Tag: Ames portable hardness testing

Rockwell Hardness Testers

Using Ames Testers in Hobby applications

Sep 21, 2023 by Carrin Harris 0 Comments #Ames portable hardness tester, #Ames portable hardness testing, #Ames rockwell hardness tester, #Ames tester, #rockwell testers

Why Hobbyists Prefer Ames Testers

The Ames Portable Hardness Tester is a device used to measure the hardness of metals and alloys. While it is primarily used in industrial settings for quality control and material testing, there are also hobby applications for this tool. As we discussed in a previous blog, Ames portable testers are popular among knife makers.  Even the old testers are used because they are looking for a ballpark hardness in their trade.

Forging Martial Arts and Hunting Bladed Tools

hardness tester for lawnmower picture

The smithing forums tend to get mentions of Ames portable hardness testers as a reliable tool for the trade.  In the Blade Smiths Forum, ‘JenniferP’ ported about her Ames tester, stating it provides more accurate results than the Accu-test HRc tester.  Many members commented that they had old testers, but they are no longer eligible for calibration. Just a reminder, we may be able to repair and calibrate your old tester but without certification.  The reason for this is the fatigue on the frame makes the instrument unreliable.  It may leave our factory calibrated, but arrive to you not testing accurately.  While exact results are not always the goal of a Hobby Knifemaker, precision is a promise our company stands by.  Accuracy may be a critical point, especially for small thin pieces.  As mentioned on BladeMag, the correct hardness will guarantee superior strength in a blade.  The hardness test gives you an idea of the flex strength and confirms that the knife’s edge will hold.  Although many testers have been used by knife makers, testing with a Rockwell hardness tester provides the most reliable results.

In another forum for Hobby machinists, a member finds an old hardness tester and asks “How can this tool benefit my Hobby” to which other members answer, that this instrument is helpful for anyone heat-treating steel, and another member offers to take it off his hands.  Hobby applications in testing clutches for racing led to the development of a specific testing application which was developed outside of normal Ames tester capacity.  The Ames tester has value for any hobby application requiring a hardness test.

Some Examples of Hobbies that Ames Tester are Useful with:

  1. Metalworking: For hobbyists who enjoy working with metal, the Ames Portable Hardness Tester can be a useful tool for testing the hardness of different metals and alloys. This information can help guide decisions about which materials to use for specific projects, as well as provide a baseline for comparing the hardness of different materials.

  2. Jewelry making: In the world of jewelry making, the hardness of metals is an important factor in determining their durability and resistance to wear and tear. The Ames Portable Hardness Tester can be used to measure the hardness of different metals used in jewelry making, such as gold, silver, and platinum.

  3. Gunsmithing: For hobbyists who enjoy gunsmithing or working with firearms, the Ames Portable Hardness Tester can be a valuable tool for testing the hardness of gun parts and components. This information can help ensure that the parts are made from high-quality materials and are durable enough to withstand the rigors of use.

Company News

Ames Announced the Model 8 Portable Hardness Tester in 1975

Apr 4, 2022 by Ames Portable hardness testers 0 Comments #Ames model 8, #Ames portable hardness tester, #Ames portable hardness testing, #Ames rockwell hardness tester, #Ames tester models, #measuring rockwell hardness, #Model 8 Ames

Ames introduced the model 8 hardness tester in February of 1975. This portable hardness tester has the capacity for either rounds or flats up to 8 inches to determine the hardness of metals and alloys in various Rockwell scales.

See the Model 8 Hardness Tester in Action!

The model 8 Ames portable Hardness Tester saves time and money by its ability to be taken to the workpiece being tested rather than having to cut pieces off to be taken to the laboratory for testing. The measuring head is independent of the measuring clamp or machine tool holder of your own design.

The model 8 Ames Portable Hardness Tester is accurate, light to carry, and easy to use. This tester meets the needs of both large and small plants. Use model 8 to test standard Rockwell scales, this tester is convienently is supplied with a carrying case.

With a frame depth of 4 inches, this tester reads Rockwell A, B, C, and other scales. The measuring head may be removed and mounted on a tool holder. This tester weighs 8.25 pounds.

Ames 4-4 portable hardness tester with manual
Rockwell Hardness Testers

5 Benefits of using Ames Portable Rockwell Hardness Testers

Feb 17, 2022 by Ames Portable hardness testers 0 Comments #Ames portable hardness tester, #Ames portable hardness testing, #Ames rockwell hardness tester, #Ames tester models, #measuring rockwell hardness, #rockwell hardness

Do you wonder if Ames portable hardness testers are the best option for you to use when testing the hardness of metal? Here are 5 reasons to choose Ames when you choose your hardness tester.

  1. Ames provides you with repeatable accuracy. Repetative tests on the material will give you in the same reading. You may not find this benefit generally available on competing hardness testers. You will experience no loss of accuracy when you transfer your readings into Rockwell scales. This is because all readings are made directly into Rockwell scales. Ames tester accuracy may be compared to the accuracy of bench-type testers when you perform tests in the smae enviornment.
  2. Ames hardness testers are simple for you to operate. Even unskilled users can learn to make accurate tests after a very limited period of practice. This means you do not need highly qualified inspectors to make hardness tests. This allows you to perform hardness testes more frequently, and provide your customers with maintenance and closer tolerances for their products.
  3. Portable testers can be taken anywhere. With hardness testers that are not confiened to the labratory you can perform hardness tests on material at the assembly line, in the receiving yard, or on material still assembled in the machine. You will avoid delays in production. You can also perform hardness tests in scenerios that are not accessable for use with bench style hardness testers.
  4. Test in Rockwell A, B, and C. Ames portable hardness testers allow you to test directly in regular Rockwell A, B and C scales, or in Rockwell Superficial N and T scales. You can simply change the penetrator and the major load and your tests can be made in Rockwell D, E, F, G, H, K, L, M, P, R, S and V scales. You can refer to the following conversion chart for Rockwell Hardness. Ames’ extensive line of portable hardness testers allows you to test material in a size range of 1mm to 1 meter in diameter.
5. Ames testers perform rapid tests. You can perform a single test in less than one minute. Ames portable hardness testers are faster to use than bench-type Rockwell testers. It is of particular value when numerous repetitive tests are required on the material.
Rockwell Hardness Testers

Ames Model 16 Solves Super-Size Quality-Check Problems

Feb 10, 2022 by Ames Portable hardness testers 0 Comments #Ames model 8, #Ames portable hardness testing, #Ames precision, #Ames rockwell hardness tester, #Ames tester, #Model 8 Ames

The model 16 Ames Portable hardness tester is designed to allow you to test the hardness of materials up to 16 inches in diameter.  This tester has been referred to as a model 36 in the past because the chain is 36 inches long.  This name caused confusion so the tester has since been renamed the model 16.

Model 16’s chain clamp system and dual “V” anvils allow testing round items from zero to16 inches in diameter. For testing Rockwell A, B, C and other scales. This tester can be ordered in standard or superficial versions. The measuring head is independent of the clamp and may be removed for mounting on a holder of your own design. This tester weighs 8 pounds and conforms to ASTM standard E-110.

The Model 8 and Model 16 hardness testers are not available for purchase online due to the changing prices in the current market.  You can request a quote for either of these testers online.

The Model 8 is our Second Largest Tester:

Rockwell Hardness Testers

Ames Precision Model ST allows you to Check the Hardness of Tubing in Rockwell Scales

Jan 13, 2022 by Ames Portable hardness testers 0 Comments #Ames model ST, #Ames portable hardness tester, #Ames portable hardness testing, #Ames tester models, #measuring rockwell hardness, #rockwell hardness, #rockwell scales

In May of 1977, Ames announced the release of the Ames Model ST portable Hardness Tester. This superficial tester is specifically designed for testing small diameter or thin wall tubing. The small anvil will fit into the inner wall of tubing as small as 3/16″ and is effective in checking larger sizes as well. The tube hardness tester reads in the 15-T scale and comes in a high-impact case just like our other portable hardness testers.

Original promotion for Ames Model ST – Tube Tester

The Ames model ST tubing tester uses a special cylindrical anvil to test soft tubular materials such as copper. This tester is recommended for small diameter tubing with thin walls. The maximum load for the model ST is 15 KG, anything greater will damage this tester.

Before you begin a hardness test using your model ST, be sure that the 1/16 ball penetrator is snuggly screwed into the end of the tester spindle shaft. The 1/18″ pin perpendicular to the spindle is the anvil.

How to use your Model ST Tube tester:

Step 1: Rotate the bezel (outer ring of the dial indicator) and position the face of the dial so that the dot on the face is directly below the indicator’s pointer hand.

Step 2: Position your part over the 1/8″ anvil and slowly rotate the handwheel until the penetrator makes contact with the part and moves the pointer hand on the dial indicator to the line marked set. Stop at this point. You have reached the minor load point (3 kg).

Step 3: Rotate the numbered aluminum barrel dial, so that the 1/16 inch pin rests on top of the lucite magnifier.

Step 4: Rotate the handwheel until the pointer hand on the dial indicator reaches the major load of 15 kg (do not over or undershoot the target). Immediately after reaching the major load, rotate the handwheel back to the “set” (minor load) position.

Step 5: To read the Rockwell hardness, find the fine line on the magnifier. The scale below the magnifier on the aluminum barrel is graded in units of 10. The short hash marks are in units of two.

Measuring Hardness Rockwell Scale
Ames How To

Hardness Testing in Rockwell Scales

Nov 30, 2020 by Ames Portable hardness testers 0 Comments #Ames portable hardness testing, #Ames rockwell hardness tester, #measuring rockwell hardness, #rockwell hardness, #rockwell scales

Hardness Testing – Rockwell scales

Rockwell Hardness testing is a system for determining the hardness of metals and alloys of all kinds. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has established a standard recognized worldwide to help manufacturers maintain the qualities they want in their products. If you are using the Brinell scale check out our conversion chart.      

ASTM Standards E-18 and E-110 defines the test method and parameters for a valid test using portable hardness testers. Following is a general description of the method. A spheroconical diamond penetrator or a carbide ball penetrator is forced into the surface being tested at a predetermined pressure load. The hardness is read as a function of the depth of penetration.

To overcome errors in measurement, two pressure loads are applied in sequence. The first, a minor load is applied and the readout dial is “zeroed” with the part being tested still under load. Then the major load is applied.  The penetrator is backed out to the minor load point to read the distance traveled. The hardness reading represents the additional depth of penetration beyond the minor load.  Tester accuracy is checked by running the test on specimens whose hardness has been certified by an independent testing laboratory. All Ames hardness testers perform genuine Rockwell Hardness tests, giving a direct Rockwell reading. Their accuracy meets or exceeds ASTM Standards E-18 and E-110. Each tester comes complete with test specimens to assure continued accuracy. 

*All Ames testers are
factory lubricated. Do not
attempt additional lubrication.
Keep the tester dry and free
from oil. Store in the case
provided. When necessary,
wipe with a commercial
cleaner

Maintaining accuracy with a portable Rockwell hardness tester

All AMES Hardness Testers, whether in constant use or not, require accuracy checks. To check accuracy, take the average of 5 readings on the test block. The readings on the barrel dial should agree with the marking on the test block, within +/- 1 point.
Further, to guarantee the accuracy of your tester, it is recommended that tests be made in high, medium, and low ranges. For example, C Scale, C-63, C-50, and C-28. Once per year, your tester needs to be factory calibrated. 

The distance between the center of two adjacent indentations shall be at least three times the diameter of
the indentation.  The distance from the center of any indentation to an edge of the test piece shall be at least two and a half times the diameter of the indentation. In other words, keep indentations 3 diameters apart. Indentations can only be made on one side of the test block.

Please check out our penetrators for hardness testing by clicking the link below

Penetrators for sale

Also check out more on how to properly use a portable Rockwell tester by following the link below

How to properly use a Ames Rockwell Hardness Tester

You may also contact us with any questions you may have. 

This Video Explains How to Use Your Rockwell-Brinell Conversion Chart:

Is your Ames Hardness tester genuine?
Rockwell Hardness Testers

How to tell if your Tester is a Genuine Ames Hardness Tester

May 1, 2014 by Ames Portable hardness testers 0 Comments #Ames portable hardness tester, #Ames portable hardness testing, #Ames rockwell hardness tester, #Ames tester models, #measuring rockwell hardness, #rockwell hardness, #rockwell scales

Ames began making Ames Portable Rockwell Hardness Testers in 1947.  In 1975 Ames was acquired by Electro Arc.  The Ames line of portable hardness testers has been made in Michigan since.

In 1997 it came to the attention of the Electro Arc company that each of it’s testers had been purchased by a company in China and duplicated.  Now Chinese copies of Ames Portable Hardness testers are available online, bearing a striking resembelance to the handcrafted testers we manufacture everyday.  Each of our testers are built one at a time following the ASTM E110 standard for the Rockwell scale.  Each genuine Ames Hardness tester is individually calibrated to the Rockwell scales and bears a signed certificate with each tester.

Is your Ames Hardness tester genuine?

How can you tell if your Ames Portable Hardness Tester is genuine?

  • It bears the Ames symbol within the dial indicator
  • You bought it directly from Amesportablehardnesstesters.com
  • Call us with the model number located on the front of your tester – we keep records of every tester we sell
  • Check the documentation included with your tester

How important is metal hardness testing? Consider the information provided by hardness testing and its significance in structural (i.e. bridges), aerospace, automotive, quality control, failure analysis and many other forms of manufacturing and industry. Determining material properties provides valuable insight to the durability, strength, flexibility and capabilities of a variety of component types from raw materials to finished goods.

Hardness testing is used extensively to characterize materials and to determine if they are suitable for their intended use. Why then would you buy a Chinese copy of a hardness tester?

  •  When quality is critical, should you trust a counterfeit hardness tester?
  •  Can it be calibrated?
  •  Will it hold up?
  •  Can it be serviced?
  •  Does it really meet the ASTM standard?

Ames Hardness Testers can be repaired and calibrated at our facility in Dexter Michigan.  We also service Dell models.  We do not offer service for any other brands.  When considering a purchase of a Rockwell Hardness Tester to insure quality, you should consider its quality, repeat-ability and reliability.