Barcol Tester

A Barcol tester is a device used to measure the hardness of materials like plastics and composites. It works by pressing a small, spring-loaded steel probe into the material’s surface. The depth of indentation indicates the material’s hardness—the shallower the indentation, the harder the material. The device provides a numerical reading called the Barcol Hardness Number, which helps manufacturers assess material quality, consistency, and suitability for specific applications. It’s a quick, portable, and non-destructive testing method widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.