QE-3C Portable Leeb Hardness Tester
Portable digital hardness tester for rapid, non-destructive inspection of heavy, large or installed metal components that cannot be conveniently moved to a laboratory.
The QE-3C uses the dynamic Leeb rebound method to evaluate hardness in approximately two seconds. Its rugged handheld design, colour display, internal memory and USB connectivity make it suitable for production, maintenance and field inspection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Test Method | Leeb rebound hardness |
| Standard Impact Device | Type D probe |
| Displayed Scales | HRC, HB and HV |
| Additional Calibrations | HRA, HRB, HSD, tensile strength and user-defined scales |
| Relative Average Error | 3%–5% at regular calibration |
| Measurement Time | Approximately 2 seconds |
| Data Storage | Up to 12,400 readings |
| PC Connection | USB |
| Operating Temperature | −15°C to +35°C |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable Li-ion battery |
Relevant standards: ASTM A956/A956M, ISO 16859-1 and DIN EN ISO 16859-1.
Canadian Support
Technical assistance with equipment selection
Warranty Included
Manufacturer warranties on all equipment
Installation & Training
On-site or installation and hands-on training
Technical Specifications
| Model | QE-3C |
| Instrument Type | Portable digital hardness tester |
| Test Principle | Dynamic Leeb rebound method |
| Standard Probe | Type D |
| Standard Display Scales | HRC, HB and HV |
| Additional Scales | HRA, HRB, HSD and tensile-strength conversion through additional calibration |
| Rockwell C Range | 20–70 HRC |
| Published Brinell Display Range | 8–650 HB* |
| Published Vickers Display Range | 8–1,500 HV* |
| Relative Average Error | 3%–5% at regular calibration |
| Minimum Probe-Positioning Area | From 7 mm diameter |
| Measurement Duration | Approximately 2 seconds |
| Readings Per Average | Selectable from 1–99 |
| Memory Capacity | 12,400 individual readings |
| Named Data Groups | Up to 100 |
| Additional Calibrations | Up to five per basic scale |
| User-Defined Additional Scales | Up to three |
| Statistical Functions | Maximum, minimum, mean, standard deviation and deviation from limits |
| Threshold Alarm | Upper and lower limit indication |
| Erroneous Reading Rejection | Automatic |
| Data Comparison | On-screen comparison of measurement series |
| Computer Connection | USB |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable Li-ion battery |
| Electronic Unit Dimensions | 121 × 69 × 41 mm |
| Electronic Unit Weight | Approximately 0.30 kg |
| Type D Probe Weight | Approximately 0.15 kg |
| Operating Temperature | −15°C to +35°C |
| Warranty | One year |
*Values outside the instrument’s directly calibrated conversion range may be calculated through extrapolation according to DIN 50150. Converted HRC, HB and HV values are material-dependent and should not be represented as equivalent to direct Rockwell, Brinell or Vickers indentation testing.
Probe Selection
| Probe | Typical Workpiece Requirements | Recommended Application |
|---|---|---|
| Type D | Approximately ≥3 kg, ≥6 mm thick and surface roughness up to Ra 3.2 µm | General-purpose testing of steel, cast iron, forgings, shafts and machinery |
| Type E | Similar general requirements to Type D | High-hardness materials using a cubic boron nitride impact body |
| Type G | Approximately ≥8 kg, ≥55 mm thick and rougher surfaces up to approximately Ra 7.6 µm | Large castings, structurally inhomogeneous materials and rough heavy components |
Actual minimum mass, thickness, curvature and surface-finish requirements must follow the applicable standard and probe instructions. Lightweight parts may require coupling to a rigid support.
Applicable Standards
ASTM A956/A956M
Standard test method for Leeb hardness testing of steel, cast steel and cast iron, including instrument verification and reference-block calibration requirements. ASTM A956/A956M
ISO 16859-1
Metallic materials—Leeb hardness test, Part 1: Test method. It covers dynamic hardness testing using recognized Leeb scales, including HLD, HLE and HLG. ISO 16859-1
ISO 16859-2
Verification and calibration requirements for instruments used to determine Leeb hardness. ISO 16859-2
ISO 16859-3
Requirements for calibration of reference test blocks used for indirect verification of Leeb hardness testers.
DIN 50150
Hardness conversion tables used for appropriate metallic materials. Converted results remain dependent on material type and should be reported as converted values.
Applications
Large Castings and Forgings
Evaluate hardness on cast-steel, cast-iron and forged components that are too large or heavy for stationary hardness testers.
Shafts, Rolls and Gears
Perform production and maintenance checks on large shafts, rollers, gears, bearings and machinery components.
Pressure Equipment and Pipelines
Conduct on-site hardness surveys on accessible areas of pressure vessels, piping, flanges and related heavy equipment.
Heat-Treatment Verification
Check hardness uniformity and identify variations across heat-treated components and production batches.
Material Sorting
Support rapid segregation and comparison of metallic stock, forgings, castings and finished components.
Maintenance and Failure Investigation
Compare hardness across operating equipment to identify localized changes associated with wear, overheating or inappropriate heat treatment.
What's Included
✓ QE-3C Electronic Display Unit
✓ Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
✓ Type D Leeb Impact Probe
✓ Battery Charger
✓ USB Computer Cable
✓ Operating Manual
✓ Protective Soft Case
✓ Arm-Mounting Cuff
✓ Carrying and Storage Bag
Downloads
Brochure
QE-3C Portable Leeb Hardness Tester
Why Choose This Model?
Designed for Field Inspection
Measure hardness directly on large castings, forgings, shafts, rolls, pressure vessels and installed machinery without removing or cutting specimens.
Fast, Repeatable Measurements
The spring-loaded impact system produces a controlled impact, reducing the influence of operator-applied force and providing a result in approximately two seconds.
Flexible Material Calibration
Use standard hardness conversions or create additional calibrations for special alloys, cast irons and non-ferrous materials using suitable reference blocks.
Built-In Data Management
Store up to 12,400 readings, organize results into named groups, calculate statistics and transfer inspection data to a computer through USB.
Need help selecting the right configuration?
Our application specialists are here to help you choosing the best solution for your materials and workflow.
Talk to an expert
Get expert advice on models, accessories and standards.
- 647-948-7714
- info@qmnequipment.com
- Mon-Friday: 9:00am to 6:00pm ET
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Leeb rebound hardness method?
A spring-driven impact body strikes the test surface. The instrument compares its impact and rebound velocities to calculate a Leeb hardness value.
What materials can the QE-3C test?
It is primarily intended for metallic materials, including steel, cast steel, cast iron, stainless steel, aluminium alloys, bronze, brass and other suitable metal alloys.
What is the minimum workpiece size?
The best results are normally obtained on rigid, heavy components. Parts weighing more than approximately 5 kg generally require no additional support, provided they satisfy the applicable thickness and surface requirements.
Can smaller components be tested?
Yes, but lighter components must normally be firmly coupled to a heavier support plate using an appropriate coupling paste. Flexible or poorly supported parts can produce incorrect readings.
Does it directly perform Rockwell, Brinell and Vickers tests?
No. The instrument performs a Leeb rebound test and converts the result to HRC, HB or HV using material-dependent conversion relationships. These values should be identified as converted results.
Why Buy From QMN Equipment?
Equipment selected by testing professionals. Backed by CMH MetLabs expertise in:
Hardness Testing
Brinell, Rockwell and Vickers and more
Tensile Testing
Universal Testing Machines
Metallography
Sample Preparation and Analysis
NDT Inspection
UT, PT, MT, RT Solutions
Failure Analysis
Expert Analysis and Reporting
Backed by CMH Metlabs
Accredited by
Our in-house laboratory ensures you get the right equipment.
