Innovatest HAWK 651RS Rockwell Hardness Tester with Extended Nose Configuration

Overview

The Innovatest HAWK 651RS is a high-precision, fully automated Rockwell hardness tester engineered for demanding industrial and metrology applications where conventional column-based hardness testers face geometric limitations. Its defining feature is the extended nose configuration—a rigid, 170 mm protruding indenter carriage mounted on full-height linear rails and driven by a precision ground ball-screw mechanism. This architecture enables direct indentation testing inside concave surfaces, bores, flanges, and other spatially constrained geometries without requiring sample repositioning or elevation. Unlike traditional Rockwell testers relying on vertical sample lift, the HAWK 651RS maintains sample stability on its oversized 425 × 370 mm hardened test table—eliminating slippage risks during loading and ensuring repeatable positioning across large or irregular workpieces. The system complies with ISO 6508-1:2016, ASTM E18-23, and JIS Z 2245, and is validated for use in quality control environments operating under ISO/IEC 17025, AS9100, and automotive IATF 16949 frameworks.

Key Features

• Extended nose design enabling internal diameter measurements down to 22 mm—ideal for cylinders, pipe walls, gear housings, U-shaped brackets, and threaded fasteners
• Full-height linear rail guidance system with zero backlash and micron-level positional repeatability across the entire 170 mm nose travel range
• Closed-loop load control using calibrated load cells; preloads (3 kgf / 10 kgf) and main loads (15–150 kgf) applied with ±0.5% force accuracy per ISO 6508-2
• Hardened test table surface (60–65 HRC) with integrated T-slot pattern for rapid fixture mounting (V-blocks, pin anvils, custom jigs)
• Industrial 6.5″ capacitive touchscreen running I-TOUCH™ firmware—supporting multi-language UI, real-time force/distance profiling, and configurable pass/fail thresholds
• Modular base enclosure with interchangeable ABS protective housing to absorb impact and isolate mechanical vibration during high-force testing
• LED coaxial illumination system optimized for edge contrast enhancement on machined, polished, or oxidized metal surfaces

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HAWK 651RS accommodates samples up to 650 mm in height and 175 mm in depth, with no upper weight limit due to its gravity-stabilized base design. It supports all standard Rockwell scales (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K, L, M, P, R, S, T, W, X, Y, Z) and superficial Rockwell scales (15N, 30N, 45N, 15T, 30T, 45T), meeting the dimensional and surface finish requirements defined in ISO 6508-1 Annex A. Fixture compatibility includes standard flat anvil, V-anvil, and point anvil configurations—all certified to ASTM E10-22 dimensional tolerances. All hardness values are traceable to NIST SRM 126x series reference blocks, and calibration certificates include uncertainty budgets compliant with EURAMET cg-17 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

I-TOUCH™ software provides full instrument control, statistical process monitoring (SPC), and audit-ready data export. Each measurement record includes timestamp, operator ID, environmental temperature/humidity (via optional sensor input), force curve metadata, and position coordinates relative to the nose origin. Data export formats include CSV, XML, and PDF reports conforming to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when configured with user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails. Internal memory retains up to 150 readings locally; USB interface enables bulk transfer to LIMS or MES systems without proprietary drivers.

Applications

• Verification of case depth hardness in heat-treated gears and bearing races
• In-process hardness validation of welded pipe joints and pressure vessel components
• Quality assurance of forged crankshafts, connecting rods, and suspension arms where access to inner radii is restricted
• Material certification of aerospace fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers) per AMS-H-6875 and NASM1312-8
• Tooling inspection of injection molds and die-casting dies with deep cavities or narrow cooling channels
• Research-grade metallurgical evaluation of gradient-hardened alloys and functionally graded materials

FAQ

What is the minimum internal diameter measurable with the HAWK 651RS?

The extended nose configuration allows reliable Rockwell indentation within cylindrical bores as small as 22 mm ID, provided sufficient axial clearance exists for nose insertion.
Does the system support automated sequence testing across multiple locations?

Yes—I-TOUCH™ supports programmable multi-point routines with user-defined coordinate offsets, dwell times, and scale selection per point.
Is the hardness value calculation performed internally or via external PC?

All Rockwell calculations—including depth differential, scale conversion, and statistical averaging—are executed in real time by the embedded ARM Cortex-A9 controller; no external computation is required.
Can the HAWK 651RS be integrated into a factory automation network?

It features RS-232, USB Device/Host, and optional Ethernet/IP or PROFINET modules for PLC-level integration and OPC UA data publishing.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the linear motion system?

The ball-screw and linear rails require lubrication every 1,000 hours of operation or annually—whichever occurs first—using Klüberplex BEM 41-132 grease per Innovatest Service Bulletin SB-651RS-02.