The PCE Instruments Ultrasonic Hardness Tester for HV/HRC/HB/HRB (PCE-3000) is a portable material testing instrument designed for hardness measurements on metallic components, thin-walled parts, surface-hardened layers, welded seams, and other industrial workpieces. Using the Ultrasonic Contact Impedance (UCI) method, the tester produces a very small indentation while supporting Vickers (HV), Rockwell C (HRC), Brinell (HB), and Rockwell B (HRB) hardness scales. Measurements can be taken in different orientations without requiring spatial correction factors, supporting inspection of components that may be difficult to position conventionally. A 2.75-inch TFT color display presents individual readings, statistical averages, and tolerance evaluations, while internal memory stores up to 150 measured values. The PCE-3000 operates from three AA batteries and is suited to quality assurance, incoming-goods inspection, production checks, and field testing. Key Features and Benefits: Multiple Hardness Scales: Supports HV, HRC, HB, and HRB measurements for testing a variety of metallic components and evaluation requirements. UCI Measurement Method: Uses Ultrasonic Contact Impedance technology to obtain hardness measurements with a very small indentation on the test surface. 360-Degree Measurement Capability: Allows measurements in different probe orientations without requiring spatial correction factors. Statistical Averaging: Calculates average hardness values from groups of 3, 5, or 10 measurements for repeatable inspection workflows. Tolerance Evaluation: Provides immediate assessment of whether measured values fall within predefined limits. 150-Value Internal Memory: Stores measurement results directly in the instrument for later review. Portable Battery Operation: Runs from three standard AA batteries with an active operating time of approximately 6 to 8 hours. Reference Block Included: Supplied with a hardness reference block for measurement verification and calibration checks. Specifications: Measurement Range HV: 20 to 999 HV Measurement Range HRC: Up to 80 HRC Measurement Range HB: 20 to 999 HB Measurement Range HRB: 20 to 120 HRB Accuracy HV and HB: ±3% Accuracy HRC and HRB: ±1.5% Resolution: 0.1 for all supported scales Measurement Method: Ultrasonic Contact Impedance (UCI) Probe Test Force: 50 N Display Type: TFT color display Display Size: 2.75 inches Storage Capacity: 150 measured values Referenced Standard: ASTM A1038 Protection Class: IP52 Power Supply: 4.5V using 3 x 1.5V AA alkaline-manganese batteries Battery Runtime: Approximately 6 to 8 hours of active operation Operating Conditions: 10 to 50°C / 50 to 122°F and 0 to 95% RH Storage Conditions: 10 to 50°C / 50 to 122°F and 0 to 95% RH Dimensions: 170 x 85 x 36mm or approximately 6.69 x 3.35 x 1.42 inches Weight: 235 g or approximately 0.52 lb. Package Contents: 1 x PCE-3000 hardness tester, 1 x UCI probe, 1 x connection cable, 1 x reference block, 1 x carrying case, 1 x operating instructions, and 1 x 5V / 1A power supply unit How to Use: Inspect the Equipment: Check the tester, UCI probe, connection cable, reference block, and test surface for visible damage, contamination, or excessive wear before testing. Supply Power: Install three 1.5V AA batteries with the correct polarity or connect the supplied 5V / 1A power supply where appropriate. Connect the Probe: Attach the UCI probe securely to the tester using the supplied connection cable. Prepare the Surface: Ensure the measurement area is clean and suitable for probe contact so contamination or surface irregularities do not interfere with the reading. Select the Hardness Scale: Power on the tester and choose HV, HRC, HB, or HRB according to the material and applicable inspection procedure. Verify the Instrument: Perform a calibration or verification check using the supplied reference block and the appropriate material profile before critical measurements. Position the Probe: Place the UCI probe firmly and perpendicular to the test surface while maintaining stable contact during measurement. Take the Measurement: Apply the probe as required to initiate the test and read the hardness result on the 2.75-inch TFT display. Evaluate Multiple Readings: Repeat the measurement and use the 3-, 5-, or 10-reading averaging function when a statistical result is required. Save and Store: Store required measurements in the internal memory, clean the probe after use, and return the tester and accessories to the carrying case. Benefits of Using PCE Instruments Ultrasonic Hardness Tester for HV/HRC/HB/HRB (PCE-3000): Supports Low-Impact Hardness Inspection: The UCI method produces a very small indentation, making it suitable for finished parts, thin-walled components, surface-hardened areas, and welded sections. Reduces Instrument Changes: Support for four hardness scales allows technicians to perform different measurement tasks with one handheld tester. Improves Access to Difficult Components: Multi-directional measurement capability supports testing in positions that may be impractical for conventional benchtop hardness equipment. Speeds Pass/Fail Evaluation: Tolerance functions help operators compare readings against predefined limits directly at the inspection point. Supports Consistent Quality Checks: Average calculations from multiple readings help reduce reliance on a single measurement when evaluating material hardness. Improves Field Documentation: Internal storage for 150 results allows measurements to be retained for later review without immediate manual transcription. Supports Mobile Inspection Work: Compact dimensions, battery operation, and a 235 g handheld design make the tester practical for production-floor and field use. Features: 2.75-Inch TFT Display: Provides a color interface for measurement values, menus, averages, and tolerance evaluations. IP52 Enclosure: Provides the specified level of protection against limited dust ingress and dripping water within the limits of the IP52 rating. Adjustable Auto-Off: Allows automatic shutdown to be configured from 2 to 10 minutes to help conserve battery power. Material Calibration Profiles: Includes UCI calibration profiles for steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and custom user-defined materials. Multi-Language Menu: Provides menu language support including English. Compact Handheld Housing: Measures 170 x 85 x 36mm for portable inspection and workshop use. External UCI Probe: Uses a separate probe connected by cable for direct positioning on the material being tested. Integrated Result Memory: Incorporates storage for up to 150 hardness measurements within the instrument.