The Metrix Plus HT SM Sand Mold Hardness Tester is used for measuring the surface hardness of wet sand molds and sand cores used in foundry operations.

Correct mold hardness is important because variations in sand compaction can influence mold strength, dimensional consistency and casting quality.

The HT SM series is available in three versions:

Main Specifications

Measurement Range: 10 to 90 H for A, B and C scales
Display Range: 0 to 100 H
Resolution: 0.1 H
Accuracy: approximately 1 H
Display: Backlit digital display
Functions: Maximum hold and average calculation
Power Supply: 2 AA batteries
Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 degrees Celsius
Operating Humidity: Less than 80 percent RH
Dimensions: 176 x 65 x 27 mm
Approximate Weight: 170 g
Optional Data Logging: PC interface using USB and software or Bluetooth

The standard package includes the main unit, operating manual and carrying case.

B. Working Principle

The HT SM Sand Mold Hardness Tester works on the principle of measuring the penetration depth of a specific indenter into the sand mold surface.

During testing, an indenter of a predetermined size and load is pressed firmly against the surface of the sand mold or core.

The process is:

Place tester on mold surface → Apply specified pressure → Indenter penetrates sand surface → Penetration depth is measured → Hardness value is calculated → Result is displayed

The depth of penetration changes depending on how firmly the sand has been compacted.

A harder and more compacted mold resists penetration more strongly, while a softer mold allows greater penetration.

The instrument expresses the result using the appropriate hardness scale:

HA for HT SM A

HB for HT SM B

HC for HT SM C

These scales correspond to different sand mold densities and molding processes.

C. Why Is the HT SM Used?

1. Sand Mold Hardness Measurement

Its primary purpose is to measure the surface hardness of foundry sand molds and cores.

2. Foundry Quality Control

Consistent sand mold hardness helps foundries maintain repeatable mold conditions from one casting batch to another.

3. Checking Sand Compaction

The instrument helps determine whether the molding sand has been compacted sufficiently.

4. Reducing Mold Variation

Different mold areas can sometimes have different compaction levels. Hardness testing allows operators to identify these variations.

5. Improving Casting Consistency

Maintaining controlled sand mold hardness can contribute to more consistent foundry production and casting quality.

6. Comparing Mold Preparation

The tester can be used to compare molds prepared by different operators, molding machines or sand preparation conditions.

7. Production Monitoring

Regular hardness measurements allow foundry personnel to monitor the molding process during production.

8. Testing Different Molding Pressures

The three available models make the HT SM series suitable for low, medium and high pressure molding processes.

D. Suitable Buyers

The Metrix Plus HT SM Sand Mold Hardness Tester is primarily designed for the foundry and casting industry.

Typical buyers include:

Metal Foundries
For routine inspection of sand molds and cores before casting.

Iron Foundries
For monitoring sand mold hardness during production.

Steel Foundries
For quality control of molding sand and prepared molds.

Aluminium Casting Companies
For checking sand mold conditions used in aluminium casting.

Non Ferrous Metal Foundries
For testing molds used for brass, bronze, aluminium and other cast materials.

Sand Casting Manufacturers
For verifying the hardness and consistency of sand molds.

Foundry Quality Control Departments
For routine mold hardness inspection and production documentation.

Foundry Laboratories
For evaluating sand mold properties and conducting production quality checks.

Mold Preparation Departments
For checking whether prepared molds have achieved the required hardness.

Foundry Equipment Manufacturers
For testing molding machine performance and mold compaction.

Casting Research Institutes
For foundry sand testing, mold studies and process development.

Educational Institutions
For foundry engineering, metallurgy and manufacturing laboratory applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Metrix Plus HT SM Sand Mold Hardness Tester?

The Metrix Plus HT SM is a digital hardness tester designed to measure the surface hardness of wet foundry sand molds and sand cores.

2. What is a sand mold hardness tester used for?

It is used to evaluate how firmly molding sand has been compacted when preparing a mold or core for metal casting.

3. What models are available in the HT SM series?

The series includes:

HT SM A

HT SM B

HT SM C

Each version is intended for different sand mold densities and molding pressures.

4. What is HT SM A used for?

HT SM A is designed for fine sand molds and cores used in manual or mechanical low and medium pressure molding.

5. What is HT SM B used for?

HT SM B is suitable for fine and coarse sand molds and cores used in manual or mechanical low and medium pressure molding.

6. What is HT SM C used for?

HT SM C is designed for high pressure sand molding applications.

7. What is the measuring range of the HT SM?

The measurement range is 10 to 90 H, while the digital display range is 0 to 100 H.

8. What is the resolution?

The resolution is 0.1 H.

9. What are HA, HB and HC?

HA, HB and HC are the hardness measurement scales used by the three different HT SM models.

HT SM A measures in HA.

HT SM B measures in HB.

HT SM C measures in HC.

10. How does a sand mold hardness tester work?

A specific indenter is pressed against the sand mold surface. The instrument measures the penetration depth and converts it into a corresponding mold hardness value.

11. Is the HT SM suitable for foundry sand?

Yes. It is specifically designed for evaluating the surface hardness of foundry sand molds and cores.

12. Can it test sand cores?

Yes. HT SM A and HT SM B are suitable for testing applicable sand molds and cores.

13. Can the tester be used for high pressure molding?

Yes. HT SM C is specifically intended for high pressure sand molding.

14. Does the HT SM have a digital display?

Yes. It features a backlit digital display for convenient reading of measurement results.

15. Does it have maximum data hold?

Yes. The instrument provides a maximum data hold function.