FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

1. “Slide sample stage to load side” is displayed at the start of test

  • Causes1: The stage has not been moved to under the indenter.

    Before starting a test, be sure to move the stage to under the indenter.

  • Causes2: Switch failure
    If a switch failure occurs, it must be repaired. Contact a Shimadzu sales or service representative.

 

2. Displayed test force value increases but depth value is not displayed after “Indenter down” is displayed at the start of test

  • Causes1: The indentation depth detector adjustment is improper.

    Click the <Stop test (F12)>button to stop the test. Then, lower the stage, and click the <Start test (F1)> button again.
    If the displayed depth value does not change even after the above procedure, lower the indenter fixing attachment gently with your finger by touching it only for a moment. If you keep pressing the attachment with excessive force, the sheet spring of the loading unit may be damaged.
    If a depth value is displayed after the above procedure, the indentation depth detector adjustment is improper. Adjust the detector according to the Balance Adjustment/Depth Detector Adjustment.

    Clich here for "(DUH) Balance Adjustment/Depth Detector Adjustment".

  • Causes2: The indenter is in contact with the sample
    If an indentation depth value is displayed during a test without a sample, the indenter height adjustment is improper, and the indenter touches the sample in the initial stage of the test. Adjust the indenter height.

    Click here for "(DUH) Indenter Height Adjustment".

  If any of the above causes does not apply to the problem, the hardness tester must be repaired. Contact a Shimadzu sales or service representative.

 

3. Displayed test force and depth values are changed but “Loading now” is not displayed even if the depth value exceeds 20 μm after “Indenter down” is displayed at the start of test

  • Cause: The indenter height is improper.
    The focal point on the sample is positioned too low. Adjust the indenter height.

 

4. Test ends immediately after “Indenter down” is displayed at the start of test

  • Cause: The indentation depth detector adjustment is improper.
    The indentation depth detector is positioned too high. Move the indentation depth detector downward.

 

5. Hardness value obtained from indentation length reading result does not conform with the reference hardness sample’s reference value

  • Causes1: Test force is too small.

    When the test force is small and the resulting indentation is too small, the error in the length reading result becomes large, and may affect the hardness value.

  • Causes2: Influence of vibration

    When the test force is 146 mN or less, vibration much affects the measurement result. Before starting measurement, make sure that no vibration source is present around the hardness tester.

  • Causes3: Failure of the length measurement system

 

6. Indentation length leading result is abnormal

  • Causes1: Magnification adjustment is improper.

    Perform the magnification adjustment. Click here for "(DUH) Magnification Adjustment".

  • Causes2: Initial condition settings are improper.

    Turn ON the power supply again, and make sure that the lens magnification setting on the initial condition setting window is proper.
  • Causes3: Micrometer adjustment is improper.
    If any of the above causes does not apply to the problem, the micrometer adjustment is improper. The micrometer must be repaired. Contact a Shimadzu sales or service representative.

 

7. Focal point of the optional objective lens is different from that of the x50 objective lens

  If the focal point of the optional objective lens is different from that of the x50 objective lens, perform the identical focal point adjustment .

  Click here for "(DUH) Identical Focal Point Adjustment".

 

8. Indentation position observed with the optional objective lens is different from that for the x50 objective lens

  Perform the indentation centering. If the indentation is positioned beyond the adjustable range, contact a Shimadzu sales or service representative.

  Click here for "(DUH) Centering an Indentation".