Leeb Metal Hardness Testers

Portable Leeb hardness testers measure rebound behaviour on suitable metal components. They are particularly useful for large parts, installed machinery and field inspection where a conventional bench test is impractical.

4 products

Sauter HN-D Leeb Hardness Tester

From £930.00

Sauter HMO Leeb Hardness Tester

From £2,020.00

Sauter HMM Leeb Hardness Tester

From £1,060.00

Sauter HK Leeb Hardness Tester

From £1,420.00

Portable Leeb hardness testers for metals

A Leeb tester propels an impact body against the prepared surface and compares its impact and rebound velocities. The method is quick and portable, but it depends on suitable component mass, thickness, support and surface condition.

The Sauter range includes compact testers and systems with separate impact devices. Choose the instrument according to the material, access, impact direction, required data functions and whether an alternative impact device is needed.

Displayed conversions to Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers or tensile strength are material-dependent conversions. They should not be assumed to equal a direct test performed by the corresponding method.

For small components, thin sections or localised test areas, compare our UCI hardness testers. You can also browse compatible hardness tester accessories or return to the hardness tester range.

Using the Leeb rebound method

Leeb testing is best suited to metallic components with sufficient mass and rigidity. Lightweight parts may need to be coupled to a heavier support, while thin or curved sections can require another method.

Prepare a clean, smooth test area and select the correct material group before using converted scales. Take several readings across a representative area rather than relying on a single impact.

Impact devices and support rings are model-specific. Check compatibility before ordering accessories or replacement parts.

Portable metal hardness testing

Leeb hardness testers are designed for rapid testing of metallic materials including steel, stainless steel, cast iron and aluminium alloys within industrial environments.

Multi-scale hardness conversion

Many digital Leeb testers provide automatic conversion between hardness scales including HL, HRC, HB and HV for easier material comparison and reporting.

Field inspection applications

Portable Leeb testers are commonly used for on-site inspection of large components, fabricated structures and installed machinery where bench testing equipment is impractical.

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Leeb hardness tester applications

Portable Leeb hardness testers are used across a wide range of engineering and industrial inspection environments where rapid metal hardness testing is required.

Fabrication and welding inspection

Leeb hardness testers are commonly used within fabrication workshops and welding inspection applications for checking the hardness of welded structures, fabricated steelwork and heat-affected zones.

Maintenance and field service

Portable hardness testing allows maintenance engineers and inspection teams to carry out material checks directly on installed machinery, pressure vessels, pipelines and structural components without dismantling equipment.

Heat treatment verification

Leeb hardness testers are widely used for checking heat-treated components, hardened surfaces and production batches within engineering and manufacturing environments.

How to choose a Leeb hardness tester

Compare impact-device options, sample requirements, supported material groups, memory and reporting functions.

Consider the materials being tested

Leeb hardness testers are primarily designed for metallic materials including steel, stainless steel, cast iron and aluminium alloys. Ensure the instrument supports the required hardness conversion scales for the application.

Check impact device suitability

Different impact devices may be required depending on component geometry, surface finish and accessibility. Smaller impact devices may be better suited to confined areas or thinner materials.

Review data and reporting requirements

Digital Leeb hardness testers may include memory storage, statistical analysis, USB connectivity and hardness conversion functions to support quality control and inspection reporting.

Consider calibration and verification

Routine verification using certified hardness test blocks helps maintain reliable measurement performance and supports internal quality procedures and calibration routines.

Leeb hardness tester FAQs

Common questions about rebound testing, sample preparation and converted hardness values.

What is a Leeb hardness tester used for?

A Leeb hardness tester is used for portable hardness testing of metals including steel, cast iron, aluminium and alloys using the rebound testing method.

What metals can be tested with a Leeb hardness tester?

Leeb hardness testers are commonly used on steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminium, copper alloys and other metallic materials used in engineering and industrial applications.

Are Leeb hardness testers accurate?

Modern Leeb hardness testers provide reliable and repeatable hardness measurements when used correctly on suitable metallic materials with appropriate surface preparation and sufficient mass.

Can Leeb hardness testers convert to Rockwell or Brinell scales?

Many digital Leeb hardness testers can automatically convert readings into alternative hardness scales including HRC, HB and HV for simplified reporting and material comparison.