PCE Instruments PCE-2500N, PCE-2600N User Manual

© PCE Instruments

PCE-2500N/PCE-2600N Material Tester

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: 16 May 2018

v1.0

English

© PCE Instruments

Contents

1 Safety notes ........................................................................................... 1

2 Features ................................................................................................. 2

3 Delivery contents .................................................................................. 2

4 Measuring principle .............................................................................. 2

5 Device description ................................................................................ 4

6 Technical specifications ...................................................................... 7

7 Operation ............................................................................................... 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

8 Calibration ........................................................................................... 12

9 Battery 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.

© PCE Instruments

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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 the magnet. 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.

© PCE Instruments

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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

2

3
4

5

© PCE Instruments

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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

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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

© PCE Instruments

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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 ring­shaped fixing aid should be used.

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7.2 Stabilisation of the sample

- Heavy samples do not have to be stabilised;

- Medium-sized samples have to be placed on an even and hard surface. Make sure
that the sample rests on the surface evenly and does not move.

• Make sure that the sample is thick enough. For minimum thicknesses of a sample,
please refer to the charts at the end of this user manual.

• For samples with a hardened surface, find the minimum depths of the hardened layer
in the chart at the end of this manual.

• Coupling

- Lightweight samples must be closely coupled to a solid support. The two coupling
surfaces must be even and you must make sure not to use too much coupling gel.
The test direction should be vertical to the coupled surface.

- When the sample is a large plate, bar or bent part, it can deform considerably and
become unstable, even if the weight and thickness are as required. This causes
incorrect readings. In this case, the test surface of the sample should be reinforced
or supported.

• The magnetic field of the sample should not exceed 30 Gauss.

7.3 Prior to first measurement

Before making your first measurement, you should carry out a test measurement, using the test
block which is included in the delivery. Make 5 measurements and calculate the average. If the
values from the charts at the end of this manual are exceeded, the internal calibration function
can be used.

7.4 Power on

Press the On / Off key. The hardness tester will switch on and automatically enter measurement
mode.

7.5 Charging

• To lock the impact body, push down the loading tube completely. Do not release the
loading tube before you have reached the bottom. Then slowly bring it back to its
original position.

• Hold the device between your thumb and index finger and place it onto the sample.
While doing so, make sure that the support ring lies firmly on the surface and that the
impact direction is vertical to the test surface.

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7.6 Measurement

• Before applying the trigger, make sure that the sample stands firmly. Also ensure that
the direction of the starting force is in line with the axis of the impact device.

• Make a measurement by slightly pressing the trigger at the top of the device. The
reading will be shown in the display.

• Each portion of the sample must be measured 5 times. The results should not be
below or above the average value of ±15 HL.

• The distance between any two points of impact or between the middle of a point of
impact and the edge of a sample should fulfil the requirements in the following chart.

Centre to centre distance of the two

points of impact

Distance from centre of point of impact

to edge of sample

≥

≥

3 mm

5 mm

• At the end of the measurement, the results can be seen on the display. The hardness
value is the average value of 5 measurements at different measuring points.

• To switch off the device, press the On/Off key.

7.7 Readings displayed

• The hardness value is displayed in a certain hardness unit. If, for instance, a value of
700 is measured with a Leeb impact device and a D-type impact body, the hardness
value will be displayed as 700 HLD, HL standing for hardness according to Leeb and
D for the D-type impact body.

• When converting the HLD value into a different hardness unit, the test method should
be written as part of the unit. 400HVHLD, for example, stands for a hardness value of
400 HV (hardness according to Vickers), tested by the HLD method (Leeb hardness
with D-type impact device).

© PCE Instruments

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7.8 Menu structure

Settings and additional functions can be found in the parameter menu. In the main screen,
press the Menu key to enter the main menu.

Select the corresponding options to set the parameters. You can make a selection using the
arrow keys. Confirm your selection with the Menu/Confirm key.

5. Cal. Average –
calculate / show
average

1. Impact Direc.

2. Average

3. Material

4. Hardness Scale

5. Tolerance – Max and
Min value

, , , , , auto
Mean Times: 5 (1-10 poss.)
10 mat., see specifications
HL, HV, HB, HRC, HS, HRB,
HRA
0000 … 9999 possible,
Menu/Confirm to go to next
digit

1. View File

2. Delete File

3. Select File No.

4. Return

Confirm DEL? Select
“YES“ to confirm or “NO“
in order not to delete the
value

6. Memory Manager

7. Calibrate –
See next chapter

8. System Set – system
settings

4. Delete Single –
delete single value

3. Save Average –
save / show average
value

2. Test Set – test
settings

1.Exit – back to main
screen

File No.: 1 … 9 possible
Confirm DEL? “YES“ ­confirm / “NO“ – do not delete
File No.: 1 … 9 possible
Return to main screen

1. Auto Save On/Off

2. Auto Dele On/Off

3. Language Set –
language Chinese or
English

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8 Calibration

Before first use and after not using the hardness tester for a period of time, it must be calibrated
by means of the Leeb test block.
Go to calibration mode via menu item 7.

x/5

000

Calibration

1/5

772 HL

Calibration

The device shows values in HLDL. In order to calculate your HLD value, please refer to the
conversion chart in 10.5.

9 Battery replacement

• Unscrew the cover on the back side of the display unit.

• Remove the battery.

• Insert the new battery. Observe correct polarity.

• Screw the cover back on.

• Switch on the device to find out if it works properly.

10 Additional information

10.1 Specifications of impact device

Type of impact device

D (PCE-2500N), DL (PCE-2600N)

Impact energy
Impact weight

11 mJ
5,5 g

Ball hardness
Ball diameter
Ball material

1600 HV
3 mm
Tungsten carbide

Diameter of impact device
Length of impact device
Weight of impact device

20 mm
147 mm
50 g

10.2 Sample requirements

Max. sample hardness

940 HV

Max. sample roughness Ra

1.6 μm

Min. sample weight
Measurement without stabilisation
Stabilisation
Coupling necessary

>5 kg
2 ~ 5 kg

0.05 ~ 2 kg

Max. sample thickness
Measurement without coupling
Coupling necessary

>5 mm
≤5 mm

Min. depth of hardened layer

0.8 mm

Measure 5 measuring points of the Leeb hardness block.
The impact direction must be vertically down.

After the measurement, the hardness tester will show the
average value.
Press the arrow keys to set the average value to the
standard value of the test block. (You can set the value
up to 15 HL higher or lower). Confirm with the
Menu/Confirm key. “Calibration complete“ will be
displayed.

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10.3 Ball indentation

Hardness 300 HV

Indentation diameter
Penetration depth

0.54 mm
24 μm

Hardness 600 HV

Indentation diameter
Penetration depth

0.54 mm
17 μm

Hardness 800 HV

Indentation diameter
Penetration depth

0.35 mm
10 μm

10.4 Conversion chart materials

Material

Hardness scale

Value

Steel and cast steel

HRC

17.9～68.5

HRB

59.6～99.6

HRA

59.1～85.8

HB

127～651

HV

83～976

HS

32.2～99.5

Steel

HB

143～650

Alloyed tool steel

HRC

20.4～67.1

HV

80～898

Stainless steel
HRB

46.5～101.7

HB

85～65 5

HV

85～802

Grey cast iron
HRC

HB

93～334

HV

Spheroidal graphite iron
HRC

HB

131～387

HV

Cast aluminium
HB

19～164

HRB

23.8～84.6

Brass

HB

40～173

HRB

13.5～95.3

Bronze

HB

60～290

Copper

HB

45～315

© PCE Instruments

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10.5 Conversion chart HLD/HLDL

HLD

300

304

306

308

310

314

316

318

322

324

328

330

334

336

338

340

344

346

348

352

354

HLDL

560

562

564

566

568

570

572

574

576

578

580

582

584

586

588

590

592

594

596

598

600

HLD

356

360

361

364

367

370

372

374

377

380

383

386

387

390

392

395

398

400

403

405

408

HLDL

602

604

606

608

610

612

614

616

618

620

622

624

626

628

630

632

634

636

638

640

642

HLD

410

413

415

418

420

423

425

429

431

433

436

438

440

444

446

448

451

453

456

458

461

HLDL

644

646

648

650

652

654

656

658

660

662

664

666

668

670

672

674

676

678

680

682

684

HLD

464

466

468

472

474

476

479

481

484

487

490

492

495

497

500

502

505

508

510

513

516

HLDL

686

688

690

692

694

696

698

700

702

704

706

708

710

712

714

716

718

720

722

724

726

HLD

518

521

524

527

530

532

534

537

540

544

546

548

551

554

557

560

563

566

569

572

574

HLDL

728

730

732

734

736

738

740

742

744

746

748

750

752

754

756

758

760

762

764

766

768

HLD

578

581

584

587

590

592

596

599

602

605

608

611

614

617

620

624

627

630

634

637

640

HLDL

770

772

774

776

778

780

782

784

786

788

790

792

794

796

798

800

802

804

806

808

810

HLD

644

647

650

654

657

660

664

667

670

674

678

681

684

688

691

695

698

702

706

709

712

HLDL

812

814

816

818

820

822

824

826

828

830

832

834

836

838

840

842

844

846

848

850

852

HLD

716

720

724

728

730

734

738

742

746

749

752

756

760

764

768

771

774

778

782

786

789

HLDL

854

856

858

860

862

864

866

868

870

872

874

876

878

880

882

884

886

888

890

892

894

HLD

793

797

800

804

808

812

815

819

823

826

830

834

837

841

845

849

852

856

860

864

867

HLDL

896

898

900

902

904

906

908

910

912

914

916

918

920

922

924

926

928

930

932

934

936

HLD

871

874

878

882

886

889

893 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

HLDL

938

940

942

944

946

948

950 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

© PCE Instruments

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11 Warranty

You can read our warranty terms in our General Business Terms which you can find here:

https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/terms.

12 Disposal

For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament
applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste.
They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.

In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use
them or give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.

For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with
your local waste regulations.

If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

© PCE Instruments

2

PCE Instruments contact information

Germany France Spain

PCE Deutschland GmbH PCE Instruments France EURL PCE Ibérica S.L.
Im Langel 4 23, rue de Strasbourg Calle Mayor, 53
D-59872 Meschede 67250 SOULTZ-SOUS-FORETS 02500 Tobarra (Albacete)
Deutschland France España
Tel.: [phone] Téléphone: [phone] Tel. : [phone]
Fax: [phone] Numéro de fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/french www.pce-instruments.com/espanol

United States of America United Kingdom Italy

PCE Americas Inc. PCE Instruments UK Ltd PCE Italia s.r.l.
711 Commerce Way suite 8 Units 12/13 Southpoint Business Park Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6
Jupiter / Palm Beach Ensign Way, Southampton 55010 LOC. GRAGNANO
33458 FL Hampshire CAPANNORI (LUCCA)
USA United Kingdom, SO31 4RF Italia
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone] Telefono: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/us www.pce-instruments.com/english www.pce-instruments.com/italiano

The Netherlands Chile Hong Kong

PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE Instruments Chile S.A. PCE Instruments HK Ltd.
Institutenweg 15 RUT: 76.154.057-2 Unit J, 21/F., COS Centre
7521 PH Enschede Santos Dumont 738, local 4 56 Tsun Yip Street
Nederland Comuna de Recoleta, Santiago, Chile Kwun Tong
Telefoon: [phone] Tel. : [phone] Kowloon, Hong Kong
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Tel: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch www.pce-instruments.com/chile www.pce-instruments.cn

China

Turkey

PCE (Beijing) Technology Co.,Ltd PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti.
1519 Room, 6 Building Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Men Tou Gou Xin Cheng, Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
Men Tou Gou District 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
102300 Beijing Türkiye
China Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone] Faks: 0212 705 53 93
[e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.cn www.pce-instruments.com/turkish