Hardness Meters
The hardness meters that you will find on our website are used for determining surface hardness. We have a selection of hardness meters for determining the hardness of metal, plastic, rubber, fabric, etc. These hardness meters measure the hardness in Rockwell B, Rockwell C, Vickers HV, Brinell HB, Shore, HS, Leeb HL or in hardness units (DIN ISO). These devices are especially practical in areas of production, quality control and technical service due to their portability. One advantage of digital hardness meters is the internal rechargeable battery found in model PCE-1000. This device with integrated refraction impact offers the advantage of taking measurements without the use of cables that can interfere during a measurement. With it you can take the same measurements with the minimum amount of force but with the same level of accuracy. The measurement principle of hardness meters is always the same, the only distinction is between the static and dynamic processes of the hardness measurement (explanation of both processes for taking a measurement of hardness). With hardness meters for metallic materials you can quickly and accurately test the surface hardness of steel, cast iron, steel for tools, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper and bronze. There are other devices that are used for determining the hardness of rubber, plastic or textiles and are available as either digital or analogue devices. If you can't find the hardness meters you are looking for, please contact us and we will help you find the best solution to suit your needs by calling our offices on: UK customers +44(0) 23 809 870 30 / US customers (561) 320-9162 and our technical staff will advise you regarding our measuring instruments. Our engineers and technicians will be happy to help you with the hardness meters, and of course, with the other products in the field of regulation and control, and scales and balances.

Here you can select the main groups of our hardness meters. By choosing one group, you will be directed to the 
corresponding hardness meters:

Here you can see hardness meters from this companys:

Technical specifications for Hardness meters can be found at the following links: 

Hardness meters for elastomere

- Hardness meters PCE-DX-A (Shore A)   
  (inexpensive durometer for soft rubber, ruber and elasomers)

- Hardness meters PCE-DX-AS (Shore A) 
  (mech. gauge with maximum point suitable for soft rubber, rubber and elastomers)

- Hardness meters PCE-DX-DS (Shore D) 
  (mech. gauge with maximum point suitable for hard rubber and rigid thermoplastics)

- Hardness meters HB series
  (analog Shore hardness tester, with pointer, 0 ... 100 HA, HB, HD)

- Hardness meters PCE-A (Shore A)
  (mechanical, for soft rubber, rubber and elastomers, with certification, test rig optional available)

- Hardness meters PCE-D (Shore D)    
  (mechanical, for hard rubber and rigid thermoplastics, with certification, test rig optional available)

- Hardness meters PCE-O (Shore O)
  (mechanical, for rolled fabric and bolts of yarn, with certification, test rig optional available)

- Hardness meters PCE-OO (Shore O)
  (mechanical, for foams, micorcell rubber, standard ASTM D 2240)

- Hardness meters PCE-AL (Shore A) / PCE-DL (Shore D)
  (With 8 mm probe, standard ASTM D 2240 , calibration certificate included)

- Hardness meters PCE-DD A (Shore A)
  (To measure Shore A hardness in soft gums, rubber and elastomers, resolution of 0.5)

- Hardness meters PCE-DD D (Shore D)
  (Digital hardness meters to measure Shore D hardness, accuracy ±1 / resolution 0.5)

- Hardness meters MICRO IRHD
  (Indentation Hardness Tester according to IRHD on samples out of rubber/plastic / Accuracy 0.1 IRHD)

Hardness meters for metal

- Hardness meters PCE-900
  (Leeb method, six different hardness scales, 9 different materials preset, ISO-calibration certificate included)

- Hardness meters HN-D
  (easy handling with precise measurements, 0 ... 999 HLD)

- Hardness meters PCE-2500
  (Hardness meters for metallic materials, portable USB interface, memory of 360000 values)

- Hardness meters HK-D
  (permium hardness meter for metal, 170 ... 960 HLD)

- Hardness meters HM-M
  (Extensive functionality for advanced applications, 170 ... 960 HLD)

- Hardness meters PCE-2000   
  (Digital hardness meters for metallic materials)

- Hardness meters HM-P
  (Mobile Leeb hardness tester, high quality, 170 ... 960 HLD)

- Hardness meters HM-O
  (Superior functionality for professional application, 170 ... 960 HLD)

- Hardness meters HM-R
  (Premium instrument for professional users, 170 ... 960 HLD)

- Hardness meters UCI-1500
  (Hardness tester according to the UCI method, large graphic LCD)

- Hardness meters PCE-5000
  (Hardness tester following the UCI method, to measure hardness of metallic objects, non-destructive)

Hardness meters for cement

- Hardness meters PCE-HT-225A
  (Cement hardness testers according to Schmidt (Schmidt Hammer))

- Hardness Meters PCE-HT-225E
  (digital cement testing hammer, LC display, USB, software, data storage for >200 values)

Procedures of Hardness Metering

Procedures for hardness metering are divided into static and dynamic ones. All are based on the same principle: A penetration device is pushed into the material with constant and certain test load. The local deformation- which consists of a plastic and elastic part – is measured. The static measurements do only capture the plastic deformation component. Depending on the size of the test load, it is distinguished between: Macro- (test load F > 30 N), small load- (2-30 N) and micro hardness (< 0,5 N). The procedures for hardening after Brinell, Vikkers or Rockwell belong to the static metering procedures.  In the dynamic procedures (Shore hardness- or Pendulmhammer-method as well as manual hardness metering methods) the penetration device is pushed into the material from a certain distance with the help of kinetic energy. Pipes, turbine shafts and forgings are metered with that method. For the comparison of the measurements which were taken from different procedures, in DIN 50150 tablets are available. You can find more information about hardness metering procedures on the following link

The hardness meters are delivered with work test certificates. Regular calibration (laboratory calibration with ISO certificate) may also be performed. Optionally available accessory (Test stands, adapters) can also be purchased. Please use our contact forms in case of further questions regarding our hardness meters.

Information on hardness testing procedures in detail:

Shore: The Shore hardness is a material parameter for elastomers and plastics and is at DIN 53505 and DIN 7868. The shore-hardness metering for rubber or similar material consists of a spring loaded pin whose elasticity (when entering the material) is an indicator for the shore-hardness of the material which is displayed on a scale from 0 (2,5 mm penetration depth) up to 100 shore (0 mm penetration depth).

Brinell: The hardness metering procedure developed by Brinell is used for the testing of soft and semi-hard metals, unalloyed steel or aluminum alloys, for wood and materials with irregular structure (for example cast iron). In this process, a steel ball or a carbide ball with a determined test force is pushed into the material.

Vickers: Named after the British airplane factory Vickers. Serves for metering of hard material, but also for hardness tests on thin or surface hardened work pieces and edge zones. In contrast to the Rockwell testing procedure, a pyramidal diamond with an opening angle of 136 degrees is pressed into the surface of the work piece.

Rockwell: The Rockwell hardness HRC of a material results from the norm DIN EN ISO 6508 from the penetration depth of a conical diamond. With the help of a specified test load, this cone with a sharpening angle of 120° is pressed into the work piece. The penetrated depth of the indenter serves as a reference. After that, the indenter is loaded with the brunt and hold for maximal 6 seconds. Afterwards, the brunt is removed again. Only the preload is effective now. The difference of the depths before and after laying on the brunt is the degree for the Rockwell hardness of the material. You can see hardness meters for each of the listed hardness testing procedures. Optionally, the devices can also be calibrated according to ISO or DKD. A continuously reliable measurement is guaranteed thanks to hardness meters.

The Leeb hardness testing method was first used in 1978. It is defined by the relation of rebound speed of a smashing object to its impact speed, multiplied with 1000. The harder a material surface is, the higher is its rebound speed. For specific groups of material ( steel, aluminum…) the Leeb hardness establishes a direct relation to its hardness properties. For normal metals, curves for converting of hardness HL to other static standard hardnesses (HB, HV, HRC etc.) are deposited in this hardness meter and make it possible to convert Leeb hardness into other hardness values and display them. In short, the hardness meters are devices for technicians (input and output control, production, development and research.

Hardness meters come certified from the factory (except the PCE-DX series). A regular recalibration can also be ordered witch includes a laboratory calibration and and ISO certificate. You will find a variety of accessories, test equipment and adaptors, available on the web. Call us if you have any questions regarding our hardness meters: UK customers +44(0) 23 809 870 30 / US customers (561) 320-9162.

If you wish to view or print a selection of hardness meters from our catalogue, click the PDF symbol.