The L.S. Starrett Co. has introduced two new digital Rockwell/superficial Rockwell benchtop hardness testers (Nos. 3823 and 3824) with fully automated load/unload procedures and capable of providing highly accurate readings. The new Starrett models utilize a closed-loop control unit with a load cell, a DC motor and an electronic measurement and control unit instead of traditional dead weights, enabling high accuracy measurements at all test loads up to 0.5%. The testers are part of a significantly expanded line of new hardness testing solutions that Starrett is now offering.

The Starrett No. 3824 hardness tester has an automated Z-axis. The user simply presses the start key, and the entire test process is automatically completed. The Starrett testers feature programmable scale conversions, dwell times, statistical capabilities and a test counter and are capable of testing in a wide range of 30 different Rockwell hardness scales for carbon steel, alloy steel, cast iron and nonferrous metals.

Suitable for both internal and external testing via a dolphin nose design, the Starrett No. 3823 and 3824 digital testers are high precision testing solutions that meet ISO 6508-2 and ASTM E18 standards. They feature a built-in microprinter, touch screen control on a high definition LCD display, USB output, and are furnished with PC-based software. For memory, a maximum of 400 items of test results are stored automatically. Testing capacity is 12" (300 mm) vertical and 8.8" (220 mm) horizontal. A full range of accessories from test blocks to anvils, to dust cover are also included.

Featuring a manual Z-axis instead of an automated Z, the No. 3823 digital superficial Rockwell hardness tester is a good value alternative to the No. 3824 tester. Both the Starrett No. 3823 and No. 3824 feature auto load test force control.