PosiTector® BHI

Barcol Hardness Impressor

Measures the hardness of soft metals such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, brass, and other materials such as harder plastics, and fiber-reinforced plastic
  • Easy-to-read digital display
  • Comparable to 934-1 Barcol Hardness Tester
  • Lightweight, portable device can be used in any orientation
  • PosiTector interchangeable platform – attach any PosiTector probe to a single gage body
  • USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity to PosiSoft PC, Mac, and Smartphone software
  • Certificate of Calibration showing traceability to NIST included (Long Form)
Conforms to ASTM B648/D2583, DIN EN 59 and AS/NZS 3572.22
View Product literature

Features

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Simple

  • Easy-to-read digital display
  • Comparable to 934-1 Barcol Hardness Tester
  • User-adjustable measurement time with onscreen countdown
  • Includes spare, field replaceable indentor with replacement tool
  • Lightweight, portable device can be used in any orientation
  • RESET feature instantly restores factory settings
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Durable

  • Solvent, acid, oil, water and dust resistant - weatherproof
  • Shock-absorbing, protective rubber holster with belt clip
  • Hard-shell carrying case included
  • Two year warranty on gage body AND probe
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Accurate

  • Long Form Certificate of Calibration included
  • Hi-RES mode increases displayed resolution for use on applications that require greater precision
  • Includes hard and soft aluminum alloy test disks and leveling plate to verify gage operation
  • Conforms to national and international standards including ASTM
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Versatile

  • PosiTector body accepts all PosiTector BHI, SHD, 6000, 200, DPM, IRT, RTR, SPG, SST, and UTG probes easily converting from a hardness tester to a coating thickness gage, dew point meter, infrared thermometer, surface profile gage, soluble salt tester, or ultrasonic wall thickness gage
  • 1 and 2 point calibration options with Cal Reset to restore factory settings
  • Selectable display languages
  • High contrast LCD with backlit display
  • Flip display enables right-side-up viewing
  • Uses alkaline or rechargeable batteries (built-in charger)
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Powerful

  • Continually displays/updates average, standard deviation, min/max hardness and number of readings while measuring
  • Screen Capture - save screen images for record keeping and review
  • HiLo alarm audibly and visibly alerts when measurements exceed user-specified limits
  • Sealed USB Port for fast, simple connection to a PC and to supply continuous power
  • PosiSoft USB Drive - stored readings and graphs can be accessed using universal PC/Mac web browsers or file explorers. No software required.
  • Software Updates via web keep your gage current
  • Software Solutions for viewing, analyzing and reporting data
  • Every stored measurement is date and time stamped
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Specifications

PosiTector SHD specifications chart

Standard Models

Includes ALL features as shown on left plus...
Includes ALL features as shown above plus...
  • Storage of 250 readings per probe—stored readings can be viewed or downloaded

Advanced Models

Includes ALL features as shown on left plus...
Includes ALL features as shown above plus...
  • Storage of 100,000 readings from multiple probes in up to 1,000 batches and sub-batches
  • Auto Sub-Batch—automatically create sub-batches after the required number of readings are taken
  • Live graphing of measurement data
  • Batch/Reading annotation—add notes and change batch names with onscreen QWERTY keyboard
  • Store thickness, profile, environmental, salt contamination, hardness and wall thickness measurements in individual batches
  • WiFi technology wirelessly synchronizes with PosiSoft.net and downloads software updates
  • Bluetooth 4.0 Technology for data transfer to a mobile device running the PosiTector App or optional portable printer. BLE API available for integration into third-party software.
  • Integrate with third-party software, drones, ROVs, PLCs, and robotic devices using several industry-standard communication protocols

All gages come complete with test disks (2), leveling plate, replacement indentor with replacement tool, glass plate, protective rubber holster with belt clip, wrist strap, 3 AAA batteries, instructions, hard shell case, protective lens shield, Long Form Certificate of Calibration, USB cable, PosiSoft Software, two (2) year warranty.

Probe Interchangeability
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Models

Step 1: Choose a gage body

F.A.Q.

What is a Barcol Hardness Impressor?

A Barcol Hardness Impressor is an instrument that measures the indentation hardness of soft metals (aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, brass, etc.), harder plastics and fiber-reinforced plastics.

What are some typical applications for Barcol hardness?
  • Aluminum production
  • Forgings, castings, raw stock inspection
  • FRP/GRP - fiber and glass reinforced plastics (both reinforced and non-reinforced rigid plastics)
  • Duro or hard thermo plastics
  • Degree of cure in composite materials
I currently use an analog (dial) type Barcol Impressor. What are the advantages of the digital PosiTector BHI?

The PosiTector BHI has numerous advantages over conventional analog instruments, and over many competitive digital instruments:

  • Memory: The PosiTector BHI has the ability to save readings for archival or reporting, without the need for error-prone transcription. This greatly enhances the reliability and convenience of reporting.
  • Reporting Software Options: The PosiTector BHI includes the PosiSoft suite of software for viewing and reporting data. Select from a powerful desktop version, built-in USB drive, web-based or mobile applications.
  • Test Time: Some materials continue to deform while the measurement is being taken. To achieve consistent results, it is often recommended to record measurements after a set amount of time has elapsed. The PosiTector BHI allows users to set a test time, which begins counting down on the screen when the indentor is placed on the surface to be measured. After that period has elapsed, a measurement is recorded and displayed. This is vastly superior to existing methods of using a stopwatch, or more often, estimating when the required test time has elapsed.
  • ‍Auto Sub-Batch (Advanced models only): As with most measurement processes, it is advisable to take multiple measurements at each test location (spot), to ensure the user hasn’t taken an erroneous or outlying reading. With the Auto Sub-Batch feature, a new sub-batch is created after the desired number of measurements is taken, conveniently grouping readings from each location.
  • ‍Interchangeability: PosiTector body accepts all PosiTector BHI, SHD, 6000, 200, IRT, DPM, RTR, SPG, SST, and UTG probes easily converting from a hardness tester to a coating thickness gage, dew point meter, infrared thermometer, surface profile gage, soluble salt tester, or ultrasonic wall thickness gage.
How should I store the PosiTector BHI when not in use?

The PosiTector BHI comes complete with a hard shell plastic case.

What is the life expectancy of the probe tip?

The durable probe tip is designed for long life and continuous accuracy. A glass zero plate and test disks are included for verifying accuracy. Replacement probe tips are available to replace worn, out of tolerance tips.

Why is a glass zero plate included?

The PosiTector BHI is factory calibrated and for most applications no calibration adjustment is required. However, there may be times when a zero adjustment is necessary including after indentor replacement or to compensate for indentor wear. For best accuracy, the Gage should be zeroed on the included glass plate.

Can I purchase a new PosiTector BHI probe for an existing PosiTector gage body?

Yes. PosiTector BHI probes are compatible with PosiTector Standard gage bodies with a color display and PosiTector Advanced gage bodies with serial numbers greater than 730,000. You can simply update your existing PosiTector gage body by following step-by-step instructions at www.defelsko.com/update.

Is the new PosiTector BHI probe compatible with PosiSoft solutions?

Yes. The NEW PosiTector BHI probes are compatible with PosiSoft Desktop v4, PosiSoft.net and the PosiTector App for Apple and Android. They are currently not compatible with the PosiTector SmartLink.

How are PosiTector BHI probes calibrated at DeFelsko?

Each PosiTector BHI probe is calibrated against known conditions using NIST traceable equipment. A Long Form Certificate of Calibration containing actual measured values is included with each probe.

How long is the warranty on the PosiTector BHI probe?

DeFelsko Corporation's standard 2 year warranty applies.

Software

PosiSoft Software in use

PosiSoft Desktop

Powerful desktop software for downloading, viewing, printing and storing measurement data. No internet connection required.

  • Simple, intuitive user interface
  • Import readings directly from the gage via USB or from legacy PosiSoft desktop versions
  • Synchronize measurement data including readings, notes and pictures to and from PosiSoft.net
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PosiSoft.net

The intuitive and familiar user interface of PosiSoft Desktop brought to your web browser. Data is securely stored in the cloud.

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PosiTector App

An easy-to-use mobile app (iOS/ Android) that connects to your PosiTector Advanced, PosiTector Smartlink, or PosiTest AT.

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PosiSoft USB

A simple gage interface to retrieve data in a manner similar to a flash drive. No software to install or internet connection required.

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PosiSoft Custom PDF Report Generator

featured on PosiSoft Desktop, PosiSoft.net, PosiTector App
Easily create reports from your measurement data in seconds
  • Generate custom, professional PDF reports
  • Include inspection information such as on-site pictures, screen captures, notes and more to communicate important details
  • Create and save multiple custom layouts as templates – insert cover pages, add logos/images, and select font and point size
  • Select the information to include for each product type – charts, histograms, readings, time stamps and more
  • Compile multi-batch reports from one or more probes and instrument types

Resources

Downloads

Accessories

PosiTector ProbesPosiTector Probes

PosiTector bodies accept all PosiTector probes easily converting from a coating thickness gage to a surface profile gage, dew point meter, soluble salt tester, hardness and ultrasonic thickness gage.

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Bluetooth PrinterBluetooth Printer

Battery-operated and light weight, this Bluetooth Printer prints readings and statistical summaries via Bluetooth from Advanced models.

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AC Power KitAC Power Kit

Use for continuous operation or battery charging. This kit supplies several alternate power solutions for your battery-operated PosiTector. Operate your gage without the need for batteries.

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Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable Batteries

Precharged batteries ready to use with a considerably longer run time than conventional Nickel Cadmium batteries. High performance in low temperatures and no charger required.

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Protective Lens ShieldProtective Lens Shield

Pack of 5 thin plastic lens shields to protect PosiTector display from paint overspray. One lens shield included in every PosiTector purchase.

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Test DisksTest Disks

For verifying the operation of Barcol hardness impressors. Choose from hard or soft aluminum alloys. (Pack of 5)

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Replacement Glass PlateReplacement Glass Plate

For zeroing worn or replaced indentors on the PosiTector BHI.

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Replacement IndentorsReplacement Indentors

Includes additional spare indentor tips (2pk) with replacement tool for the PosiTector BHI.

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