ALTANA Pencil Hardness Tester - Manual (Page 7)

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3.5 Place the Pencil Tester Body on end, onto a
firm horizontal surface (arrow pointing
downwards.
3.6 Slowly slide (care should be taken not to chip
the pencil edges) the prepared pencil into the
hole adjacent to the arrow until it rests on the
same firm horizontal surface as the pencil
tester body. Turn the pencil clamping knob
clockwise to lock the pencil in position.
Carefully lift the pencil tester off the surface,
ensure pencil is set firm and is free from
damage to edges. Check the bubble level
to confirm the pencil has been properly
positioned.
Important:.always ensure the position of the pencil
is the same, thereby applying the consistent mass
to the coating under test.
Place the pencil tip gently onto the scales and read
the applied mass, value to be 750 (+10/-10) grams.
If the mass is outside of the specification, move the
slide weight forward to increase the mass or back to
decrease the mass.
3.7 Carefully place the prepared pencil tester,
wheels first onto the surface to be tested,
gently bring the pencil tip into contact with
the coated surface to be tested, ensure no
chipping occurs.
3.8 Immediately after the tip of the pencil rests
on the coated surface, place thumb and
forefinger on the pencil tester, centre portion
of each wheel, push the instrument in the
direction of the arrow for a suggested distance
of 7mm.
3.9 Inspect the coating after a specified period of
time with the naked eye check for marking of
the surface.
3.10 If no marking has occurred, repeat the test
(3.1 to 3.8) on a new portion of undisturbed