My measured readings vary widely. Why?
The zero point cannot always be determined reliably on rough surfaces; polish the surface if possible. Air currents and external vibrations can also lead to high fluctuations in the readings or even incorrect measurements. For this reason, the instruments should be installed in a protected place (e.g. in the basement or on a below-ground floor). When measuring with very low forces, closed measurement boxes and damping tables also help to counteract external influences.
My measured readings are wrong. What could be the reason for that?
The indenter may be dirty or worn. WIN-HCU offers a cleaning procedure that should be carried out regularly. Also check whether youβve selected the right force-time regime for your application. Different test parameters can lead to deviations.
If these steps still donβt help, a shape correction can also be carried out when the indenter is worn down. Note: Shape correction should only be undertaken by Fischer employees or other skilled / trained persons.
After the measurement, there seems to be no indenter impression on the surface. Why?
Itβs possible that the wrong lens is set on the microscope. Try a different lens, and, if you have an instrument without automatic lens detection, make sure to select the correct lens in the WIN-HCU software.
Then, if the indentation is still not visible, you may have chosen too low a test force. In such cases, the impression can be seen using an atomic force microscope (AFM), for example. Yet another reason could be too large an offset between the microscope position and the actual measuring position. The offset settings can be found under Measuring stage βΊ Set microscope adjust.
For measuring coatings in micro-section, we recommend using the appropriate Fischer micro-section sample holder. If measurements are carried out on micro-sections without a suitable holder, the process of placing the indenter for each measurement can cause a systematic offset of the measuring position in relation to the microscope position.
Why am I not getting measurements for indentation hardness and modulus of indentation?
Itβs possible that the unloading curve was not recorded; please check your settings. In addition, very soft samples can deform (creep) under load, which is why the indentation hardness cannot always be determined. Use the βcreepβ setting to determine the indentation creep (CIT). And use the setting Edit βΊ Application properties βΊ Parameter βΊ Linear extrapolation to determine the modulus of indentation EIT and the indentation hardness HIT according to ISO 1457.
The loading and unloading curves are 'deformed' or 'too strongly bent'. What could be the reason for that?
The sample probably gave way under load during the measurement. Check whether the test sample is properly fixed. Depending on the shape of the part, use either the HM universal sample rack or the HM foil clamping device from Fischer.
The loading curve has a kink in it. What could be the reason for that?
The selected test force is too high for the thickness of the coating. The measurement is being influenced by the substrate material.
Why can't I activate the 'Dynamic Measurement Mode'?
The Dynamic Measurement Mode can only be enabled when youβre logged on as administrator. If it still wonβt activate despite administrator rights, that is usually due to some customer-specific security software. Try using a computer with less stringent security protocols.
Why is the menu item 'shape correction' grayed out and not selectable?
Shape correction requires administrator rights. Please log in to the WIN-HCU accordingly. Note: Shape correction should only be undertaken by Fischer employees or other skilled / trained persons.
The measurement was aborted and no new measurement can be started. In addition, the indenter position is at a value over 400 microns.
Please contact Helmut Fischer service.
Why do I get an error message when I click on 'Evaluation' βΊ 'User-defined export'?
You must first define the customized export under Settings βΊ Options βΊ User-defined export before you can run the export.
Where can I find the serial number and other important information about my measuring device?
Select ? βΊ About Win-HCU. Here youβll find, for example, the instrumentβs serial number and the version of WIN-HCU.