DeFelsko Barcol Hardness Testers

Q: What is the minimum sample thickness and edge clearance for Barcol testing?

Per ASTM B648 (aluminum alloys) and ASTM D2583 (rigid plastics and FRP), the specimen must be at least 1.5 mm (1/16" or 0.0625") thick so the indenter does not sense the backing support. Each test indentation must be placed at least 3 mm (1/8") away from the edge of the part or from any previous indentation mark.

Portable Analog & Digital Barcol Hardness Impressors for Aluminum, Soft Metals & Fiberglass (FRP)
ABQ Industrial offers a specialized line of portable Barcol Hardness Testers (Barcol Impressors) from industry-leading manufacturers Barber-Colman and DeFelsko. Engineered for rapid, single-handed indentation hardness testing on a 0 to 100 Barcol scale, these handheld instruments allow quality control inspectors, aerospace technicians, composite fabricators, and fire equipment testing crews to verify material hardness in any orientation without cutting test coupons. Every Barcol impressor in our catalog is designed for strict compliance with ASTM B648, ASTM D2583, ASTM E140, and NFPA 1931 / 1932 standards.

F.A.Q.

How does a Barcol Impressor measure material hardness?

When the operator places the rear leg of the Barcol impressor on the specimen and applies firm downward hand pressure on the point sleeve housing, a spring-loaded 26° flat-tipped cone indenter penetrates the surface until the sleeve face contacts the material. The depth of penetration (spanning 0.76 mm / 0.030" from 0 to 100) is mechanically or electronically translated into a 0–100 Barcol reading, where 100 represents zero penetration on a flat glass or hardened steel plate.

What is the minimum sample thickness and edge clearance for Barcol testing?

Per ASTM B648 (aluminum alloys) and ASTM D2583 (rigid plastics and FRP), the specimen must be at least 1.5 mm (1/16" or 0.0625") thick so the indenter does not sense the backing support. Each test indentation must be placed at least 3 mm (1/8") away from the edge of the part or from any previous indentation mark.

Why do FRP composite readings require more test points than aluminum alloys?

Homogeneous metals like aluminum alloys exhibit uniform grain hardness, requiring only 3 to 5 readings per test area. Fiberglass-reinforced plastics (FRP) contain alternating microscopic zones of glass fibers and resin matrix; if the indenter strikes directly over a glass roving, the reading will be higher than in a resin-rich pocket. Therefore, ASTM D2583 recommends taking 10 to 12 readings on FRP composites and calculating the average—a process automated by the built-in statistics mode on the DeFelsko PosiTector BHI1 and PosiTector BHI3.

How do I test small parts or curved tubes with a Barcol Impressor?

To obtain an accurate reading, the front point sleeve and the rear leg of the impressor must rest on the same horizontal plane. When testing small pieces, narrow strips, or small-diameter rods, rest the rear leg on a reference support block of equal thickness to the test piece (or align the impressor lengthwise along the crown of a tube or pipe).

DeFelsko PosiTector BHI1 Standard Barcol Hardness Impressor

$1,275.00

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DeFelsko PosiTector BHI1 Standard Barcol Hardness Impressor

DeFelsko PosiTector BHI Standard Barcol Hardness Impressor
Barcol Hardness Impressor
Measures the hardness of soft metals such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, brass, and other materials such as harder plastics, and fiber-reinforced plastic

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DeFelsko PosiTector BHI3 Advanced Barcol Hardness Impressor

$1,750.00

FREE 2-Day Shipping

About this item

DeFelsko PosiTector BHI3 Advanced Barcol Hardness Impressor

DeFelsko PosiTector BHI Barcol Hardness Impressor
Barcol Hardness Impressor
Measures the hardness of soft metals such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, brass, and other materials such as harder plastics, and fiber-reinforced plastic

View More Details