The Elcometer 3092 Sclerometer Hardness Tester (part number K0003092M201) measures the scratch hardness of a coating by drawing a tungsten carbide tip across the surface under a predetermined force, then examining the coating for damage. The harder the coating, the greater the force required to scratch it.

Knowing a coating's scratch resistance tells you whether it will survive handling, assembly and service without marking. The Elcometer 3092 Sclerometer Hardness Tester body contains a cursor fitted with a screw lock and a tip, compressed by one of four colour-coded springs that correspond to four printed scales: grey 0-3N, red 0-10N, blue 0-20N and optional green 0-30N. Force is set with the adjustable collar; compressing the spring increases the force with which the tip is pushed onto the test surface. The operator makes short, straight movements while gradually increasing the load, observing the force at which the tip first marks or destroys the coating. Because this is a destructive test, test panels are recommended.

A 0.75mm diameter tungsten carbide tip is supplied as standard for the Elcometer 3092 Sclerometer Hardness Tester. The Elcometer 3092 Sclerometer Hardness Tester measures 165 x 24 x 16mm and weighs 370g, and comes in a carry case with operating instructions. An optional ISO type 90 degree Diamond Point Cone tip allows results equivalent to EN 438-2 and ISO 4586-2. The Elcometer 3092 Sclerometer Hardness Tester can be used in accordance with AS 3894.4, EN 438-2 and ISO 4586-2, the recognised scratch hardness methods for coatings and laminates. It is supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised Elcometer distributor.