Introduction to Barcol Hardness Testing
The Barcol Hardness Tester, also known as the Barcol Impressor®, (registered trademark of InstruCon Inc.) is a widely used portable hardness testing instrument designed to measure the hardness of soft metals, composites, fiberglass, plastics, and other materials. This instrument provides fast, accurate, and repeatable hardness measurements, making it an essential tool in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, marine, and manufacturing.
Qualitest offers the QualiHBA™, a new-generation digital Barcol-type Hardness Tester that delivers high precision, repeatability, and an advanced ergonomic design. This state-of-the-art instrument enhances ease of use while ensuring compliance with international hardness testing standards.
What is a Barcol Hardness Tester?
The Barcol Hardness Tester is a portable device that applies a consistent force using a spring-loaded indentation pin to measure the resistance of a material to penetration. The depth of the indentation determines the material’s hardness value, displayed digitally for precise readings. This method is widely used for testing materials that are too soft for Rockwell or Brinell hardness testing but require a quick and reliable hardness measurement.
The name Barcol originates from the Barber-Colman Company, which originally developed this type of hardness tester.
Applications of Barcol Hardness Testing
The QualiHBA™ Digital Barcol-type Hardness Tester is suitable for testing a variety of materials, including:
- Aluminum and Soft Metals – Ideal for aluminum alloys, brass, and copper, ensuring proper hardness for structural applications.
- Composites and Fiberglass – Used in the marine, automotive, and aerospace industries to test fiberglass, reinforced plastics, and carbon fiber components.
- Plastics and Rubber – Essential for polymeric materials, ensuring consistency in hardness and durability.
- Paint and Coatings – Evaluates the hardness of protective coatings applied to different surfaces to ensure wear resistance.
