One of the world leaders in portable measurement solutions for non-destructive testing, Proceq, has announced the first in a series of upcoming product launches with the introduction of the new Equotip® UCI, an ultrasonic contact impedance hardness testing probe with adjustable test load. For the first time, this will allow users to set five different test loads (HV1 to HV5) – eliminating the need to purchase more than one probe to conduct UCI tests as well as permitting finding and selecting the ideal load for a specific application.

The Equotip® 550 UCI is a truly all-in-one portable hardness solution integrating the Leeb, Portable Rockwell and UCI methods.

With the innovation of the dynamic portable Leeb method, Proceq revolutionised the hardness testing that followed the same static principles for over a century. Later this led to the establishment of worldwide Leeb standards such as ASTM A956 and ISO 16859 with traceability to national institutes. Proceq’s goals have always been focused on extending its capabilities in key areas of hardness testing across various industries. The demand to overcome specific applications such as weld and heat affected zone inspection has paved the way for the Ultrasonic Contact Impedance method.

World’s first UCI probe with adjustable test load
Proceq’s brand-new Equotip® UCI probe comes with a globally unique feature – the adjustable test load. This allows the user to set five different test loads from HV1 to HV5. This makes it redundant to purchase more than one probe for this load range, and it permits finding and selecting the ideal load for a specific application. A patent for this groundbreaking technology is pending. In addition, this technology provides a novel user guidance to make measurements much more stable and user independent. Equotip® 550 UCI complies with ASTM 1038-2013 and DIN 50159-2015.

With Leeb, Portable Rockwell and UCI, Equotip® 550 now combines three of the most widely used portable hardness test methods in a single instrument. Furthermore, the combination of Portable Rockwell with either Leeb or UCI can now be utilised to overcome material and geometrical limitations while staying completely portable. The advanced user interface, unique touchscreen features and personalised screens further improve usability for smooth on-site testing. Fully customisable test reports can be generated right on the instrument.

Covering broad hardness testing applications
Equotip 550 comes loaded with interactive wizards handpicked for specific industry applications such as oil and gas, automotive, aerospace and manufacturing in order to increase reliability and to assure precise measurements.

Leeb rebound hardness testing is mainly used for on-site testing of large forgings and cast components but is also applied for testing composites, rubber and rock. The Portable Rockwell test method is particularly suited for thin and light objects and scratch-sensitive polished components. UCI is used for objects with any shape and heat-treated surfaces (weld inspection, heat affected zones). A detailed table with recommended test methods is available on the Equotip website.

For more information, contact your nearest IMP Branch, Gauteng TEL: 011 916 5000, KwaZulu Natal TEL: 031 764 2821, Western Cape TEL: 021 852 6133, Eastern Cape TEL: 041 364 2544, Free State TEL: 018 293 3333 or email: info@imp.co.za website: www.imp.co.za