GS3 Gardner/Sward Hardness Rocker
Article No. 11615
Sward Hardness Test ASTM D2134
The GS3 Gardner Sward Hardness Rocker is used for measuring the hardness of paint and most any other nonmetallic material with auto-calibration. It is an advanced automatic version of the time honored Sward Hardness Rocker with two major advances. The fabricated and assembled parts of the rocker are replaced by a single frame, machined from a solid metal bar.
Features
Model GS3 now includes a Mems Accelerometer/Micro controller with Auto-Calibration
The two bubble levels for determining the high and low limits of swing are replaced by Mems Accelerometer which, through electronic circuitry, automatically register the swings on a large character liquid crystal display digital counter.
Calibration feature that simplifies the calibration process
EDM machined from a solid brass bar block
No more bubble counting, the GS3 will do the counting for you, start it and walk away
Calibration settings stored and retained in NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory)
Rocker Cycle Counts are Electronically Determined and Registered on a Large Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Automatically Starts and Stops Cycle Count with no continuous observation necessary
State-of-the-Art Design
One-Piece Frame Construction for Accuracy and Permanence
The Gardner/Sward Hardness Rocker is a delicate instrument. Any scratches or nicks that occur by improper handling on the ring radius in the arc of sample contact area may change results obtained by the instrument. There is no way of removing such damages without changing the original sensitivity, calibration and function of the instrument. This instrument should only be handled by qualified personnel. Do not use any type battery for replacement other than catalog number (HA-1023/B) listed in price section.
Technical Attributes
-
- Data
-
Weight: 105 ± 2 grams Ring Radius (R1, R2) Between Instruments: 2.000" ±0.010" Ring Radius Match (R1, R2) Each Instrument: Within 0.002" Ring Concentricity (C/R1, C/R2): Within 0.002" Ring Separation (X) Between Instruments: 1.000 ±0.005" Ring Separation in Arc of Ring Contact (S): Within 0.002" Ring Cross Section Outside Radius (r): 0.0155 ±0.0001" Swing Cycles on Clean Level Plate Glass: 50 ±1 Time for 50 ±1 Swing Cycles on Plate Glass: 60 ± 5 seconds
More Information
Accessories
- Leveling Plate: Annealed glass plate 3/4" thick, 8.25" wide by 13" long polished flat, it is fitted with three leveling glides. With the circular level (included with HA-1025) the level accuracy can be verified.
- Flattening Plate: This plate is used to flatten the test sample and hold it firmly against the surface of the leveling plate. Weight of the plate, about 4.5 pounds, also acts to dampen minor external vibrations. It is machined from steel and is plated. There is a window, two inches wide and three inches long, in the center of the plate to receive the hardness rocker. The ends of this window are machined to a two inch radius, matching the dimensions of the rocker rings. This permits maximum control of the test surface and prevents possible nicking of the rocker rings. The plate is 5.0 inches wide, 10.0 inches long and 0.37 inches thick. There is a lifting knob at each end of the plate.
- Draft Cover: Internal dimensions of the draft cover are 6.5 inches wide, 11.0 inches long and 4.5 inches high. It is constructed of rigid clear plastic. An opening is cut in the center of the cover top, one inch wide and four inches long. This opening serves to assist lifting the cover and to permit starting the rocker with the cover in place.
- Wand: The wand is a simple convenient item to assist the operator in the starting of the rocker with the draft shield in place.
Standards
Meets & Exceeds ASTM D2134
Procedure
- Energize the digital counter. This is done by placing the black switch on the back of the instrument in the "up” position.
- Normally, when energized, one or more of the “0” digits will change to another number.
- Place the rocker on a test surface and rotate it to the left to an angle greater than where count starts. This is over 22 degrees. All numbers on the display will return to zero.
- Release the rocker. As soon as the swing amplitude reaches the high set limit, the counter automatically registers each swing cycle and continues to do so until the swing amplitude drops below the low set limit. This count of swing cycles between the high and low set limits remains on the display until further action is taken by the operator.
- To repeat a reading, simply rotate the rocker, as in step three above, and repeat step four.
- At the conclusion of a series of tests, return the switch on the back of the instrument to the lower position and place the instrument in secure storage.
- Replace the battery if the count is erratic or becomes dim. Under normal conditions, a fresh battery should provide about 400 hours of count operation.
Procedure for Calibration
The Rocker is calibrated by the manufacturer to record 50 ±1 swing cycles in 60 ±5 seconds on the plate glass surface of the leveling plate used by the manufacturer and when operated in accordance with the detailed instructions furnished with the instrument. The hardness rocker is very sensitive and may not give exactly the same readings on other plate glass surfaces even when cleaned in the same manner or when readings are taken in different directions on the same glass surface.
Delivery Content
Model GS3 Hardness Rocker Complete with circular bubble level, wand (pencil w/flat rubber tip), battery, foam-fitted carrying case and Mems Accelerometer/Microcontroller
Accessories
11614
Battery For Gardco Sward Hardness
$14.00
11616
Solid Glass Leveling Pl 8.25X13X3/4" W/L
$471.00
11619
Circular Level 1-7/16" Dia
$28.00
11620
Flattening Plate
$669.00
11621
Acrylic Draft Screen
$239.00
11622
Polycarbonate Wand
$13.00