The Test Probes; Probe Selection; Probe Handling - BAQ alphaDUR mini Manual

3 The test probes

3.1 Probe selection

alphaDUR UCI test probes are available with test loads of 10, 20, 30,
49, and 98 N. This corresponds to HV1, HV2, HV3, HV5 and HV10 (1, 2,
3, 5 and 10 kg).
So the optimal load for a particular test task can be chosen. Two criteria
are crucial for the selection of the appropriate test load: surface of the
specimen and handling. For rough surfaces, high test loads are recom-
mended, which leads to greater indentations. But it ought be considered,
Cable
connector
Protective
sleeve
Oscillating rod with
Vickers diamond
Fig. 1
that it may be necessary to apply a
load of up to 10 kg manually. This is
not a problem if the probe is fixed in a
stand. But it could be difficult to apply
the test load steadily and vertically if
many consecutive
must be done.

3.2 Probe handling

The protective sleeve serves 2 pur-
poses:
It protects the UCI rod against dam-
ages (as distortion).
It serves as a mechanical stop for the
deflection of the rod during measure-
ment.
To conduct a measurement, the probe
must be held perpendicular to the
specimen surface. (The alphaDUR
mini has to be calibrated to the mater-
THE TEST PROBES
measurements
7