The FISCHERSCOPE HM2000 is designed for the precise determination of the mechanical characteristics of thin anodized coatings. Beside the hardness, other parameters such as the plastic or elastic material characteristics can be assessed. “In the automotive industry weight reduction - and the associated fuel savings - are top priority, which is why lightweight materials such as aluminum are used,” said a company spokesperson. “In order to withstand mechanical stresses, however, these softer components must be made wear resistant. For this reason, hardcoat (Type III) anodize is becoming more common. “While hard anodized coatings are typically 30-80 µm thick, some are only a few µm. For these coatings, conventional hardness measurement systems that rely on optical evaluation of the indentation (e.g. Vickers method) approach the limits of their ability. A better method is the instrumented indentation test, which can be applied to measure not only the hardness in terms of plastic deformation (HV), but also to assess other quality-determining characteristics. Using the instrumented indentation test, even very thin anodized coatings can be analyzed without risking influence from the substrate.” For such technical applications hard anodized coatings must have a consistent hardness of 400-600 HV across the entire section. Soft anodized coatings for decorative applications have a hardness of about 200-400 HV, which is reached a few hundred nm below the surface. The FISCHERSCOPE HM2000 with its ESP (Enhanced Stiffness Procedure) mode is able to determine mechanical properties like the Vickers hardness or the elastic indentation modulus dependent upon the depth. For more information contact: Fischer Technology, Inc. 750 Marshall Phelps Rd. Windsor, CT 06095 800-243-8417 / 860-683-0781 info@fischer-technology.com www.fischer-technology.com