Choosing the right portable Leeb hardness tester depends on more than the required hardness scale. The size, weight and thickness of the workpiece, surface finish, hardened layer thickness, test location and accessibility should all be considered when selecting the instrument and impact device. PTX Industrial offers a range of TIME Leeb hardness testers for applications including steel fabrication, castings and forgings, machinery and equipment, heat-treated components, gears, maintenance inspection, manufacturing and quality control.
For most general-purpose applications, the TIME5100 Leeb Hardness Tester is the recommended starting point. Its integrated D-type impact device is designed for general hardness testing of metallic components and supports HLD, HB, HRC, HRB, HV and HS. For coupled workpieces, the published specification gives a minimum thickness of 5 mm and minimum hardened layer thickness of 0.8 mm, making the TIME5100 particularly suitable for conventional industrial components where there is sufficient mass and thickness for Leeb testing.
For thinner, lighter or surface-hardened components, consider the TIME5102 Leeb Hardness Tester. Its integrated C-type impact device uses a different impact configuration suited to applications where the standard D-type device may not be appropriate. The TIME5102 has a specified minimum coupled workpiece thickness of 1 mm, minimum hardened layer thickness of 0.2 mm, and surface roughness requirement of Ra ≤ 0.4 µm. This makes it particularly useful for precision components, heat-treated parts and applications requiring lower impact energy.
Where the main challenge is access to the measurement point, the TIME5104 Leeb Hardness Tester is specifically configured with an integrated DL-type impact device. Its elongated impact device is designed to reach deep grooves, narrow recesses, gear tooth surfaces and other confined locations that can be difficult to access with a conventional D-type tester. It is therefore a specialised choice for gears, splines, shafts, moulds, dies and complex machined components.
For users wanting a more modern, lightweight instrument for regular workshop and field inspection, the TIME5150 Leeb Hardness Tester combines portable Leeb hardness measurement with an OLED display, Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, USB Type-C rechargeable battery, tensile-strength conversion and programmable material groups. At approximately 120 g, it is particularly attractive for technicians who regularly carry out on-site hardness inspections and value convenient data handling and rechargeable operation.
For professional users requiring a higher-level portable hardness testing system, the TIME5310 Leeb Hardness Tester provides another option within the TIME range. It is particularly worth considering where the application requires a more configurable professional instrument rather than a compact integrated tester.
Not sure which model is suitable? Send PTX Industrial the material, approximate hardness, dimensions, weight, surface condition and a photo of the intended test location. We can help determine whether Leeb hardness testing is appropriate and whether a D, C, DL or other impact device is better suited to your application.
