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Micro Hardness Testing Issue (Vibration?)

Without getting into too much detail, just how sensitive IS a typical tester to environmental issues such as sound waves? Our instrument currently sits on its' own separate table- making sure it stands apart from the walls and other tables, yet we already know not to run a polisher, 2 tables down, while we're testing (dp25 gold hardness standard will fail)even though there appears to be no vibration. This makes me think the test itself is far more sensitive to vibrations, mechanical or otherwise, than is stated in the ASTM specs or other troubleshooting manuals. Comments?

Rob Belter
Plating (QA / QC) - San Diego, California, USA
June 3, 2011

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June 15, 2011

Hi Rob

Exactly how sensitive to sound is a large question. I would not want my kit next to a Heavy Rock Band amplifier! I would expect greater indentation with vibration.

But it is simple and cheap to make anti-vibration table.

A concrete paving slab sitting on three soft rubber laboratory bungs is very effective. If your vibration is really bad, add a second layer.

You may like to consider running a couple of tests with and without the table and report back.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England