Hardness Pen
DIN 55656 Hardness Pen
DIN 55656 Hardness Test
ISO 1518 Hardness Test
Scratch Hardness Tester Pen
Precison Sclerometer
Precison Pocket Stylus
Precision Carbide Scratch Stylus
Precusion 3-Range Testing Stylus
Universal Hardness Stylus
Interchangeable Scratch Needle
Sclerometer Hardness Tester
Precision Pocket Hardness Test Pen
Precision Coating Hardness Tester
Precision Paint Hardness Test Pen
3N 10N 30N Hardness Pen
0.5mm 0.75mm 1mm Scratch Tips
Variable Force Hardness Pen
3 Spring Hardness Tester
DIN 55656 ISO 1518

Precision DIN & ISO Sclerometer Pen - Test Applications:

1. DIN / ISO Test Method (DIN EN ISO 22557:2021)

DIN EN ISO 22557 is the primary international standard for scratch testing using a spring‑loaded hardness test pen. It is specifically designed for coatings, paints, varnishes, plastics, decorative surfaces, and automotive interior components.

Purpose of the Method

The test quantifies a coating’s resistance to localized mechanical damage, including:

• surface scratching

• metal marking

• writing effects

• fingernail‑like stresses

This makes it ideal for quality control of high‑value decorative and functional surfaces.

Test Principle

A spring‑loaded scratch pen (like the QPI‑DINHP) is drawn across the surface at a controlled force. The stylus type and force determine the severity of the scratch.

ISO 22557 defines two methods:

• Method A: carbide spherical stylus

• Method B: disc stylus

The test force is adjustable between 0.5 N and 20 N, allowing precise evaluation of different coating systems.

Procedure Overview

1. Condition the test specimen according to ISO environmental requirements.

2. Select stylus type (spherical or disc) based on coating type.

3. Set the spring‑loaded force on the QPI‑DINHP.

4. Draw the stylus across the surface at constant speed.

5. Inspect the scratch under controlled lighting (ISO 13076).

6. Determine:

   • first visible continuous scratch

   • first perceptible scratch

   • rupture or breakthrough of coating

Engineering Interpretation

The DIN/ISO method is ideal for:

• comparing coating systems

• evaluating scratch sensitivity

• validating surface modifications

• automotive interior QC

• decorative surface durability testing

It supports both pass/fail testing and progressive force testing.

2. ASTM Scratch Hardness Test Method (ASTM G171‑24)

ASTM G171 is the American standard for scratch hardness using a diamond stylus. It is widely used for metals, alloys, and some polymers.

Purpose of the Method

ASTM G171 measures a material’s resistance to permanent deformation caused by a single‑point indenter moving tangentially across the surface. It is particularly relevant for:

• abrasion resistance

• surface damage analysis

• two‑body wear mechanisms

Test Principle

A diamond stylus is pressed onto the surface under a defined normal load and moved at a low traversing speed to avoid frictional heating.

Unlike quasi‑static hardness tests, scratch hardness reflects permanent deformation after stylus removal, measured by residual scratch width.

Procedure Overview

1. Prepare the specimen to avoid catastrophic fracture or delamination.

2. Apply a controlled normal load to the diamond stylus.

3. Move the stylus at low speed across the surface.

4. Measure the residual scratch width.

5. Calculate the scratch hardness number.

Engineering Interpretation

ASTM G171 is ideal for:

• metals and alloys

• hard coatings

• comparative abrasion studies

• research and materials development

It provides a quantitative hardness value based on scratch geometry.

3. How the QPI‑DINHP Applies These Standards

DIN / ISO Mode (Primary Mode)

The QPI‑DINHP is engineered specifically for DIN EN ISO 22557 compliance:

• adjustable spring‑loaded force

• interchangeable spherical and disc stylus heads

• controlled scratch path

• stable ergonomics for repeatable results

This makes it ideal for coatings, plastics, decorative surfaces, and automotive interior components.

ASTM Mode (Comparative / Research Use)

While ASTM G171 uses a diamond stylus, the QPI‑DINHP can be used for comparative scratch resistance studies when equipped with a compatible stylus. It is not a full ASTM G171 instrument, but it supports:

• controlled scratch force

• controlled scratch path

• residual scratch inspection

This allows engineers to perform pre‑screening or comparative testing aligned with ASTM principles.

This Professional DIN Hardness Test Scratch Pen QPI‑DINHP is a precision instrument for evaluating scratch resistance according to DIN EN ISO 22557, the leading international standard for coatings and decorative surfaces. With adjustable test forces from 0.5 N to 20 N, interchangeable stylus types, and stable spring‑loaded mechanics, it delivers repeatable, laboratory‑grade scratch testing for paints, varnishes, plastics, automotive interior components, and high‑quality decorative finishes.

For research applications, the QPI‑DINHP also supports comparative scratch hardness evaluations aligned with ASTM G171, enabling engineers to assess abrasion resistance and surface durability across metals, alloys, and polymer systems.

This makes the QPI‑DINHP an essential precision test instrument for:

• materials development

• surface engineering

• automotive interior QC

• decorative coating validation

• industrial quality control

Its robust construction, precise force control, and compliance with international standards ensure reliable, reproducible results favored by laboratories worldwide.