M. Zackaria, F. Menelao, D. Nimptsch, T. Stegmaier, P. Beisel, P. Reinstaedt, U. Brand, R. Tutsch
UNIVERSAL AUTOMATION APPROACH FOR EFFICIENT CALIBRATION OF ROCKWELL HARDNESS REFERENCE BLOCKS
Hardness reference blocks play a pivotal role in ensuring traceability of hardness measurements. However, it is challenging to calibrate them in accordance with part three of the ISO 6508 without performing time-consuming pre-measurements. Previously, a method was developed and tested at the PTB for the Rockwell scale HRA which used data from the preload phase to automate the calibration process. We now present a novel method that extends the existing automation method to every standardised Rockwell scale. Furthermore, this method is universal in nature and not restricted to PTB’s standardised Rockwell hardness testing machine. Important parameters which pave the way towards the universal automation are addressed. The results of the established characteristic curves are validated by an interlaboratory comparison. This approach accelerates the entire calibration procedure, eliminates the need for an expert user and guarantees a standard-compliant measurement.