Hardness Rod

Hardness Rod for Coatings

PH1200

Pocket-sized durometer for testing the hardness of coatings

The PH1200 Hardness Probe is a pen-style pocket hardness tester designed to measure the surface hardness of coatings using the half-ball indenter scratch method. Its compact and handy design makes it the go-to tool for field and production line testing, particularly in the automotive sector, where it is widely used to complement laboratory testing.

The unit includes three interchangeable springs with different force ranges and allows the fitting of half-sphere tips with diameters of 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm and 1 mm, meeting the specifications of leading automotive manufacturers (Opel, Bosch, Volkswagen, Volvo) and the ISO 1518 and EN 438-2 standards.

Application

  • Automotive (OEM and Tier 1): verification of the hardness of paints and coatings on components in accordance with Opel, Bosch, Volkswagen and Volvo specifications.
  • Industrial and decorative paints: quality control during production and on receipt of materials in accordance with ISO 1518.
  • Laminates and decorative materials: testing the scratch resistance of surfaces in accordance with EN 438-2.
  • Field and production line inspection: thanks to its pocket-sized design, it allows for quick inspections without having to transport parts to the laboratory.
  • Coatings R&D: comparison of formulations and validation of curing processes under development.

Features

  • Pen-style design: compact, lightweight and easy to handle for use in the field, workshop and laboratory.
  • Three interchangeable springs (white, blue, red) covering a range from 0 to 2,000 gf (0 – 19.61 N).
  • Interchangeable 0.5 mm, 0.75 mm and 1 mm hemispherical tips to cover the main OEM and ISO specifications.
  • Direct reading of the applied force on the spring scale, without the need for additional equipment.
  • A stand is available as an accessory for carrying out reproducible tests under laboratory conditions.
  • Supplied in a case with a 1 mm tip, 3 springs and a user manual in Spanish

Standards

UNE EN ISO 1518
EN 438-2

References

Code

Description

NK-PH1200-1

PH1200 durometer probe with 1 mm tip (Volkswagen / ISO 1518) and 3 springs

NK-PH1200-075

PH1200 durometer probe with 0.75 mm tip (Bosch / Volvo) and 3 springs

NK-PH1200-050

PH1200 durometer probe with 0.5 mm tip (Volvo / Van Laar) and 3 springs

Calibration

Code

Description

CAL072

ENAC-accredited calibration certificate of a durometer test bar

Accessories

Code

Description

NK-PH1200-ST

Holder for PH1200 durometer rod — enables reproducible testing in the laboratory

NK-PH1200-T050

0.50 mm scoring tip for PH1200 rod (Volvo, Van Laar)

NK-PH1200-T075

0.75 mm scoring tip for PH1200 rod (Bosch)

NK-PH1200-T1

1 mm scoring tip for PH1200 rod (ISO 1518 / Volkswagen)

NK-PH1200-SP

Set of 3 replacement springs: 0–3 N / 0–10 N / 0–20 N

Standards

UNE EN ISO 1518
EN 438-2

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FAQS

The grades indicate the relative hardness of each pencil. The scale usually ranges from 6B (softest) to 9H (hardest), allowing the scratch resistance of a coating to be determined in a standardised way.

Standardised sets usually include 17 degrees of hardness, ranging from 6B to 9H, covering a wide range of applications in paints, varnishes and industrial coatings.

Because incorrect geometry alters the contact surface and the pressure applied to the coating. For this reason, test standards specify specific procedures for preparing the tip before each measurement.

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