Clutch disc hardness tester

I would like to purchase a bench mounted hardness tester to check clutch disc. But I don't have a clue what I should be looking for ie; brands, scales, testing points etc. What do I need?

 

First thing is you need a Rockwell "S" scale tester, it isn't on the RC scale. Heat hardened clutch levers are usually 43-53 RC if that gives you any frame of reference. 100 kg with a 0.5" ball. Almost any other standard will destroy the material. The reason some people call it RC is because on the dial gauge style testers, you use the C numbers on the dial. As far as where to check it, the standard seems to be in the center of the material.

There are plenty of machines out there capable of this, but it may cost a pretty penny.

The only things I will warn you about are the calibration blocks are only available in the 104-110RS range, if you use a slightly smaller ball, your readings will be lower, and it is normal for the hardness to vary from pad to pad. You also need the largest surface area resting plate possible because you can change the reading if your hand moves the disc at all.

No matter how you do it, the biggest thing to remember is to be consistent in how you check them.

 

Thanks the info Justin. I also took your other suggestion and contacted Dennis at DZE nice guy, he took care of my clutch machine issues.

 

No problem, glad Dennis got you squared away. He's always been a nice guy in my dealings with him.