The Brinell / Knoop / Vickers hardness tester series Qness 60 EVO takes micro hardness testing to a whole new level: The high-end laboratory devices of the latest generation combine the best of both worlds – hardness testing and microscopy without compromise and with maximum operating convenience. The revolutionary optical system with color camera provides reproducible and reliable results every time.
The innovative „A+“ model of this Brinell / Knoop / Vickers hardness tester promises perfect automation and comes with a high-precision positioning control for all three axis systems. Flexible XYZ progressions for thousands of analysis points allow for exceptionally high throughput without operator intervention.
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There are decisive benefits in distributing vertical movement across 2 axes. Via the first Z-axis there is dynamic motion control, allowing the indenter to be positioned towards the test surface quickly and conveniently at up to 30mm/s. The additional second Z-axis in the QATM system offers a high-resolution positioning system for greater precision in force application and focusing.
It is now possible to execute all required quality assurance tasks with a previously unattained degree of convenience and time efficiency. The Brinell / Knoop / Vickers hardness tester 60 A+ EVO can work through hundreds – even thousands – of test and analytical points in a fully automated, unmanned setting. The analytical functions have also been integrated in order to enable the operator working in a manual mode to analyze material properties with maximum efficiency, and to deliver the requested results smoothly and simply.
Vickers
DIN EN ISO 6507, ASTM E-384, ASTM E92
Knoop
DIN EN ISO 4545, ASTM E-384, ASTM E92
Brinell
DIN EN ISO 6506, ASTM E-10
Integrated conversions:
DIN EN ISO 18265, DIN EN ISO 50150, ASTM E-140
* not according to standards
The QATM-developed, in-house manufactured lens system sets new standards. In addition to providing crystal clear image quality for micro hardness testing, Koehler illumination uses white LED light and motor-operated aperture shuttering to produce ideal contrast, even for high magnification images. The color-corrected high-quality lens series is used for structural analysis. There are also two camera systems to choose from.
Experienced metallurgists agree the image quality provided by the Vickers / Knoop / Brinell hardness tester Qness 60 EVO is comparable in all aspects with that of established sophisticated microscopes. The up-to-date concept and new lenses in the optic system enable the device to completely meet even the strictest physical ‘test system definition’ requirements in compliance with DIN EN ISO6507-1/2:2018.
Up to 8 different test diamonds or lenses can be mounted to the ultra-modern turret of the Vickers / Knoop / Brinell hardness tester. The compact structure is angled at 20° to guarantee excellent test room visibility.
Highlight: The newly developed hardness testing modules serve as modular indenter holders enabling plug-and-play retrofitting of Brinell and Knoop test equipment at any time after delivery.
Qpix Control2 is pioneering the ultra-modern software operation of hardness testing equipment and has been expanded to include intelligent measurement tools for lengths and angles. It’s ideal for establishing templates, and now also for the testing of welds. In addition, the optional INSPECT modules can be seamlessly integrated into the overall operating infrastructure:
The illuminated QATM logo displays the current device status at a glance. The range of flash intervals indicates whether the device is operating automatically or is free to be used for new tasks for staff all around the lab. Furthermore, not only does the LED test space lighting, installed as standard, allow samples and sample holders to be set up correctly, in the A+ version it guarantees uniform light intensity for sample imaging.
All 3 axes are equipped with the direct, optical path measuring system as standard. The axes and turret can be positioned to an accuracy of 1.5 μm, so even thin layers, or special testing or analytical coordinates, can be repeatedly and accurately approached.
The unique construction of the highly-dynamic tool changer turret allows the positioning of test pieces at various heights within the test area. Innovative CAS technology protects the unit from collisions.
Optimized testing parameters and shorter intervals for serial autofocus, brightness regulation and image analysis, facilitate unbeatable cycle times during everyday operation with the new EVO Brinell / Knoop / Vickers hardness testers; and it’s even faster than the previous model. A further benefit of the new machine concept is the emphasis on reduced noise emissions in operation and motion, making it particularly suitable for laboratory work.
IPC – ‘Indenter Parallel to Contour’ (optional)
The operator can select the route and points for the Knoop indenter along each contour, either manually, via the software setting, or fully automatically. The compact indenter unit with a built-in rotation drive facilitates fully automated hardness testing in layers or along the edge of the workpiece.
The secure clamping of samples thanks to a redesigned holder with a built-in clamping force limiter, simplifies sample centering and positioning. A plate with a ball-joint even clamps specimen that cannot be held flat to prevent tilting or sliding during analysis. Available with 1, 4 or 8 holding positions and adapter rings for a large range of metric and imperial sample diameters.
It is no coincidence that most QATM customers choose the ‘A+’ version with a built-in image camera. In a few seconds the image of the sample is shot with the additional camera (field of view 49 x 37 mm). The image provides excellent navigational support within the software, particularly in combination with DOUBLE-VIEW TECHNOLOGY, and aids enhanced documentation in the automatically compiled test report.
The time-consuming creation of test points, especially with tooth flank testing, is minimized by means of pre-defined templates. The A+ version enables the entire normed procedure between HV30 and HV1 to be done by one single device.
Serial provision of ‘Advanced Welding’ functions facilitates the simple, norm-compliant (e.g. EN ISO 9015 & EN ISO 22826) integration of test mapping for Brinell / Knoop / Vickers hardness testing. Pre-defined patterns can be simply adapted to each respective test piece via interactive functions. If required, Qpix INSPECT modules can also provide a simultaneous material-graphics analysis of the weld seam.
QATM sample holders are designed to ensure maximum throughput. ‘A+’ device test tables include enough space for an 8-fold sample holder as standard; up to two holders can be used in parallel with the optional 300 mm slide.
Intuitive, clearly organized and professional: Qpix Control2 is a next-generation software for Brinell / Knoop / Vickers hardness testers, developed based on customer feedback and input for maximum user-friendliness. The controlled test head benefits from automatic height adjustment and contactless exploration, complete integration of the sample holder, CAD compatibility with 3D imaging and a whole range of easily understood 3D control elements and views included in the software. It sets new standards in hardness testing.
Identical samples can be set up in the software in scale as a 3D model.
Innovative Collision Avoiding System (CAS) technology protects the mechanical parts in the device using predictive 3D motion calculations to visualize the effects of collisions and operation errors.
The machine moves automatically to sample holder height. Image of sample is taken automatically.
AutoSnap - Speedy Row Set-up: Drag the row of test points to the desired position. The serial Auto-Snap function corrects the starting point of the test row automatically.
The test sequence is executed according to the applicable hardness testing standards.
The optional software module ‘2D/3D hardness chart’ is the perfect aid for the detailed determination of hardness distribution over the total cross section, especially for heat-treated materials. This is extremely important in material exploration, and also for weld testing or in damage analysis.
1. Create area
2. Define grid
3. Display in 2D
Alternatively display it in 3D
Homogenous hardness distribution chart on wire cross section
Test point pattern on a non-bedded specimen
Edge recognition involves automatic adaption of test row starting points to the sample edge when using the according project and templates. The module significantly increases the degree of automation and is an ideal add-on to the serially provided AutoSnap function.
The K1C value is established via norm-compliant measurement of the 4 fracture lines. The MPa√m is subsequently calculated automatically.
The digital caliper is compatible with the Qpix Control2 system and reads the dimensions, height and diameter of components wirelessly and at the push of a button, entering them into the software. The test head height control in the A+ hardness tester enables the test height to be reached completely automatically with no need for manual input.
The intuitive and user-friendly Qpix INSPECT software functionality provides a comprehensive toolbox for microscopic evaluations and result documentation. It can be customized for customer-specific measuring tasks and complemented with add-on modules.
Qconnect is the interface in QATM Qpix Control2 software, providing customers with a full portfolio of inter-device connectivity - from serial production, open XML interfaces (bi-directional) and pre-specified plug-in solutions, such as the QDAS Plug-In+, through to customer-specific connectivity solutions implemented completely by QATM. We have a professional solution for every applicational requirement.
The hardness tester Qness 60 A+ EVO as a portal solution that offers unique movement flexibility, opening up new possibilities in micro and low load hardness testing.
Product Advantages
Configure and optimize your lab workplace with solutions from the comprehensive QATM lab furniture range.
Highlight: The extremely resilient QATM work table with electrically-driven height adjustment is ergonomically adapted for use with the according hardness tester as well as up to 2 monitors and offers built-in cable management.
The optional large slide doubles the test table surface area to 300 x 120 mm. If required, the test height can also be extended from 145 mm to 260 mm.
Premium quality in comprehensive variety. Independent DAkkS (ISO/IEC 17025) calibration according to DIN EN ISO and ASTM including software for periodic norm-compliant tests.
