PCE Instruments PCE-950, PCE-950-ICA Users guide

© PCE Instruments

PCE-950 Hardness 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: 25 August 2022

v1.0

English

© PCE Instruments

Contents

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

2 General description .............................................................................. 2

3 Main applications .................................................................................. 2

4 Technical specifications ...................................................................... 3

5 Delivery contents .................................................................................. 3

6 Optional adaptors ................................................................................. 4

7 Optional external impact devices ........................................................ 5

8 Device description ................................................................................ 6

9 Operation ............................................................................................... 7

10 Menu structure .................................................................................... 10

11 Settings ................................................................................................ 10

12 Calibration ........................................................................................... 15

13 Battery recharging .............................................................................. 15

14 Automatic Shut Off ............................................................................. 15

15 Connection to the computer .............................................................. 15

16 Conversion chart ................................................................................. 16

17 Maintenance ........................................................................................ 16

18 Contact ................................................................................................. 17

19 Disposal ............................................................................................... 17

© PCE Instruments

1

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.

• 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.

© PCE Instruments

2

2 General description

• Customised curve for a specific testing material

• OLED display of 128×32 matrix

• Converts to all common hardness scales (HV ,HB,HRC,HRB,HRA,HS)

• Easy to use menu system

• With miniUSB interface, multiple communication modes are adopted to meet

customized requirements of various users

• Max. 600 groups of data can be stored in memory

• Upper and lower limit of hardness can be preset; with alarm

• Test values software calibration function

• Working voltage:3.7 V rechargeable Li-Ion battery

• Continuous working period: approx. 50 h

• Can be used with impact device Type C, DC, G, D+15, DL, E

• Smart and skid-proof design

• Charging indicator

3 Main applications

• Direct measurement of heavy workpieces and permanently installed parts

• Measurements during production process, especially in mass production

• Material identification of metal materials

• Failure analysis of pressure vessels

• Bearings and other parts

• Testing of parts in confined or hard-to-access areas

© PCE Instruments

3

4 Technical specifications

Hardness measuring range by
material

Cast steel

HRC: 19.8 ... 68.5
HRB: 59.6 ... 99.6
HRA: 59.1 ... 85.8
HB: 80 ... 651
HV: 83 ... 976
HS: 32.2 ... 115

Hammered steel

HB: 143 ... 650

Cold-rolled steel

HRC: 20.4 ... 67.1
HV: 80 ... 898

Stainless steel

HRB: 45.5 ... 101.7
HB: 85 ... 655
HV: 85 ... 802

Cast iron

HB: 93 ... 334

Ductile iron

HB: 131 ... 387

Aluminum alloy

HRB: 23.8 ... 84.6
HB: 19 ... 164

Brass

HRB: 13.5 ... 95.3
HB: 40 ... 173

Bronze

HB: 60 ... 290

Forged copper alloy

HB: 45 ... 315

General specifications

Accuracy

± 6 HL at 730 ... 790 HL
± 10 HL at 490 ... 570 HL

Repeatability

6 HL at 730 ... 790 HL
10 HL at 490 ... 570 HL

Total measuring range

170 ... 960 HL

Hardness scales

HL (HLD): Leeb (Type D impact device)
HB: Brinell
HRC: Rockwell C
HRB: Rockwell B
HRA: Rockwell A
HV: Vickers
HS: Shore

Impact device

Type D

Measuring direction

360°

Display

128 x 32 OLED

Data storage

Internal memory saves up to 600 readings

Power supply

Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery

Battery life

Approx. 50 hours

Data interface

Mini USB

Dimensions

Approx. 153 x 54 x 24 mm / 6.02 x 2.13 x 0.95
in

Weight

Approx. 250 g / < 1 lb

5 Delivery contents

1 x durometer PCE-950, 1 x brush, 1 x miniature adapter, 1 x USB cable, 1 x power supply, 1 x
test block, 1 x user manual, 1 x carrying case
The software can be downloaded here: https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/download-

win_4.htm

© PCE Instruments

4

6 Optional adaptors

No.

Order

code

Image

Description

1

HK16.5-

30

Adaptor to measure spherical surfaces as

for example in mould making. Enables

centering and prevents slipping and

resulting measurement errors. Radius:

16,.5 ... 30 mm

2

HK11-13

Adaptor to measure spherical surfaces as

for example in mould making. Enables

centering and prevents slipping and

resulting measurement errors. Radius: 11

... 13 mm

3

Z25-50

Adaptor to measure outer radii, e. g. on

round steel and pipes. Enables centering

and prevents slipping and resulting

measurement errors. Radius: 25 ... 50 mm

4

Z10-15

Adaptor to measure outer radii, e. g. on

round steel and pipes. Enables centering

and prevents slipping and resulting

measurement errors. Radius: 10 ... 15 mm

© PCE Instruments

5

5

HZ12.5-

17

Adaptor to measure inner radii, e. g. in

pipes and tanks. Enables centering and

prevents slipping and resulting

measurement errors. Radius: 12.5 ... 17

mm

7 Optional external impact devices

The external impact devices just have to be connected to the device. The device will recognize
them automatically (for connection, see device description).

No.

Order code

Type

1

SG-D

D, 1800 HV

2

SG-G

G, 1800 HV

3

SG-DL

DL, 1800 HV

4

SG-C

C, 1800 HV

5

SG-D+15

D + 15, 1800 HV

6

SG-DC

DC, 1800 HV

© PCE Instruments

6

8 Device description

8.1 Device

1 On/Off key 2 MiniUSB connection
3 Release button 4 Loading sheath
5 Charging LED 6 Connection external impact device
7 OLED display 8 Operating keys:
Arrow keys – move cursor
MENU/OK – Main menu/confirm

8.2 Main screen

1 Alarm upper limit 2 Reading
3 No. of measurements 4 Battery level indication

5 Alarm lower limit 6 Hardness scale
7 Impact direction

© PCE Instruments

7

Upper / lower limit alarm

When measured value is over/below the limit, the icon will be full.

Measured value

Current measured value (without “AVE”) or current average value (with “AVE”) will be displayed.
The average value can only be displayed if the desired no. of impacts has been set in advance.
If ↑ is displayed, this means that the measured value exceeds the measurement range / the
convertible range. If ↓ is displayed, this means that the measured value is below the measurement
range / the convertible range.

No. of measurements

The number of measurements is displayed here. The no. of measurements after which the
average value is shown can be set previously in the menu.

Battery level indication

The battery icon shows the current battery level.

Hardness scale

The hardness scale currently used is shown here.

Impact direction

The current impact direction is displayed here.

No.

Type

ofimpactdevice

hardness

value of

standard

Leeb

hardness

block

Error

ofdisplayedvalue

Repeatabilityofdisplayedvalue

1

D

760±30HLD
530±40HLD

±6 HLD

±10 HLD

6 HLD

10 HLD

9 Operation

9.1 Preparation prior to testing

• If the surface to be tested is too rough, measuring errors can occur. The surface of the
sample must be smooth, flat, and free from oil or grease.

• Curved surfaces: Make sure that the testing surface of workpiece is plane. When the
radius of curvature R of the curved surface to be tested is less than 30 mm，a small
support ring or should be used.

© PCE Instruments

8

• When the sample is magnetic, this can falsify the result.

• When the sample weighs over 5 kg, no support is needed.

• Samples made of profile material or with thin wall thicknesses and parts weighing

between 2 and 5 kg need a support of more than 5 kg which must be tightly and evenly
coupled with the sample to avoid deformations caused by the impact of the impact
device or by vibrations.

• Samples with a weight below 2 kg also have to be coupled tightly and evenly to a
support of more than 5 kg. The surface between the sample and the support should be
even and smooth. Apply an adequate but not an excessive amount of coupling agent
to these surfaces.

• The minimum weight of a sample should always be 100 g.

• The minimum thickness of the sample is 3 mm.

• The hardness penetration depth of hardened parts must be at least 0.8 mm.

• To avoid errors caused by rough surfaces, the surface should be polished and have a

roughness Ra <2 µm or Rz <l0 µm

9.2 Testing the accuracy

A standard Leeb hardness block should be used to verify the accuracy of the portable hardness
tester and the mesasurement error and repeatability should not exceed the values in the following
chart.

No.

Type of impact
device

Hardness value of standard Leeb
hardnesss test block

Accuracy

Repeatability

1

D

760±30HLD
530±40HLD

±6 HLD
±10 HLD

6 HLD
10 HLD

Note: It is recommended that you take a minimum of 5 tests and obtain your average. That value
should be within the tolerance shown in the chart above. If the value exceeds this tolerance, you
must send the device to PCE Instruments for calibration.

9.3 Measurement

Press the On/Off key to turn on the device. The following will be shown on the screen:

The device will automatically enter measurement mode.
Push down the loading sheath to lock the impact body. Now place the device with the support

ring on the surface of test sample. The direction of impact should be vertical with the testing
surface. Make sure that the meter is placed firmly on the test surface and push down the release
button on the top of the device to make a measurement. Five measurements should be carried
out per measuring point of the test sample. The deviation of the mean value should not exceed
the values in the chart.

PCE950

Hardness Tester

© PCE Instruments

9

The distance between any two indentations, or the distance between any indentation center and
the edge of the test sample should be in accordance with the specifications in the following chart:

Type of impact

device

The distance of two
indentation centers

The distance between indentation center

and edge of test piece

No less than

No less than

D

3

5

9.4 How the results are displayed

⚫ The hardness value will be displayed ahead of the unit HL (Leeb hardness), followed by

the type of impact device. For example, 700 HLD expresses that the Leeb hardness is
700 and was measured by means a D-type impact device.

⚫ For values converted into other hardness units, the corresponding hardness scale should

be added ahead of Leeb hardness abbreviation. For example, 400HVHLD expresses that
the Vickers hardness value is 400, which was converted from the Leeb hardness value,
measured by a D-type impact device.

9.5 Information on hardness scales

• Not all materials can be converted into every hardness scale. The hardness scale will
return to Leeb hardness (HL) automatically after the material has been changed.
Therefore, the material must be selected first when setting the measurement
parameters, and the hardness scale should be set next.

© PCE Instruments

10

10 Menu structure

When you are in measurement mode, press the MENU/OK key to enter the main menu. Here you
can set all parameters.

11 Settings

Function overview
Press the MENU/OK key to enter the main menu.

You can move the cursor by using the arrow keys. With the MENU/OK key, you can select a
function.

Save Average
Delete Single
Cal.Average
MemoryManager
Test Set
System Set
About software
Exit

© PCE Instruments

11

Function

Description

Save Average

Saves the measured average.

Delete Single

Deletes individual data measured to
calculate the average.

Cal. Average

Calculates the average of individual
measurement results.

MemoryManager

View From No.1

All measured values (averages)

View From End

All measured values from new to old

View From No.

Here you can set what measurements you
want to view.

Print

Function not yet available

Delete By No.

Here you can delete certain measurements

Delete All

All measured data are deleted from the
memory

Exit

11.1 Save Average

This function is used to save the current average value. This function is only available if you have
made as many measurements as previously set under Test Set – Average or via the
“Cal.Average” function that stops the measurement immediately.

11.2 Delete Single

If you wish to delete the displayed measured value or average value, go to “Delete Single”, use
the arrow keys to select “Yes” or “No”. The latter applies if you decide not to delete the value.

11.3 Cal. Average

This function is to calculate the average value and to terminate the test.

11.4 Memory Manager

Use the MENU/OK key to go to the main menu.

© PCE Instruments

12

Save Average
Delete Single
Cal.Average
MemoryManager

Test Set

System Set
About software
Exit

Navigation

Deletion

Navigate through the data by using the arrow
keys. To return to the last page, press the
MENU/OK key.

Use the arrow keys to select the file to be
deleted and confirm with the MENU/OK key.

Select „Yes“ by using the arrow keys and
confirm with MENU/OK.

11.5 Test Set

.

Press the MENU/OK key to enter the main menu. Press the arrow keys to move the cursor and
press MENU/OK to select “Test Set”. Move the cursor to the parameter you wish to set and press
MENU/OK.

Impact Direction

Press the arrow keys to select the impact
direction and confirm with MENU/OK.

Impact Direc.
Average
Material
Hardness Scale
Tolerance Limit
Exit

View From No.1: 0001

No.001 01/17 789HL
No.002 01/17 517HL
No.003 01/17 788HL
No.004 01/17 522HL

Confirm delete
Yes No

File No. 1: 0001

© PCE Instruments

13

Average

Here you can set the no. of impacts /
measurements to calculate the average. You
can select a no. between 1 and 10. The
number can be changed using the arrow
keys, At the end, confirm with the MENU/OK
key.

Material

Press the arrow keys to select a material and
confirm with MENU/OK.

Note: When a new material is measured, the
value will automatically be displayed in HL:
Therefore, it is important to first select the
material and then the hardness scale.

Hardness Scale

Press the arrow keys to select a hardness
scale. Press MENU/OK to confirm.

Note: Only provide hardness scales that are
available for the selected material. When a
new material is measured, the value will
automatically be displayed in HL: Therefore,
it is important to first select the material and
then the hardness scale.

Tolerance Limit

Change the lower and upper limit with the
arrow keys and use the MENU/OK key to get
to the next digit. When the last digit has been
set, you will enter measurement mode.

Note: When the value set exceeds the
measurement range, you will be asked to set
it again. When the Min value exceeds the Max
value, Min and Max will be swapped.

11.6 System Setting

Key Sound On（OFF）
Auto Save On （OFF）
Auto Delete On(OFF)

Auto Trans.On(OFF)
LCD Brightness
Time Date Set
Exit

Save Average
Delete Single
Cal.Average
MemoryManager
Test Set

System Set

About software
Exit

Min Max

0960

0170

Cast steel
CWT.Steel
STAIN. Steel
GC.Iron
NC.Iron
Cast Alumin
Copper-Zinc
Copper-alumin
Wrought Copper

MeanTimes:

10

HV HB HRC

HS HRB HRA

HL

© PCE Instruments

14

Warn Sound

Here you can enable or disable the alarm tones. Use the MENU/OK key to enable or disable the
function.

Key Sound

Here you can enable or disable key sounds. Use the MENU/OK key to enable or disable the
function.

Auto Save

This function allows automatic saving of the averages. Use the MENU/OK key to enable or disable
the function.

Auto Delete

If you enable this function, the system will automatically delete those test results that are out of
range. The deleted values need to be replaced by making the same number of measurements as
values deleted. Use the MENU/OK key to enable or disable the function.

Auto Transfer

After the average is calculated, the data can be transferred in text format to a computer
automatically via the USB cable. Use the MENU/OK key to enable or disable the function.

LCD Brightness

Use the arrow keys to set the brightness of the display. Confirm with MENU/OK:

Time Date Set

Press the arrow keys to select the menu item
Time Date Set. Press MENU/OK to confirm.
Press MENU/OK to move the cursor to the
next digit and change it by using the arrow
keys. At the end, press MENU/OK to confirm.

11.7 About software

Press MENU/OK to enter the main menu. Use

the arrow keys to select the menu item “About
Software” and confirm with MENU/OK.

In this menu item, you will find some
information about the device, including the
serial number and the software version. To
navigate, use the arrow keys. By pressing the
MENU/OK key, you return to the
measurement mode.

Save Average
Delete Single
Cal.Average
MemoryManager
Test Set
System Set

About software

Exit

Hardness tester

SN：

Time Date Set

08/08/2010 06:48

© PCE Instruments

15

11.8 Exit

Via this menu item, you can leave the menu.

12 Calibration

The device needs to be calibrated before first
use or after a long period of non-use.

Press and hold the On/Off key and the arrow
keys at the same time to enter the calibration
screen. Set the impact direction【 ↓ 】and
make 5 measurements of the test block that
comes with the meter.

The meter will then display the average value.
Use the arrow keys to enter the standard
value which you can find on the test block.
Press MENU/OK to finish the calibration. The
accuracy is ±6HL.

13 Battery recharging

This icon (flashing) indicates low battery. Recharge the battery to avoid the device

switching off automatically.

14 Automatic Shut Off

The auto shut off function is designed to save battery power.

➢ The battery will automatically shut off after 5 minutes of inactivity.
➢ The screen will flash for 20 seconds before automatic shut off. Press any button other than

the On/Off key to terminate the shutting off.

➢ When the battery is too low, the system will be shut off automatically and the battery icon

will flash.

15 Connection to the computer

- Switch on the device.

- Install the driver and the software on your computer. Both can be downloaded here:

https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/download-win_4.htm.

- Connect the device to the computer, using the USB cable.

- Open the software and click “CONN” in the lower part of the software screen so that
the software recognises the device.

- Now you can load your measurements and view them as graphics by clicking “READ”
or “LOAD.”

Calibration

0/5 times

Average = 550

Nominal =

550

© PCE Instruments

16

16 Conversion chart

Material

HL HRC HRB

HB

HS HV

30D2

10D2

Cast steel

300 ~
900

20.0 ~

68.0

38.4 ~ 99.5

80 ~ 647

32.5 ~

99.5

80 ~ 940
CWT steel

300 ~

20.4 ~

80 ~ 898

Stainless steel

300 ~

19.6 ~

46.5 ~

85 ~ 655

80 ~ 802

Grey cast iron

360 ~

93 ~ 334

Nodular cast

400 ~

131 ~

Cast aluminium

174 ~

20 ~

Copper zinc

200 ~

13.5 ~ 95.3

40 ~

Copper alum.

300 ~

60 ~

Wrought

200 ~

45 ~

17 Maintenance

17.1 Troubleshooting

Failure

Cause

Solution

Failure in starting

Battery empty

Recharge battery

No measuring value

Probe wire open circuit

Replace probe wire

Value is inaccurate

Calibration data loss

Repeat calibration

17.2 Other maintenance

➢ For every 1000-2000 impact, use nylon brush to clean the pipe/tube and the impact body

of the impact device. Take the supporting ring and the impact body off, insert and twist nylon
brush counterclockwise to the bottom and pull back. Repeat for 5 times and re-install the
supporting ring and the impact body.

➢ Keep the impact body released after use.
➢ Using of any kind of lubricant is strictly prohibited in the impact device.
➢ When calibrating error is more than 2 HRC, it might be necessary to replace the test tip or

the impact body. Contact PCE Instruments.

➢ The impact body, the supporting ring and the loading sheath are excluded from the

warranty.

© PCE Instruments

17

18 Contact

If you have any questions, suggestions or technical problems, please do not hesitate to contact
us. You will find the relevant contact information at the end of this user manual.

19 Disposal

For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/ECdirective 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

18

PCE Instruments contact information

Germany France Spain

PCE Deutschland GmbH PCE Instruments France EURL PCE Ibérica S.L.
Im Langel 26 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 Kingdom Italy Turkey

PCE Instruments UK Ltd PCE Italia s.r.l. PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti.
Unit 11 Southpoint Business Park Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6 Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Ensign Way, Southampton 55010 Loc. Gragnano Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
Hampshire Capannori (Lucca) 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF Italia Türkiye
Tel: [phone] Telefono: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Faks: 0212 705 53 93
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/english www.pce-instruments.com/italiano www.pce-instruments.com/turkish

The Netherlands United States of America Denmark

PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE Americas Inc. PCE Instruments Denmark ApS
Institutenweg 15 1201 Jupiter Park Drive, Suite 8 Birk Centerpark 40
7521 PH Enschede Jupiter / Palm Beach 7400 Herning
Nederland 33458 FL Denmark
Telefoon: [phone] USA
[e-mail] Tel: [phone]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/us