Zehntner ZSH 2090 User manual

Zehntner GmbH
Testing Instruments
Gewerbestrasse 4
CH-4450 Sissach
Switzerland
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.zehntner.com
last update: 24.07.2015 page 1
Instruction manual
version 3.8 dated 24.07.2015
ZSH 2090
Pencil hardness tester

Introduction ZSH 2090 Instruction manual version 3.8
page 2 last update: 24.07.2015
Index
Exclusion of liability ..................................................................................... 3
1. Description of device ............................................................................ 3
2. Safety precautions and warnings ......................................................... 4
2.1 Dangers ........................................................................................ 4
2.2 Notes regarding safety at work .................................................... 4
3. Delivery of device.................................................................................. 5
3.1 Damages during carriage ............................................................. 5
3.2 Standard delivery.......................................................................... 6
3.3 Options.......................................................................................... 6
4. Preliminaries........................................................................................ 7
4.1 Pencil preparation ........................................................................ 7
4.2 Inserting the pencils ..................................................................... 8
5. Handling ............................................................................................... 9
6. Determining the degree of hardness ................................................. 10
7. Table with degree of hardness ........................................................... 10
8. Storage ............................................................................................... 11
9. Technical specification ....................................................................... 11
Glossary ..................................................................................................... 12
Annexe:
•Certificate of manufacturer

version 3.8 ZSH 2090 instruction manual General
last update: 24.07.2015 page 3
Exclusion of liability
The features described in this instruction manual represent the complete
technology of this instrument. These features are either included in the
standard delivery or available as options at additional costs.
Illustrations, descriptions as well as the technical specifications conform to
the instruction manual in hand at the time of publishing or printing.
However, Zehntner GmbH Testing Instruments policy is one of continuous
product development. All changes resulting from technical progress,
modified construction or similar are reserved without obligation for
Zehntner to update this manual.
Some of the images shown in this instruction manual are of a pre-
production model and/or are computer generated; therefore the
design/features on the final version of this instrument may differ in various
aspects.
This instruction manual has been drafted with the utmost care.
Nevertheless, errors cannot be entirely excluded. The manufacturer will
not be liable for errors in this instruction manual or damages resulting
from any errors.
The manufacturer will be grateful at any time for suggestions, proposals
for improvement and references to errors.
© Zehntner GmbH Testing Instruments
1. Description of device
The ZSH 2090 is a hardness tester according to Wolff-Wilborn for
determination of resistance of coatings to mechanical stress by pencils of
different hardness.
The following features distinguish the ZSH 2090:
•Easy to handle
•Reliable results
•No maintenance required

General ZSH 2090 Instruction manual version 3.8
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2. Safety precautions and warnings
2.1 Dangers
Attention!
This note is included in this instruction manual wherever it is warned about
dangers which will arise to life and limb of persons if the apparatus is
handled improperly. Observe these notes and be particularly careful in
these cases. Also inform other users on all safety notes. Besides the notes
in these instruction manual the generally applicable safety instructions and
regulations for prevention of accidents have to be taken into account.
Caution
This note comprises instructions to be observed in order to comply with
guidelines, instructions, notes and the proper procedure of the work, and to
avoid damaging or destruction of the apparatus.
2.2 Notes regarding safety at work
Every person working with the ZSH 2090 or maintaining the ZSH 2090
must read and understand the manual completely. In particular the
safety precautions and warnings
The ZSH 2090 is exclusively designed for the determination of the
scratch hardness. Any other application is not in accordance with the
regulations. The manufacturer is not liable for damage resulting from
inappropriate application. The user bears the full responsibility.
Avoid any mode of operation that could affect the safe working with the
ZSH 2090. Especially the determination of the scratch hardness must
take place as described in this instruction manual.
Only spare parts and optional components provided by the
manufacturer may be used in combination with the ZSH 2090. If
components other than provided by Zehntner are used with the
ZSH 2090, there is no guarantee by Zehntner for resulting damages,
defects or malfunctions.
Unauthorised reproduction, modifications and changes of the ZSH 2090
are not allowed. These will invalidate the guarantee. The manufacturer
is not liable for damages resulting from unauthorised modifications;
the user bears the full responsibility.
For the operation of the ZSH 2090 apply all local safety regulations.

version 3.8 ZSH 2090 Instruction manual General
last update: 24.07.2015 page 5
3. Delivery of device
3.1 Damages during carriage
During carriage the ZSH 2090 is to be handled with the usual care. To
ensure carriage without damages the device is to be transported in the
original packaging and under normal freight conditions. If the device was
supplied in a carrying case or storage box, this original packaging needs to
be used also for later shipments. Pushes during carriage are to be avoided.
At the receipt of the goods, you have to check if there are any visible
damages at the outer packaging. If the packing is alright, you can sign the
receipt documents. If you even suspect by your visual impression that
damage has occurred, make a note of the suspected damage on the
delivery receipt or freight papers and get the carrier to sign it. Moreover,
the forwarding agent / courier service must be held responsible for the
damage in writing.
If a hidden damage is discovered while unpacking, you have to inform and
must held the forwarding agent / courier service immediately in the
following way: “When opening the parcel we had to notice that …. etc. etc.“
This superficial checking of the goods has to be done before the time limit
of the forwarding agent / courier service expires which is normally within 7
days. However, the period could be less. Hence, it is recommended to
check the exact time limit when receiving the goods.
If there are any damages inform also immediately your authorized
Zehntner agent or Zehntner GmbH Testing Instruments directly.

General ZSH 2090 Instruction manual version 3.8
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3.2 Standard delivery
The following parts are included in the delivery:
•1 pencil-hardness-tester
•1 set pencils of 17 hardness degrees 6B to 9H)
•1 sharpener for releasing cylindrically the lead
•1 pencil holder
•1 set emery paper No. 400
•1 certificate of manufacturer
•1 carrying case
3.3 Options
•ACC601 calibration and certification incl. certificate)
Zehntner GmbH Testing Instruments refuses all warranty and liability
claims for damages caused by usage of the ZSH 2090 in combination
with non-original accessories, or accessories from 3
rd
party suppliers.

version 3.8 ZSH 2090 instruction manual Operate
last update: 24.07.2015 page 7
4. Preliminaries
4.1 Pencil preparation
•Remove the wood on a length of approximately 5-6 mm from the pencil,
make sure not to damage the lead.
•Rub the lead against the emery paper No. 400) maintaining an exact
angle of 90° to the paper until a flat circular surface is obtained.
•Repeat this procedure with the pencil after each test.
By aid of the sharpener for releasing cylindrically the lead, the wood can be
removed from the pencil and by doing that take care of not damaging the
lead:
•Sharpen the pencil carefully as with a normal sharpener).
•The remaining wood can be removed by a fingernail.
•Rub the lead against emery paper as described above)

Operate ZSH 2090 Instruction manual version 3.8
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4.2 Inserting the pencils
Insert the pencils in the hardness tester as follows:
•Place the instrument with the wheels upwards onto its front end.
•Insert the pencil in this way, that the lead touches the surface.
•Fasten the pencil with the clamping knob.

version 3.8 ZSH 2090 Instruction manual Operate
last update: 24.07.2015 page 9
5. Handling
The test needs to be carried out under laboratory conditions.
In the different standards, the test is carried out differently. Hereunder,
the procedure is described when starting with a hard pencil or lead.
Please note that the procedure might have to be carried out in the
reverse order of succession!
•If necessary prepare the pencil ZSH 2090 as described in chapter 4.1
“Pencil preparation” on page 7.
•Insert the first pencil into the as described in chapter 4.2 “Inserting the
pencils” on page 8.
•Place the ZSH 2090 on the coating under test.
The test surface needs to be flat.
•Hold the instrument by the wheel hubs and push forward at a speed of
5-10 cm/s for a distance of at least 7 mm cf. arrow).
•Examine the test surface with the naked eye for indentation or
scratching.
•Repeat the process down the hardness scale until a pencil is found that
will not cut the film to the substrate either metal or a previous coat)
for a distance of at least 3 mm.
•Continue the process until a pencil is found that will neither cut nor
scratch the surface of the film any defacement other than a cut or
gouge is considered a scratch.
at least 7 mm

Operate ZSH 2090 Instruction manual version 3.8
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6. Determining the degree of hardness
Record each end point for gouge and scratch hardness. With some films,
the two end points will be identical.
gouge hardness: The degree of hardness of the hardest pencil that
will leave the film uncut for a stroke length of at
least 3 mm.
scratch hardness:
pencil hardness)
The hardest pencil that will not rupture or scratch
the film.
Wolff-Wilborn
hardness:
The degree of hardness of the softest pencil which
damages the surface.
Please mention in your test report which standard the
measurement results refer to.
7. Table with degree of hardness
The following degrees of hardness are available:

version 3.8 ZSH 2090 instruction manual Technical specification
last update: 24.07.2015 page 11
8. Storage
Please store the ZSH 2090 and any accessories in its carrying case in
order to avoid damages.
9. Technical specification
Material hardness tester: steel
Material pencils: wood and graphite
Dimensions LxWxH): 110 mm x 80 mm x 58 mm 4.33“ x 3.15“ x 2.28“)
Weight, net: approx. 1.8 kg 3.9 lbs)
Weight, gross incl. accessories: approx. 2.4 kg 5.2 lbs)
Standards: ISO 15184, EN 13523-4, ASTM D 3363, NEN 5350,
SIS 184187, SNV 37113, ECCA-T 4, MIL C 27 227
Warranty: 2 years

Glossary ZSH 2090 instruction manual version 3.8
page 12 last update: 24.07.2015
Glossary
D
Damages during carriage ................. 5
Degree of hardness......................... 10
Delivery of device .............................. 5
Description of device......................... 3
Determining the hardness degree.. 10
E
Exclusion of liability ......................... 3
Extent of delivery............................... 6
H
Handling ............................................ 9
Hardness determination ................. 10
I
Inserting the pencils ......................... 8
Instrument
Description ..................................... 3
Extent of delivery ............................ 6
L
Liability.............................................. 3
O
Options .............................................. 6
P
Pencil preparation ............................ 7
Preliminaries .................................... 7
Inserting the pencils ....................... 8
Pencils ........................................... 7
Preparation
Pencil ............................................. 7
S
Safety precautions and warnings ..... 4
Standard delivery .............................. 6
Storage ............................................ 11
T
Technical specification ................... 11
Test procedure.................................. 9