Elcometer 3080 Pencil Hardness Tests and Hardness Pencils
The Elcometer 3080 Pencil Hardness Tester offers a simple, standardized, and effective method for evaluating the hardness of coatings on flat surfaces. This technique is widely used in laboratories and quality control processes due to its ease of use and reliable results.
The test involves preparing the pencil lead by sharpening it with a special pencil sharpener and rubbing it against 400-grade abrasive paper to produce a flat, smooth edge. The pencil is then held at a 45° angle and pressed with uniform pressure against the coated surface. Depending on the coating's resistance, the pencil will either leave a superficial mark or break through to the substrate.
This visual evaluation provides an immediate indication of the coating’s relative hardness. The Elcometer 3080 is supplied with a stable stand and a complete set of 14 pencils, covering hardness values from 6B (softest) to 6H (hardest), allowing comprehensive testing across a wide range of coatings.
Accurate, practical, and easy to use, the Elcometer 3080 Pencil Hardness Tester is the ideal choice for coating hardness evaluation in labs, workshops, or production lines.
