The Buchholz Indentation Hardness Test Kit is a professional quality control instrument compliant with ISO 2815, designed to determine the surface hardness and deformation resistance of paint, varnish, and powder coating systems. The hardness of the coating is evaluated accurately and reproducibly by measuring the length of the indentation created when a controlled load is applied to the coated surface.
The kit consists of a calibrated weight, a sharp-edged metal wheel, an illuminated microscope, a spirit level, and measuring templates. During the test, a specified load is applied to the surface for a defined period, and the length of the resulting indentation is measured to objectively determine the coating’s hardness. Shorter indentation marks indicate harder surfaces, while longer marks indicate softer coatings.
The Buchholz Hardness Test can be applied under the following conditions:
- The coating to be tested must be applied to a flat, smooth surface that is clean and supported by a rigid substrate capable of resisting the test force.
- The coating must have a sufficient thickness, meaning the indentation depth must be at least 10 µm less than the coating thickness (based on point 1).
- For comparative testing, all samples must have identical coating thickness and be conditioned and tested under the same environmental conditions.
- Since the test causes only minor damage to the coating, it can also be performed on finished products.
The Buchholz Hardness Test is a mandatory requirement for laboratories accredited by Qualicoat, QIB, and GSB.
| Product Code | Description |
|---|---|
| SP1900 | TQC-Sheen Buchholz Hardness Indentation Test |
