MC010-LX-C Microcellular Material Hardness Tester
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Domestic (China) |
| Model | MC010-LX-C |
| Quotation | Upon Request |
| Scale Range | 0–100 HW |
| Recommended Measurement Range | 10–90 HW |
| Indenter Travel | 2.5 mm |
| Indenter Tip Radius | SR 2.5 mm |
| Dimensions | 115 × 60 × 25 mm |
| Weight | ~0.5 kg |
Overview
The MC010-LX-C Microcellular Material Hardness Tester is a precision mechanical indentation instrument engineered for the quantitative assessment of Shore-type hardness in low-density, compressible polymeric foams and microcellular elastomers. It operates on the principle of spring-loaded indenter penetration resistance, conforming to the fundamental mechanics defined in HG/T 2489–1993 — the Chinese national standard for hardness testing of sponge and microcellular rubber materials. Unlike conventional Shore A or D durometers, the LX-C variant employs a specifically calibrated spring force and a spherical-radius (SR 2.5 mm) indenter geometry optimized for materials with high compressibility and low elastic recovery — including polyurethane foam, EVA midsoles, automotive seating foams, and medical-grade silicone sponges. Its compact handheld form factor enables both benchtop use with optional load frame mounting and field-deployable spot checks, ensuring consistency across R&D labs, QC environments, and production line sampling.
Key Features
- Spring-driven mechanical hardness measurement system with direct analog scale readout (0–100 HW), eliminating dependency on batteries or digital calibration drift.
- SR 2.5 mm spherical indenter tip geometry designed to minimize localized stress concentration and ensure uniform contact area on heterogeneous microcellular surfaces.
- Controlled indenter travel of exactly 2.5 mm, aligned with HG/T 2489–1993 displacement requirements for reproducible depth-controlled loading.
- Lightweight aluminum alloy housing (≈0.5 kg) with ergonomic grip and anti-slip surface finish for stable one-handed operation during manual testing.
- Modular compatibility with standardized load frames (sold separately) for ASTM D3574-compliant fixed-load testing conditions, enabling traceable inter-laboratory comparisons.
- Scale resolution of 1 HW unit with parallax-free dial face and zero-adjustment screw for routine verification prior to each test sequence.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MC010-LX-C is validated for use on homogeneous, non-reinforced microcellular materials ≥5 mm in thickness and exhibiting nominal compression set <30% under 25% strain (per ISO 1856). It is not intended for rigid thermoplastics, fiber-reinforced composites, or gels with yield points below 0.1 MPa. Test specimens must be flat, free of surface defects, and conditioned at 23 ±2 °C and 50 ±5% RH for ≥16 h prior to measurement (per ISO 293 and ASTM D618). The instrument complies with the metrological requirements of HG/T 2489–1993 and supports alignment with broader quality frameworks including ISO/IEC 17025 for hardness test method validation and GLP-compliant recordkeeping when used with documented SOPs.
Software & Data Management
As a fully mechanical analog instrument, the MC010-LX-C does not incorporate embedded electronics, firmware, or data logging capabilities. All measurements are recorded manually into laboratory notebooks or LIMS-compatible spreadsheets. For digital traceability, users may integrate the device with optional external USB-connected dial indicator adapters (e.g., Mitutoyo Digimatic interfaces) — provided such add-ons are validated per ISO/IEC 17025 Section 5.5. Users implementing automated data capture must establish calibration intervals, uncertainty budgets, and audit trails in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements where applicable. Calibration certificates (traceable to NIM, China) are available upon request for annual verification.
Applications
- Quality control of shoe sole midsole foams (EVA, TPU, PE) during manufacturing and incoming raw material inspection.
- R&D evaluation of compressibility–recovery trade-offs in acoustic damping foams for automotive NVH applications.
- Batch-to-batch hardness consistency monitoring in medical cushioning pads and orthopedic support inserts.
- Process validation of crosslink density effects in vulcanized sponge rubber formulations.
- Comparative benchmarking against Shore A values using correlation curves established per internal lab protocol (not interchangeable without empirical mapping).
FAQ
Is the MC010-LX-C compliant with international standards such as ASTM or ISO?
It is primarily designed and verified against HG/T 2489–1993. While its mechanical architecture permits use under ASTM D3574 Method A (IFD) when mounted on a certified load frame, it is not certified to ISO 7619 or ASTM D2240 due to divergent indenter geometry and force profiles.
Can this hardness tester be used on wet or cryogenically conditioned samples?
No. Testing must be conducted on dry, ambient-conditioned specimens per HG/T 2489–1993 Section 4.2. Moisture absorption or sub-zero temperatures significantly alter viscoelastic response and invalidate HW-scale correlation.
What is the recommended recalibration frequency?
Annual verification against traceable reference hardness blocks (NIM-certified, 20–80 HW range) is advised. More frequent checks are required if subjected to mechanical shock, temperature extremes >40 °C, or >10,000 actuations.
Does the instrument include calibration documentation?
A factory verification report (non-accredited) is supplied with each unit. Accredited calibration certificates (CNAS or ILAC-MRA recognized) are available as a value-added service upon order confirmation.
Is the SR 2.5 mm indenter replaceable?
Yes. Spare indenters with NIST-traceable radius certification (±0.05 mm tolerance) are available under part number LX-C-IND-SR2.5. Replacement requires torque-controlled installation (0.35 N·m) and post-installation zero-point verification.
