ZHU/zwickiLine+ universal hardness tester for instrumented indentation tests

Test methods

Rockwell
Brinell
Vickers
IIT

Test load

0.2 - 250 kg

Applications

R & D

Standards

ISO 6508
ASTM E18
ISO 6506
ASTM E10
ISO 6507
ASTM E92
ASTM E384
ISO 14577
ASTM E2546

More than just hardness testing

The ZHU/zwickiLine+ universal hardness testing machine is based on the zwickiLine+ materials testing machine. It can be used both for traditional hardness testing methods such as Rockwell, Vickers, Brinell and ball-indentation, and for the innovative instrumented indentation test method for determining hardness as well as other material parameters of metallic materials (Martens hardness, ISO 14577). In addition, cyclic indentation tests with increasing test load or indentation depth and partial unloading are implemented in the testXpert hardness edition testing software.

Video of ZHU/zwickiLine in action

The ZHU/Z2.5 is the most flexible, most versatile hardness testing machine in the world. It results from the installation of a hardness measuring head in the zwickiLine testing machine.

Universal hardness testing machine ZHU/zwickiLine+

Advantages & features

Applications

Overall the hardness measuring head covers all hardness tests employing indentation measurement, including:

Martens hardness HM, instrumented indentation test
Rockwell hardness scales A to K, N, T, plus HMR5/250
Rockwell hardness scales R, L, M, E, K, α
ball indentation hardness (for plastics)
Vickers depth measurement HVT
Brinell depth measurement HBT

Instrumented hardness testing for determination of the Martens hardness HM of metals is standardized in EN ISO 14577-1. The purpose of this standard is to define a universal hardness scale. This scale covers all hardness grades from thermoplastic films to very hard metals, enabling improved comparability of material behavior.

The force-indentation depth curve and different sequences of the loading process allow more comprehensive description of mechanical material properties, including:

plastic and elastic portions of the indentation energy
Martens hardness HM
volume hardness HMs
indentation hardness H_iT
elastic indentation modulus E_ir
creep behavior
creep relaxation behavior

Extended range of application

In addition to the classical methods of hardness testing (Vickers, Rockwell, Brinell) and to the instrumented indentation test, the following applications are also possible thanks to zwickiLine+:

Fully automatic Vickers and Rockwell hardness traverse tests (Jominy end-quench test, Vickers tests on ceramics)
Ball indentation on plastics
Cyclic tests on paper or ceramics
Materials testing in general (e.g. tensile/compression tests)

Advantages of the ZHU/zwickiLine+

The core components of this precision measuring system are the innovative hardness measuring head, the zwickiLine+ hardness testing machine with state-of-the-art testControl II measurement and control electronics and the intelligent testing software testXpert hardness edition. An add-on unit with measurement optics is optionally available for optical hardness testing methods.

The combination of a zwickiLine+ with the hardness measuring head and testing software testXpert hardness edition results in an innovative test system with a wide range of applications.
Universal application with fully automatic test sequence for practically any hardness testing method, regardless of material.
Automatic display of force-indentation-depth curve regardless of method, for comprehensive materials characterization in instrumented indentation test to ISO 14577.
Multiple use as a hardness testing machine and/ or as a testing machine for tensile, compression & bending tests.
High operating comfort with changing test conditions due to fast and precise AC drive and large test area, e.g. for different specimen sizes.
Versatile result presentation: single and statistical values, graphics, onscreen display, and test reports can be varied as required.

Features of the optical testing unit

Flexible adaptation of test parameters, e.g. approach speed, loading and unloading rates.
Ability to test HM and HV with one indentation.
Test load-indentation depth curve can be displayed and evaluated with all test methods.
Optical monitoring of specimen surface.
Traverse tests can be freely defined and imported and exported. This applies to all methods.
Any desired hardness traverse tests can be performed in addition to Vickers traverse tests.
These features apply when optical hardness test methods are used.

Technical overview

Type	Z2.5 TN+
Item No.	1044260
Test load F_max	2.5	kN
Test area
Test area height¹	675	mm
Test area depth	105	mm
Test area width	No limitation
Load frame
Height	1289	mm
Width	585	mm
Depth	707	mm
Weight, approx.²	132	kg
Paint finish	A6-C31, RAL 7021 und RAL 3038
Ambient temperature	+10 ... +35	°C
Relative humidity (non-condensing)	20 ... 90	%
Average noise level at v_max measured in 1 m distance to the front side of machine	64	dB(A)
Conformity	ISO 9000 and CE
Drive system
Driving power	500	W
Motor	AC servo motor
Control, set value preselection	Digital
Crosshead speed v_min ... v_max	0.0005 ... 3000³	mm/min
Drive travel resolution	0.95	nm
Positioning repeatability (without reversal of direction)	±2	μm
Controller	Adaptive
Cycle time	1000	Hz
Power input specifications
Version	1	kW
Power supply	230	V, 1Ph/N/PE
Permissible voltage fluctuation	±10	%
Power consumption (full load), approx.	2.3	kVA
Power frequency	50/60	Hz

Inclusive add-on unit "Optics". The dimensions of the x-y tables are not considered.
based on typical accessories
Values apply to machines with closed safety door and closed safety guard in automatic mode and to machines without safety device and/or without safety guard. For machines with the safety door and/or safety guard open, the speed is reduced to 600 mm/min.

Description	Value
Item No.	1044204
Resolution	0.002	μm
Test load, max. (Fmax)	2.5	kN
Upper connection	Ø 20	mm
Lower compression platen	Ø 138	mm
Load cell	0.005 ... 2.5	kN
Extensometer, digital	max. 4 mm, increased resolution 0.002 μm

Description	Value
Item No.	1044205
Resolution	0.002	μm
Test load, max. (Fmax)	0.2	kN
Upper connection	Ø 20	mm
Lower compression platen	Ø 138	mm
Load cell	0.002 ... 0.2	kN
Extensometer, digital	max. 4 mm, increased resolution 0.002 μm

Do you have any questions regarding our products?

Please feel free to contact our product experts.
We look forward to discussing your needs.

Interesting applications

Instrumented indentation test

ISO 14577

to Instrumented indentation test

Downloads

Product brochure: Hardness Testing with ZwickRoell PDF 13 MB
- DE
- EN
Product information: Universal hardness testing machine ZHU/zwickiLine+ PDF 2 MB
- DE
- EN

ZHU/zwickiLine+

More than just hardness testing

Video of ZHU/zwickiLine in action

Advantages & features

Advantages & features

Applications

Extended range of application

Advantages of the ZHU/zwickiLine+

Features of the optical testing unit

Technical overview

Related products and accessories

Interesting applications

Downloads

Interesting customer projects