HPE II Portable Barcol Hardness Tester for Soft Metals and Plastics (0–100 HBa)
- 12 months limited warranty
- Memory for 300 measured values
- Lithium battery 3.6 V with approx. 2000 hours operating time
- Data output RS 232
This measurement model applies to rigid materials like fiberglass, reinforced plastics, thermoplastics, or aluminum alloys
The Barcol Hardness Tester HPE II is widely used by composite manufacturers, furniture makers, aerospace technicians, and quality control inspectors to measure the hardness of soft metals, plastics, and composites. Barcol hardness testing uses a spring‑loaded indenter to gauge indentation depth under a fixed load, providing a rapid comparative assessment of material resistance that helps verify curing, resin quality, and surface performance as described in industry hardness testing references for Barcol instruments.
Professionals value the HPE II for its simple, handheld design, fast readings, and suitability for testing materials like aluminum, GRP (glass‑reinforced plastic), and thermoset composites. Compared with more complex hardness testers such as Rockwell or Brinell machines, Barcol testers are portable, easy to operate, and ideal for quick in‑process quality checks on soft materials, improving inspection efficiency in manufacturing, maintenance, and material verification workflows.
Ideal for quickly assessing hardness on fiberglass, thermoset resins, rigid thermoplastics, and aluminum with a minimum thickness of 1.5 mm.
HPE II Barcol
Standards Compliance
Meets DIN EN 59 and ASTM D 2583 standards, ensuring reliable and repeatable hardness measurements for industrial and research applications.
Portable and User-Friendly
The handheld design of the HPE II Barcol allows for use outside the lab. Weighing only 0.6 kg, it is easy to transport and handle for on-site measurements.
Applications and Advantages
Widely used in composites, plastics, and aluminum manufacturing, this device is praised for its precision, durability, and convenience. Compared to other hardness testers, it offers faster readings with minimal setup, making it a preferred choice for quality control in production environments.
Q&A
What materials can the HPE II Barcol test?
It is designed for fiberglass reinforced plastics, thermoset and rigid thermoplastics, and aluminum alloys with at least 1.5 mm thickness.
Is it suitable for field measurements?
Yes, its lightweight handheld design makes it ideal for non-laboratory or on-site use.
Which standards does it follow?
The device complies with DIN EN 59 and ASTM D 2583 for reliable hardness testing.
How portable is the HPE II Barcol?
Weighing only 0.6 kg, it is easy to carry and operate anywhere.
Method Barcol
| Range of application | Hardness determination on fiberglass rein-forced plastics, thermoset material, hard thermoplastic resin, aluminium etc. minimum material thickness 1,5 mm |
| Standards | DIN EN 59, ASTM D 2583 |
| Basic equipment | Barcol, Stabilisation ring |
| Measuring principle | The indenter of the instrument penetrates the specimen from the surface. This indentation depth provides the hardness information of the test specimen. |
| Technical Data | Memory for 300 measured values Lithium battery 3.6V with approx. 2000 hours operating time Data output RS 232 Measurement: LxWxH 190 x 70 x 40 mm Weight 600 g |
| Price | $USD 2,851.00 |
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