Description
The TQC Sheen Buchholz Hardness / Indentation Test is a widely used method for evaluating the hardness and mechanical resistance of paint and coating films. Unlike simple scratch tests, the Buchholz indentation test provides a quantitative assessment of a coating’s ability to resist plastic deformation under an applied load. This makes it an essential tool for quality control, formulation evaluation and performance verification in coatings laboratories, production facilities and research environments.
During the test, a defined load is applied through an indenter, producing a measurable indentation on the coating surface. The size of the indentation correlates with the hardness of the film — smaller indentations correspond to higher hardness values. The results offer insight into the coating’s suitability for service conditions involving abrasion, impact and general wear.
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How It Works
- Place the coated test panel on a stable, flat surface.
- Select the appropriate Buchholz indenter and load weight based on your test specification.
- Position the indenter perpendicularly on the coating surface.
- Apply the defined load through the indenter and maintain it for the specified dwell time.
- Remove the indentation tool and measure the diameter (or area) of the resulting mark.
- Compare the measured indentation size against internal or industry standards to evaluate coating hardness.
This method provides an objective, repeatable way to quantify coating resistance to indentation and deformation.
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Key Features & Benefits
- Quantitative measurement of coating hardness and indentation resistance
- Objective and repeatable test results
- Suitable for quality control, R&D and production testing
- Simple indentation procedure with clear evaluation criteria
- Supports performance verification and formulation comparison
- Applicable to a wide range of coatings and substrates
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Scope of Supply
- TQC Sheen Buchholz hardness indentation tester
- Illuminated microscope with 20x magnification
- Spirit bubble level
- Digital dual timer
- Two markers with template
- 2x AAA batteries
- Calibration certificate included
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Accessories
- TQC Sheen Test Panels
- Part of the Qualicoat Test Kit
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Manufacturing and Standards
The TQC Sheen Buchholz Hardness / Indentation Test kit is manufactured in The Netherlands by TQC Sheen, part of Industrial Physics, and engineered to deliver consistent and repeatable hardness measurements. The test method aligns with established coating evaluation practices used in laboratory and quality control environments. The Buchholz Hardness Indentation Test is a mandatory test in Qualicoat, QIB and GSB accredited laboratories. According to the following standards:
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Links
TQC Sheen Buchholz Indentation Test | Product Sheet
TQC Sheen Buchholz Indentation Test | Manual
TQC Sheen Buchholz Indentation Test | Video
