Case study

Customer needs:
A motorized and automatic Vickers hardness tester to test a large variety of welded samples with the capabilities to test specific zones of the welded part performing a series of indentations at various distances.

Problem:
With the need to manually perform multiple tests on welds per day, operators are risking the accuracy of their testing ability and the capability to work on laboratory jobs is greatly diminished. Testing many welds per day becomes very time consuming for the operator effectively reducing productivity. Pinpoint accuracy of testing in the right area of the welding zones (base material, HAZ heat affected zone and weld material) is inconsistent. There is a need for an easy procedure for the operator to produce and analyze testing results/reports instantaneously.

AFFRI solution:
We have manufactured the WIKI JS for welds, a fully automatic system with specific features for testing on non-mirror surfaces and not-flat samples.
- A 340 x 250 mm motorized stage with a travel range of 200 x 100 mm and an accuracy of +/- 0.5 μm steps.
- Our exclusive software with preset testing programs and ranges of result tolerances for hard and soft zones of the same weld.
- Monitored Z axle position for assuring the focusing on each indent, even on unlevelled surfaces.
- Colour highlighted results on the panoramic picture of the whole weld to see the hardness behavior in a second.  

RESULTS:
The AFFRI WIKI 200 for welds hardness tester, allows for automatic testing results on a variety of welds every day. The operators are satisfied for the ease of operation of this tester and the fact that they are able to manage a large quantity of tests per day. The time saving advantages for customers using this new system has resulted in a large, fast ROI (return on investment) saving time and money.  

Main features

TEST EVERYWHERE!
 

 
The hardness tester performs each test in automatic succession. Everything is automated, freeing users for other tasks and minimizing subjectivity associated with human intervention. 

HARDNESS AT A GLANCE
 

 
At the end of the run, the software will show a colored map of the surface where the difference in colors is related to variations in hardness.

CONTROL WITH A TOUCH
 

 
The surface of the sample is automatically recognized and the Z quote saved in the software. In every zone of the sample the hardness tester doesn't miss the focus.

THE SHAPE YOU LIKE
 

 
Using software’s tools it is easy to draw different indentation patterns lines with correct and precise positioning. Define spacing between indents and the distance from the border, from fusion line or weld centerline.

CLICK AND PRINT
 

 
Customizable test report with client logo and sample information. See weld image, pattern, results and statistics. Manage results and group curves together.

HEIGHT DOESN'T MATTER
 

 
The automatic recognition of the sample and the safety sensors of the measuring unit allows tests on unlevelled parts without the risk of bracking the indenter and the optics.

TECHNICAL FEATURES