OPERATING and INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL

DUROLINE - M
MICROHARDNESS TESTER

INDEX
A. DESCRIPTION
1. General........................................................................................................................ 3
2. Principle ...................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. Vickers Hardness .................................................................................................. 4
2.2. Knoob Hardness ................................................................................................... 4
3. Outstanding Features ................................................................................................. 5
4. Technical Data............................................................................................................. 6
5. Warranty .................................................................................................................... 7
B. INSTALLATION and SET-UP
1. Unpacking & Checking Contents of Packing .............................................................. 7
2. Installation and Set-Up ............................................................................................... 8
2.1. Electrical Installation............................................................................................. 9
2.2. Assembling & Preparing the Equipment............................................................... 9

C. CONTROL PANEL (TOUCH SCREEN)

1. Control Button Functions............................................................................................ 11
D. OPERATION......................................................................................................................... 13
1. Vickers Hardness Testing ............................................................................................ 15
2. Knoob Hardness Testing ............................................................................................. 16
E. SERVICE AND MAINTANENCE ............................................................................................. 17
Adjusting Indentation Center ............................................................................................. 17
F. ACCESSORIES ..................................................................................................................... 19

A. DESCRIPTION
_______
Fully understand this operation manual before using this product to maintain the user's safety and to
improve the working efficiency an making good use of its full performance.
1. General
The Vickers hardness test method has two significant advantages as shown below:
Similar indentations and constant hardness values are obtained, regardless of magnitudes of loads
applied, as far as test specimens are homogeneous.
Undivided hardness measuring is possible from extremely soft to extremely hard materials using the
same scale.
With these advantages, the DUROLINE - M microhardness tester is the most suitable for testing metal
structures including small or minute parts, metal foils, fine drawn wires, thin hardened layers and
electroplated layers as well as non-metallic materials such as glass, jewels, and ceramics. In particular, it
is indispensable to hardness measurements while observing the metal structures, testing internal
hardness distribution if induction-hardened or carbonized materials, etc. So, the microhardness tester
be used widely in the aviation, automobile, shipbuilding, metallurgy, nonferrous metal, railway, machine
tool etc.
In addition to the above-mentioned Vickers hardness tests, Microhardness tests include the Knoop
hardness test method using a Knoop indenter having a different shape. The Knoop Microhardness tester
is suitable for continuous measurement at point quite close to each other or measurement of extremely
thin plates that are hardly be measured by ordinary Vickers hardness testers.

Fig. 1. DUROLINE - M

2. Principle
2.1. Vickers Hardness
The Vickers hardness denotes to a value obtained from a test load, applied to a specimen to form
an indentation on it with a square-based pyramidal diamond indenter which has face angle of
136. The surface area of the permanent indentation found from its diagonal length, using the
following equation.

HV 0.102

2Fsin 2
F
F
0.102
0.1891 2
2
S
d
d

Where,
HV: Vickers hardness
F: Test load(N)
2

S: Surface area of an indentation (mm )

d: Average diagonal length of an indentation (mm)
: Face angle of the pyramidal diamond indenter ()

CAUTION!
If the unit of a test load F is kgf, the Vickers hardness is calculated as follows:

HV

Sin 2
F
F
2F
1.854 2
2
S
d
d

2.2. Knoob Hardness

The Knoop hardness denotes a value obtained from a test load, applied to a specimen to form an
indentation on it with a rhombic cross pyramidal diamond indenter and vertically opposite edge
angles of 172.5 and 130 .The projection area of the permanent indentation found from its longer
diagonal length, using the following equation:

HK 0.102

F
F
F
0.102 2 1.451 2
A
Cd
d

Where,
HK

: Knoop hardness

: Test load (N)

: Projected area of an indentation (mm )

: Indenter constant 0.07028

: Longer diagonal length of an indentation (mm)

CAUTION!
If the unit of a test load F is kgf, the Knoop hardness is calculated as follows:

HK

F
F
F

14.2 2
2
A
Cd
d

3. Outstanding Features
Advanced turret.
The new turret mechanism enables you to observe the specimen area of specimen with up to 3
object lenses.
Auto turret provide you the quick and easy sequence without rotating the turret manually. By
pressing the start button, an automatic turret device will perform a series of loading operations.
The object lens for measuring comes automatically back to the central position after making
indentation.
Manual turret rotating is also capable.
Indentation observed in the microscope is rotated 90 degrees by stepping motor automatically
without rotating the microscope manually.
Dwell time can be selected easily by control panel from 5 to 99 second
Easily operation to increase or decrease brightness in 16 steps.
Stored measuring data ( Data memory: max. 99 test datas)

 Connecting a printer to print testing report. Both of measuring data and statistic data: mean value,
max. value, min. value, dispersion, standard deviation.
Expansion to further semi-Auto system.
4. Technical Data
*TEST LOAD

gf : 10

25

50

100

200

300

500 1000

mN: 98.07 245.2 490.3 980.7 1961 2942 4903 9807

LOADING MECHANISM
DEWELL TIME
TURRET MECHANISM
OBJECT LENS
MAGNIFICATION OF
MICROSCOPE
MEASURING MICROSCOPE

Automatic loading and releasing method 50m / s

5 ~ 99s
Automatic
40x, 10x (Option: 20x, 80X)
For measurement: 400x (Objective 40 x Eyepiece 10)
For observations: 100x (Objective 10 x Eyepiece 10)
Electronic
(Auto D1/D2)

Max. measuring
length
Min. measuring unit
MAX. HEIGHT OF SPECIMEN
MAX. DEPTH OF SPECIMEN

200m ( In case of 400x )

0.1m
90mm
110mm
HV, HK

X - Y STAGE

Manual

X-Y
STAGE

MEASURING HARDNESS SCALE

Dimensions
Max. Movement
Min. Micro graduation

110mm x 110mm
25mm x 25mm
1 / 100mm

PRECISION VISE

50mm (Max. opening)

LIGHT SOURCE

12V 50W

OPTICAL FUNCTION
PRINT OUTPUT
ACCURACY
PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVICE

Adjustable Illuminator
Measured data and statistic data (Max. value, min. value,
mean value, range, standard deviation)
Conform to: JJG260-91,JIS B-7734, ASTM E-384 and
ISO 146
Capable to mount photographic device (Option)

DIMENSIONS

W 190mm X D 430mm X H 520mm

WEIGHT
POWER SUPPLY

42kg
220 V, 50/60 Hz. 1 ph.

5. Warranty
The DUROLINE M is guaranteed against defective material or workmanship for a period of 12 months
from the date of receipt by the customer or latest 18 months after the shipping date. Warranty is not
valid if inspection shows evidence of misuse or unauthorized repair. Warranty covers only replacement
of defective materials. In case this unit must be returned to our factory for warranty service please ask
for prior authorization and include the following details: Serial Number of the unit, Invoice number and
date. Transport costs belong to the customer.

B. INSTALLATION & SET UP

_______
1. Unpacking & Checking Contents of Package
Carefully unpack and check contents of the package. If any components are missing or damaged,
save the packing list and materials and advise the carrier and Metkon Instruments Ltd. of the
discrepancy.

WARNING! The DUROLINE -Fig.2.

M weighs
42 kg and be sure that there are enogh people (at
Unpacking
least 1) to safely lift the unit from the shipping carton. Follow the steps on 1.1 which the
unpacking procedure is described step by step with photos.
2. Installation and Set-Up

CAUTION! Follow approved procedures and take all necessary preventive safety measures
when lifting and installing this equipment. Improper lifting can result equipment damage.

FRONT VIEW

Fig.3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Front panel
Elevation table handle
Holder column (screwed)
X-Y table
10X-40X objective
Vickers Indentor
Right measurement knob
Left measurement knog
Read button
10X oculer
Camera adapter hole

2.1. Electrical Installation

Before making electrical connections, check that the voltage and frequency stated on the specification
plate correspond to the local voltage and frequency. Check that the values for 1-phase voltage, is
compatible with the intended electrical supply before installation.
ATTENTION! Connect the unit to the grounded mains voltage.

WARNING! Electrical Shock Hazard. A qualified electrical technician should perform

optional hard wiring and electrical maintenance.

Disconnect the power supply before making any electrical adjustments.

Make sure that the supply voltage and frequency is correct. Check the values from the back thin
metal plate.

Voltage / Frequency

Operational Power Range

115 V, 50/60 Hz. 1 ph.

110 - 120 V

230 V, 50/60 Hz. 1 ph.

Fuse Rating

220 - 240 V

2.2. Assembling and Preparing the Equipment

Install the Microhardness tester on an iron, concrete or wooden base in a place without heavy
vibration and dust as possible. The distance shall be more than 200mm between the machine and
the wall.
Working environment
Temperature: 20C 8C Humidity: 65%
After placing the tester on a stable table, screw 4 leveling legs into the female screw holes under
the tester and level the tester by using the small level which is included as a standard accessory.
Remove the cap from camera adapter hole and take the top cover off, then take the pad out.
Remove weight fixing rubber and loosen the loading lever fixing screw. Then put the weight kit to
the weight saucer one by one from light to heavy.

Fig.5.
Place the reading unit and insert the data cable as Fig.6. and Fig.7.

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Fig.6.

Fig.7.

Loosen the 2 transportation screws (which are indicated with red arrows Fig.8.) upto the surface of
the black unit. You may do so by moving the weight up and down by turning the load selection dial.

Fig.8.
Then put the top cover back on. Please make sure that 2 object lenses are not loosened by
transportation.Plug the power cable to the connector and turn on the main power switch. Now,
tester is ready, however please confirm that the turret and elevation screw are moving smoothly.
Put the printer to the table and plug the cable to the connector from the tester to printer.
Power supply: Single phase AC 220V 10V / 50HZ
Remove the black cap from right side of the istrument. Insert the black light filter unit into this hole
Fig.9. You can find the black light filter unit from accessories bag.
Select the 10X objective or 40X objective. Make a better light view as Fig.10 with the help of
adjusting screws Fig.11

Fig.9.
Remove the black light filter and close the cap.

Fig.10

Fig.11

11

 After placing the tester on a stable table, screw 4 levelling legs into the female screw holes under
the tester and level the tester by using the small spirit-level (Picture 11.) which is included as a
standard accessory.

Fig.12

Fig.13

C. CONTROL PANEL
_______

Fig.14 DUROLINE - M Touch Screen

HMI touch screen controls increasing the productivity, sample consistency and operator comfort.

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1. Control Button Functions

16

17

15

14

13

12

4
11
5
10

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

: D1 (Diagonal of the indentation)

: D2 (Diagonal of the indentation)
: Test Mode (HV/HK)
: Conversion: HRC / 30N / HV / HK / HBS
: Measurement Count
: Set Zero : Set D1/ D2 to 0.
: Delete the last measurement
: Light down
: Light up
: Start a test cycle
Objective Indenter Loading Dwelling Release Objective
: Turret Rotation
: Camera Port
: Dwell Time (1-65535 second)
: Test Load: gF / N / KgF / mN
: Setup Mode
: Data Edit Mode
: Time

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D. OPERATION
_______
After installation, please carry out the operation as shown below.
1. Check the power supply. The working condition should be Single phase AC 230V 50/60 Hz.
2. Turn the power on by pressing the power switch on the rear panel, then the light is on, and the
turret well rotates to 40X objective position automatically.
3. Check the display of "COUNT" whether is "00". When it isn't, please press "ZERO".
4. Rotate the elevation table handle slowly to bring the specimen surface into focus.
5. When you elevate your specimen, please be careful not to damage the surface of lens by hitting
your specimen.
6. Adjust the brightness by pressing the button "+" or "-" on the control panel.
7. Set the dwell time by pressing the button "+" or "-" on the control panel (5~99s, 1s/ once ).
8. Exchange the testing method between HV and HK by pressing the HV/HK button (exchange the HK
indenter for HK measuring).
9. When you have focus on your specimen. Please adjust your vision by turning the eyepiece to get a
clear view of the 2 measuring lines.(Fig.15) Vision differs for each personnel; please take this step
every time you have a different operator.
CAUTION! If you could not get a clear view of the 2 measuring lines, the results could not
be correct. (Fig.16)

Fig.15

Fig.16

10. Before you take any actual reading of the indentation, you may need to set "0" for your
measuring lines.
a. Bring two lines just touch the inner line to each other by rotating the measuring line
adjusting knob.(Fig.17)

14

Fig.17

Fig.18

11. Move the specimen to the position what you need by moving the X-Y stage.
12. Press start switch on the front panel then tester will take the below test sequence automatically:
40x objective lens Diamond indenter Load application
Dwell time Load release 40x object lens
13. Then you can see an indentation on your specimen at the center of the view field. After that, do
the measurement through the eyepiece.
14. Measure the diagonal length of the indentation as follows:

Right Measuring Line

Adjustment Knob
Alignment Knob for Adjusting
the Measuring Lines

Read Button

10X Viewer

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1. Vickers hardness measurement

Measure the D1 and D2 dimension.

Turn the left side knob of the measuring microscope to take
the inner edge of the left measuring line to touch the left
corner of the indentation.

Turn the right side knob of the measuring microscope to

take the inner edge of the right measuring line to touch the
right corner of indentation.

Press the read button, then the D1 dimension will be

displayed in the D1 window on the front panel, then the
indentation be rotated 90 degrees automatically

Use the same procedure to take the inner edge of the

bottom and top line to touch the bottom and top corner of
indentation, press the read button, then the D2 dimension
and HV value will be displayed in the front panel
automatically.

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2. Knoop hardness measurement

You can obtain the Knoop hardness value by using the Knoop diamond indenter, which will
be supplied as option.
Knoop hardness value will be obtained from D1 dimension only.

To change a diamond indenter for Knoop testing, fix the red point
on the side of the indenter to the setscrew.

Press the HV / HK button in HK mode for Knoop testing.

Use the same procedures to take the inner edge of the left
measuring line to touch the left corner of the indentation.

Use the same procedures to take the inner edge of the right
measuring line to touch the right corner of the indentation.

Press the read botton, then the D1 and HK value will be displayed on
the front panel automatically.

15. Press the Print switch to print measuring datum and test report.
16. Replace the specimen for new measurement.

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E. SERVICE and MAINTENANCE

_______

(1) It is necessary to check power supply for the instrument before starting.
(2) The instrument should be used often. It must be electrified once every week and at least three
hours every time if it has not been used for a long time.
(3) Since the instrument is one type of optical micro hardness microscope, it should be kept in a
room with a certain rage of temperature and humidity.
Temperature requirement: 5C_____30C Working requirement: 20C 8C
Humidity requirement: 70

Working requirement: 65

(4) The instrument should be used in a clean room. In order to protect the surface and the chink
from dust, it should be covered when the instrument is not used.
(5) The surface should not be cleaned by gasoline and alcohol solvent. It can be cleaned by soap
water and wiped with humid or dry cloth.
(6) The standard block should be applied with oil after it is used to prevent getting rusty.
(7) If the instrument need change workroom, it must be with a package in the moving conditions
(Take out weights, tighten a loading fixing screw), and cannot be moved in an unpacked state.
(8) Do not touch the eyepiece, objective and optical parts' surface with hand and body. If the
lenses need to be cleaned, you can use long absorbent cotton with 50% alcohol and 50%
ether mixture to wipe softly.
(9) Adjusting indentation center:
According to the methods as shown below, the indentation should be at the center of the
view and it does not move obviously by rotating the indentation.
When the indentation is out of the center and it moves obviously from D1 D2, it can be
adjusted as follows.
a. Rotate the left knob. Make the left measuring line in the center of the microscope view
and make the indicate line of the knob touch with another one. ( Fig. B, Fig. C )
When the indentation of D2D1 change comparatively:
Downward: first loosen screw 1,3, then tighten 2. ( Fig D )
Upward: first loosen screw 2, then tighten 1,3.
Leftward: first loosen screw 3, then tighten 1.

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Rightward: first loosen screw 1, then tighten 3.

When the difference is slight, you need not loosen the screw, but only tighten the
corresponding one.
b. When the indentation is out of the center and it does not move obviously from D1 D2, it
can be adjusted as follows ( Fig E ):
It can be adjusted by loosening the two fixing screws in hole of the body and changing the
microscope site between left and right.

( Fig. B )

( Fig. C )

Direction of the indentation moving by tighten the screws in clockwise.

( Fig. D )

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( Fig. E )
(10) Replace the light source bulb and adjust the center of light path
(A) Replace the light bulb: Disassemble the adjusting knob and the four screws on the body.
Pull the adjusting knob to replace a new light bulb. Push it back and screw it clockwise.
(B) Adjust the center of a light path: Adjust 3 knobs to take the light bulb going up / down,
forward / backward and left / right to make a better light view in the microscope.
(11) If the instrument has something wrong, please contact your local official dealer for
maintenance. Since the instrument is highly accurate and includes optical, mechanical and
electrical tester, the maintenance should be done by your or our own service engineer.

F. ACCESSORIES
_______
Order Code
GR 7902/1
GR 7902/2
GR 7902/3
GR 7902/4
GR 7903
GR 7904
GR 7905
GR 7906
GR 7907
GR 7908/M
GR 7908/V
GR 7909/M
GR 7910
GR 7911
GR 7912
GR 7913
GR 7914
GR 7915

Accessories for hardness testing

Specimen holder for 25 mm
Specimen holder for 30 mm
Specimen holder for 40 mm
Specimen holder for 50 mm
Fine specimen holder (Vertical type)
Fine specimen holder (Horizantal type)
Precision vise (opening 50mm)
Object lens 20x and optical kit
Spare source bulb (10pcs/pk)
Vickers diamond indenter for DUROLINE-M
Vickers diamond indenter for DUROLINE-LV&DUROLINE-V
Knoop diamond indenter for DUROLINE-M
Standart block HV 700
Standart block HV 400
Hand press
Manual stage for DUROLINE-M (Max.load:15kgf)
Manual stage for Vickers (Max.load:80kgf)
Calibration scale glass

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