all play a part in this decision. The
design of the Ultrasonic transducer makes it possible to check the hardness on
articles in difficult to reach positions (such as gear teeth), thin materials, finely
polished surfaces and any other application where it is impossible to take a dynamic
hardness test.
The dynamic hardness test is specialized for checking hardness on large hard parts
whereas the ultrasonic method is finely tuned to check hardness on smooth, thin
and some softer material. Since the MET-UD comes complete with both a dynamic
impact device for large hard parts and the ultrasonic transducer for all other
configurations, you can be confident that you will be able to test almost any
application that is mentioned in the above paragraph.

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The MET portable hardness testers are designed to measure hardness of metals and alloys in the most
popular hardness scales, such as Rockwell C (HRC), Rockwell B (HRB), Brinell (HB), Vickers (HV), and
Leeb (LD). Calibration on these scales are carried out directly by Phase II prior to shipment of each unit.
The MET hardness testers offer additional “open” scales (H0, H1, H2, H3) that provide the opportunity
to:
●Calibrate and conduct hardness tests in other scales (i.e., Superficial Rockwell (HRN and HRT)
or any other common hardness scale)
●Conduct hardness test of metals that have significantly different properties from steel (iron,
aluminum and copper alloys etc.).
Setting Test Parameters
1) Scale Selection (Press Left or Right Arrow for selections)
<HRC> <HRB> <HB> <HV> <HLD> <H1> <H2> <H3>
Ø= Yes ×= No
2) Operation Mode Selection (Press Left or Right Arrow for selections)
<Test> <Calibration> <Processing>
Ø× Ø× Ø×
Ø× Ø×
Measurement
and Archive
Measurement on
Test Block #1
Sample limits setting
and average value
determination
Archive Scale Correction
Measurement on
Test Block #2
Scale Correction

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Every level of the menu allows the selection of parameters or modes of operation.
•The first level – ‘scale’ – allows to choose the current (operational) hardness scale from the
following: HRC, HB, HV, HLD, H1, H2 or H3.
•The second level – ‘measurement-calibration-processing’ – allows you to select the current
(operational) hardness tester mode: measurement, calibration or processing.
•The third level – ‘YES/NO’ allows to confirm or cancel the selected operation and get back to the
former operations by pushing Ïbutton.
By pushing the Ïand Ðbuttons it allows you to choose the menu level and by pushing the ÍÎ
buttons it allows you to select a parameter within the chosen level.
MET Power Supply
The NiMh battery compartment is located on the back side of the electronic module. When installing, be
sure to pay attention to the polarity of the battery. Be sure to dispose of the battery according to local
regulations.
The battery capacity indicator is shown on the right side of the display. Three dark squares inside the
battery symbol show the battery condition. As the battery discharges, the squares disappear one by one
from top to bottom.
Battery charging can be done with the supplied a/c adapter or via USB connection to your PC.
The MET is capable of all functions while being charged.
Be sure that the battery is installed prior to connecting the charger. Failure to follow this
may result in possible damage to the charging and/or electronics system and void any
stated warranty.
Please note that that the 4-pin female port on the left side of the hardness tester is used for charging
and output. Once the charger is plugged in, you will see the lights in the battery symbol ascend from
bottom to top. When the battery symbol is fully lit, the unit is completely charged and you should
proceed to remove the charger from the hardness tester.

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Procedure of Operation
Preparation for Operation
Visual Inspection
Make visual inspection of the device, making sure that there is no mechanical damage to the electronic
transducer, connective cable.
Surface Preparation
Prepare the area of the tested surface by removing moisture, lubricants, scale, oxidation, rust, etc.
The roughness of the part to be tested and radius of curvature of the tested surface and also mass and
size parameters of the article shall correspond to the parameters given in the hardness tester data
sheet.
Transducer Connection
Transducer shall be connected to the electronic module by a five-pin plug. The transducer plug is
equipped with a rotating cylindrical lock
To connect the transducer, make the following steps:
•turn the lock counterclockwise up to the stop;
•Insert the plug of the transducer into the 5-pin female port by pushing slightly
•turn the lock clockwise slightly until you feel it lock.
Power Unit On
•Press Ðbutton to power on the hardness tester
•The MET will automatically recognize the type of transducer and will show the results on the
display by showing either ‘ultrasonic transducer’ or dynamic transducer’
•after the hardness tester performs this start up procedure, the hardness tester will show the last
parameters used and start up in the “Archive” section.
Power Supply Switching Off
•The MET will automatically shut off after a 3 minute period of non-usage.
•To Manually shut off the unit, Press the ÍÎ buttons simultaneously.

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Display Lighting
Display lighting is switched on and off by pushing Ïbutton from the first level in the “Scale” menu.
Operation with display lighting will slightly reduce the time the device can operate on a full charge.
Operation with Electronic Module
Choosing parameters
Power Unit on according to instructions:
Scale Selection
•Begin by pressing the Ïbutton to get to the – ‘scale’ – parameter. In the display upper part,
words ‘XXX scale’ will appear, where ‘XXX’ can be HRC, HRB, HB, etc
•Select the hardness scale you need by pushing Íand Îbuttons.
•Confirm the selection of the required for you hardness scale by pushing Ðbutton. After that
you will automatically advance to the second level “TEST”
Operation Mode Selection
•Select the required operation mode – ‘TEST’ or ‘CALIBRATE’, or ‘PROCESS’
by pushing either Íand Îbuttons.
•when you are in the parameter that you need, press the Ðbutton to confirm this procedure.
The hardness tester is now ready for that operation.
Operation Canceling
To cancel an operation or to return to the previous one press the Ïbutton.
‘Test’ Mode
‘Test’ mode and all operations within this mode shall be conducted separately for U1 ultrasonic
transducer and D1 dynamic transducer. The given below operations can be performed in this mode.
•Archive
•Measurement and recording
‘Archive’ Operation
Hardness tester operation in ‘measurement’ mode always starts with the ‘Archive’ operation.
Attention! During the first operation it is recommended to skip the ‘archive’ operation and proceed with
‘measurement and recording’ operation. For this purpose, push Ðbutton.

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View of Display (Measurement Mode)
Explanation of display
‘HRC’ = Rockwell C Scale;
’58.1’ = the measured value on HRC scale;
“00” is the number of tests taken to be stored in the 06 archive (as each test is taken, this number will
increase from 00 to 01 to 02, etc.
‘Measure #06 is the number of the archive cell in which 58.1 HRC will be stored;
‘battery’ symbol is battery power indicator
View of Display (Archive Mode)
Archive cell number changing
While in the Archive mode (Display is shown above) you need to push either the Íor Îbuttons to
change the archive cell number. The change of the archive cell number will result in the change of the
readings of the measured value (58.1) into the readings of another measured value saved under the
relevant archive number (#06, 07, 08, etc.). The hardness scale (HRC), however, will remain
unchanged.
To look through the archive in the other hardness scales (HRB, HB, etc.), it is necessary to set the scale
you need by pressing the appropriate buttons

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‘Measurement and Recording’ Operation
Start ‘measurement and recording’ operation by pushing Ðbutton in order to finish and go out from the
‘archive’ operation. Indication on the display is shown on the figure below.
Ð
To obtain the mean value of your latest archived results, press the Ðbutton.
After the mean value computation, the hardness tester will automatically start the ‘archive’ operation for
you to save the obtained results. If you do not want to save the results and want to continue your
measurement, push Ðbutton to switch to ‘measurement and recording’ operation.
Deleting Test Results (Measurement mode only)
After you have taken a test you should push the Íbutton. This will delete that test result and the
display will then show the previous test result. If your test result is erroneous for any reason, you
should delete that result so it does not skew the overall average of your testing.

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Recording in the archive (starting point)
The screen below shows how the display will appear when in the archive mode. As shown, the tester is
in archive no.2. If this is acceptable, you should press the Ðbutton to proceed to measurement mode
and begin testing. The results will be displayed in archive no.2 . Example: if the unit is showing archive
no. 2 and you wish to start your archive in another location such as No. 26, you would press the Î
button to change the archive location by increasing numbers.
Î
Once you have selected your archive starting point, you need to press the Ðbutton to bring you to the
Measurement mode. At this point, you may begin taking tests.
Recording measurements in the archive (after choosing starting point)
•recording the measured hardness value (58.1) or mean value into
the archive is done by pushing the Îbutton. In doing so, the number of the archive cell for
measurement recording (measure No01) will be automatically increased by 1 (measure No2).
•it is recommended to set ‘00’ in the current measurement number for every new set of
measurements.

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Calibration Procedures
Special Code Required to Perform this Procedure!
This procedure should be performed by highly skilled personnel only! If you are experiencing erratic
results with your MET, you should contact Phase II and arrange for an inspection prior to making any
changes.
‘Calibration’ mode and all operations under this mode shall be performed separately for U1 ultrasonic
transducer and D1 dynamic transducer.
Hardness tester calibration means that that the unit in question will be adjusted to fall within NIST
tolerances on calibrated test blocks.
For hardness tester calibration by user, it is necessary to have two reference hardness blocks with
maximum and minimum values in the hardness scale.
Examples:
•for calibration along the whole ‘C’ Rockwell scale, two reference hardness blocks are required
with the values of (25±5) HRC and (65±5) HRC.
•If you do not use the whole range of ‘C’ Rockwell but only the range of 20÷40 HRC, perform
the calibration on reference hardness blocks with the values of (25±5) HRC and (45±5) HRC.
Reasons to perform a calibration:
•If the hardness tester verification on the reference hardness blocks differ from the
nominal value of the reference hardness block; example: (Block is HRC 45.5 and results are 49.3)
•after long periods of storage (more than 3 months);
•after intensive operation (more than 200.000 measurements for U1 ultrasonic transducer
and 50.000 for D1 dynamic transducer);
•in case of considerable change in the conditions of operation (temperature, humidity etc.)

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‘Calibration’ Operation
Select the scale you wish to calibrate the hardness tester in and press the Ðbutton to enter next mode.
The display will be blinking “Test”. Press the Îbutton to enter into ‘Calibration’ mode. Press the Ð
button and the display will ask you for your code.
Enter the code and then push the Ðbutton The display indication in the ‘Calibration’ mode is shown on
the figure below.
Hardness scale
Measurement hardness value
Battery indication
Transducer
Current measurement number
Operation duty
The meaning of words and symbols on the display
‘HRC’ = Rockwell C hardness scale;
‘00’ the current measurement number (this will increase with each test taken)
’0.00’ = the measured value on Rockwell hardness scale (HRC); (no test taken yet)
‘Calib No1’ = calibration tests performed (will increase after each Set)
Blinking symbol = Transducer is ready
Battery symbol = charge remaining in battery
Measurement on reference hardness block #1 (step 1) – obtaining of mean hardness number.
Take one reference hardness block. Conduct at least FIVE measurements! Average the obtained values
by pushing the Ðbutton.
Correction (step 2) –Adjust the value shown on the display to match the value of your test block. In
other words, if your test block value is HRC 25.5 and your mean value is HRC19.5 you must adjust the
tester by pressing the Îbutton to increase the value shown on the display. Match the display reading
to your test block value. When the values are equal, press Ðbutton to save the adjusted result.

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Measurement on reference hardness block No2 (step 3) –repeat the actions described in the
previous paragraph.
Correction (step 4) –Repeat the actions described in step 2. When you have completed the correction,
press the Ðbutton to complete and save the new calibration. Pushing the Ðbutton will lead to the
completion of the steps and going out from ‘Calibration’ mode.
Verification of the hardness tester readings after the conducted calibration
Measure the hardness of reference hardness block No1 (not less than 5 measurements) and compute its
mean value. The obtained value should be within acceptable tolerances for the scale.
If the obtained value exceeds the tolerance of the nominal value then you need to perform ‘CLEAR
CALIBRATION’ function and repeat the CALIBRATION’ procedure.
‘Clear Calibration’ Operation
Hardness tester calibration by users requires highly skilled professional personnel. If you failed to
introduce the correction to the hardness tester calibration for the second time or if you doubt the results
of the conducted ‘Calibration’ operation, it is recommended to perform ‘clear cal.’ Operation.
To clear calibration correction introduced independently, perform the following steps:
•select the scale
•enter ‘Calibration’
•enter the code;
•Push Îbutton
NOTE : By performing the Clear Cal, the unit will automatically default to the factory preset calibration.

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‘Processing’ Mode
‘Processing’ mode and all operations within this mode shall be conducted separately for U1 ultrasonic
transducer and D1 dynamic transducer.
Within this mode the listed below operations can be carried out:
•compute mean value;
•clear archive
Select the scale. Press the Ðbutton. The display will show Test (blinking) Press the Enter the Îbutton
to scroll over to “Process” and then press Ðbutton to enter ‘processing mode Select your operation by
Íor Îbutton and confirm your selection by the Ðbutton.
‘Mean Value’ Operation
‘Mean Value’ operation is used for mean value computation within any interval of the archive cell
(sample interval).
Display indication is shown on the figure.
Hardness scale
Mean hardness value on Hrc scale
Battery charge symbol
Sample interval
The meaning of words and symbols on the display
•‘HRC’ = Rockwell C hardness scale
•53.6 = mean hardness value in HRC
•02 avrg 08 =’ sample interval
•‘Battery symbol = battery strength
The display shows the result of the hardness mean value 53.6 on Rockwell C scale (HRC) for the archive
cells from number two through number eight (<02 mean 08)

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Setting the limits for sample mean value computation:
•Push Ðbutton to move < or > sign to the left initial (>02) and the right (<08) number of the
sample limits by one;
•Every push of Íor Îbutton will decrease or increase the left (>01) and the right (<07)
number of the sample limits by one.
•The sample mean value is computed and shown on the display automatically
(’53.6 mean val). Operation does not change the archive cells content. ‘Mean val.’ operation is
performed only for filled in cells within the sample limits.
‘Clear Archive’ Operation
‘Clear archive’ operation is designed for deleting ALL stored content in the archive cells.
In the ‘Processing’ operation mode, select ‘clear archive’ operation by pushing Íor Îbutton. Push Ð
(yes) button. The words ‘Please, wait, clear archive’ will appear and in two seconds the archive will be
deleted.
The First Measurement
U1 ultrasonic hardness transducer
•Blinking of ‘transducer’ symbol on the display means that the hardness tester is ready to
conduct measurements.
•Place the transducer on the area to be tested. Hold the transducer extremely steady by
using your fingers to hold the flat brass footing as shown in the picture below.

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•Gently press straight down on the transducer body slightly until the diamond pyramid makes
initial contact with the surface of your part. Using a little more force, increase the downward pressure
immediately until the diamond pyramid is forced into the surface . (The Blinking Transducer light will now
stay on constantly showing that you are making a good connection to the part) .
The effort should be made smoothly. Be sure that your hand does not shake because the
transducer body must remain stable during the test. For the proper transducer operation, it is necessary
to apply an effort of not less than 14.7 N (1.5 kgf) to its body and keep it stable during the process of
measurement. Do not be afraid to apply an excessive effort to the transducer body as it will be limited
by the built-in stop.
DO NOT JAM PROBE ONTO ANY SURFACE!
•Keep constant pressure on the transducer body during 3-4 seconds. ‘Transducer’ symbol on the
display will stop blinking.
•After the sound signal and appearance of the hardness value on the electronic transducer
display, stop holding pressure on the transducer body. The ‘transducer’ symbol on the display will start
blinking again, and the transducer body will return to the initial position.
The first measurement has been completed, and the hardness tester is ready for the next measurement.
Experimental Measurement
It is advisable to consider the first measurement as experimental measurement. In order to acquire some experience of how
to use the transducer, it is recommended to conduct a number of experimental measurements.
Acquiring some experience working with the transducer
To acquire some experience of working with the transducer, it is recommended to use reference hardness blocks. Measure
the hardness of a reference hardness block (not less than 10-20 measurements) and compute its mean value. If the
obtained value does not correspond to the number of the reference hardness block, conduct more measurements.
If the hardness tester readings are stable and the obtained mean value corresponds to the reference hardness blocks rated
value you can begin testing your particular application.
In the process of working with the transducer, make sure that the cable (connecting the transducer with the electronic
module) is not twisted.
Using the D1 Dynamic Transducer (Impact device “D”)
Be sure that the requirements for the tested article are observed, connect the transducer to the
electronic module switch the power supply on and turn to the ‘measurement’ mode
In the process of measurement, the article shall be fixed and the transducer shall be installed
perpendicular to the measurement area.

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The First Measurement
•Blinking of ‘transducer’ symbol on the display means that the hardness tester is ready to
conduct measurements.
Measuring Procedure
Use the supplied Leeb test block to check your hardness tester prior to your own testing applications.
Loading the impact device
Press down the loading tube to lock the impact body.
Placement
Place the support ring (Round part on the bottom of device) on the surface to be measured. The
distance between two test points should not be less than 0.1 in (3mm).
↓

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Start to Test
Gently press the release button on top of the impact device while the work piece, the impact device and
the impact body are all stable and the starting force coincides with the axis of the impact device
Experimental Measurement
It is advisable to consider the first measurement as experimental measurement. In order to acquire
some experience of how to use the impact device, it is recommended to conduct a number of
experimental measurements.
•After experimental measurement conducting, push Íbutton to delete the result and exclude it
from the article mean hardness value computation
•After a number of experimental measurements have been conducted for the purpose of
acquiring some experience of using the transducer, you may use ‘Clear Archive’ function to delete the
results of the experimental measurements
Acquiring some experience of working with the transducer
To acquire some experience of working with the transducer, it is recommended to use reference
hardness blocks. Measure the hardness of a reference hardness block (not less than 10-20
measurements) and compute its mean value. If the obtained value does not correspond to the number
of the reference hardness block, conduct more measurements.
If the hardness tester readings are stable and the obtained mean value corresponds to the reference
hardness block rated value you may proceed with normal testing procedures.
In the process of working with the impact device, make sure that the cable (connecting the transducer
with the electronic module) does not get twisted.
←

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Maintenance and Repair
Avoid placing the MET near locations where it can be exposed to shock, heavy dust, dampness, strong
magnetic fields and any form of lubricious fluids.
Battery Replacement:
•Remove two rubber plugs on the back side Bottom half of the MET-U1A. Use the supplied hex
wrench to loosen the two hex screws. Lift the metal battery cover off to expose the 4-AA
batteries. It is recommended that you replace the batteries with a high quality NiMh set of
rechargeable batteries. Standard AA batteries can also be used but life expectancy will not be
very long. Pay careful attention to the polarity when installing new batteries. Please be sure and
dispose of the NiMh batteries properly and according to local recycling laws.
Impact Device D
•Using the included brush, clean the guide tube and impact body after it has performed 1000-2000
tests using the following procedure:
Screw off the support ring and take out the impact body.
Clean the tube by winding the brush counter-clockwise into the
tube until it reaches the bottom and then pull it out. Repeat this
procedure 5-6 times.
Replace the impact body and support ring.
Release the impact spring after each test.
Never apply lubrication of any kind to
impact body or tube!
Repair Dynamic impact device
•When the tester is calibrated against the standard test block and results are out of tolerance, it
could mean the carbide ball inside of the impact device is worn out and should be replaced.
•Upon coming across any functional problems not mentioned in this manual, contact a Phase II
Customer Service Representative at [phone].
•DO NOT open the MET or dismount any of its fixed parts. This precision instrument should
only be serviced by a factory trained service representative.
•If the unit is opened, its warranty will automatically become void.

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UCI- Ultrasonic Contact Impedance Method
Terminology:
Definitions:
UCI Method : UCI method Ultrasonic Contact Impedance, a hardness testing method developed by
Dr. Claus Kleesattel in 1961 based on the measurement of the frequency shift of a resonating
rod caused by the essentially elastic nature of a of the finite area of contact between the
indenter and the test piece during the penetration.
UCI Hardness Test: a hardness testing practice using a calibrated instrument by pressing
a resonating rod with a defined indentor, for example, a Vickers Diamond, with a
fixed force against the surface of the part to be tested.
Calibration: determination of the specific values of the significant operating parameters of
the UCI instrument by comparison with values indicated by a standardized
workbench hardness tester or by a set of certified test blocks.
Verification according to ASTM A 1038-05
Check the UCI hardness testing instrument by making at least 5 measurements on a standard reference
test block of the selected hardness scale.
The instrument shall be considered verified if each hardness reading falls within +/- 3% of the actual
reference test block value.