Manual 4000 Vikers

MANUAL
NEXUS® 4000 Series

Vickers/Knoop/Brinell hardness tester
Changes in products and/or product specifica-
tions can emerge due to new technologies and
continuous development.
We reserve the right to change or modify

specifications of products without prior notice.
We recommend you to contact our sales office for

up-to-date information.
© All rights reserved

USER MANUAL
FOR
NEXUS® 4000 SERIES
HARDNESS TESTING INSTRUMENT

Thank you for buying this advanced INNOVATEST® hardness testing instrument.
The product meets the applicable DIN, ISO-EN, ASTM and JIS standards.
Before using this instrument, read through this user manual carefully to use the product properly.
After reading, keep the manual in an easy-to-access place for referencing whenever needed.
Read the “Safety Cautions” and “User’s Guide” thoroughly before usage, and properly operate the product.
In order to use the product safely, do not ignore visual cautions, warnings or safety symbols.
Please refer to the limited guarantee and responsibility issues in the INNOVATEST® guarantees conditions.
www.innovatest-europe.com 1
2 www.innovatest-europe.com
Make sure these signs and symbols are well understood before reading this manual or operating the instrument.
WARNING!
Ignoring this information and mishandling of the
equipment can lead to severe bodily injuries and
material damage.
- o not modify this equipment. Doing so can cause fire and/or electric shock.
D
- Do not fabricate anything with the power cord, forcibly bend it, twist, or pull it, doing so can cause fires and/or
electric shock.
- Do not disassemble this equipment. Doing so can cause electric shock. Contact our technical service department for
checks, adjustments, or repairs inside the equipment.
- Do not operate the equipment at a voltage other than the power voltage that is indicated. Doing so can cause fires.
- Do not place a vase, or any container holding liquid, near this equipment.
- fires can occur if water gets inside the equipment.
- If water or other liquid does get inside the equipment, turn off the power to the equipment’s main unit, pull the plug
out of the socket, and call our company’s technical service department.
- Always install grounding. If, by any chance a component gets damaged without grounding, electric shock can occur.
- Do not operate the equipment if there is ever any abnormality, such as signs of smoke, unusual smell.
- In such a case, turn off the power to the equipment’s main unit, pull the plug out of the socket, and call our company’s
technical service department.
- Pull out the plug from the socket when exchanging a fuse. Not doing so can cause electric shock.
- Do not insert or unplug the plug with wet hands. Doing so can cause electric shock.
- Do not install the equipment on an unstable base. Doing so can affect the proper working and cause the equipment
to fall down and/or cause accidents and injuries.
- Do not scratch or forcibly twist a cable.
- Continued use of a cable after it is scratched or twisted can cause fire and/or electric shock.
- Do not place the equipment in a high temperature and humidity location.
- When cleaning or checking the equipment, make sure the plug is pulled out of the socket for safety.
- Do not use fuses and illumination lamps other than those specified. Doing so can cause fire.
- Do not connect special attachments to this equipment that are not “INNOVATEST®” standard attachments, doing so
can cause poor performance or defects.
- Do not use batteries other than the specified ones.
- Do not block the halogen lamp area and ventilation. Blocking the ventilation can cause heat to accumulate inside the
instrument, which in turn, can generate fire.
- Never open any of the panel or cover other than when unpacking or assembling.
- High voltages existing in the instrument may cause electrical shocks to personnel.
- Grounding, the power supply of the instrument must be grounded.
- For the power cable, always use the power cable with 3-pins ground wire provided.
Introduction
Thank you for buying the NEXUS® 4000 closed loop, force feed back, Vickers, Knoop, Brinell hardness tester.
Closed Loop, Load Cell, Force Feedback technology for a reliable fast measurement procedure.
• Superior Test Control

• Superior Accuracy
• Superior Gauge Repeatability & Reproducibility
• Superior Productivity
• Superior Flexibility
The NEXUS® 4000 series of Micro/Macro Vickers, Knoop & Brinell hardness testers combines a practical design with universal
specifications. State-of-the-art closed loop, load cell technology and a - Patent Pending - force feedback system, assure fast test
results at the highest possible accuracy.
Unmatched consistency, repeatability and reliability now become affordable.
The INNOVATEST® design team has used recently developed sensor technology to create a new industry standard for Vickers
hardness testing, eliminating weights and complex mechanical control systems.
The closed loop system applies force, calculates, filters and controls digital data in a 32-bits embedded CPU system.
The tester has a 4 position turret which can be customized by using different indentors, objectives, stages or Video systems,
meeting your particular request and your budget.
During the assembly process the NEXUS® 4000 series will be configured to your particular technical requirements or even
painted in your company style colours.
The unique design offers the possibility to start with a basic system and to upgrade at a later stage. Force range, indentors &
objectives can be updated at any moment at any location in the world.
The NEXUS® 4000 series is designed and built in The Netherlands, Europe, and meets or exceeds all applicable EN, ISO
and ASTM standards.
To give maximum security to your investment, the NEXUS® series is covered by a 2-years Guarantee.
Test procedure control
Traditional hardness testing systems use a “dead weight” mechanical design or inaccurate spring force mechanism to apply
the test force. Such systems are lacking test control, as there is no feed-back on the actual applied force.
The Closed Loop technology with a force feedback system, as applied in the NEXUS® 4000 Series, constantly measures and
controls the applied force on the tester’s indentor and tested surface. Consequently, this superior control system offers an almost
unlimited selection of test loads and test rates for virtually any test condition imaginable.
Closed loop vs Dead weight

Selected Overshoot
Force
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Force
Time
Superior force control
Accuracy, reliability & efficiency
Elimination of overshoot due to sophisticated algorithms detecting contact with the indentor and the tested object’s surface. The
application and removal of the test force is fully automatic, as well as the positioning of the indentor and the pre-determined
objective. The result is an absolute vibration free operation while reducing the operator’s workload to a minimum.
Closed loop vs Dead weight

Selected Overshoot
Force
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Force
Time
High speed measurement
Upgrade your NEXUS® later
The NEXUS® series offers upgrades on request. For instance, your budget and your requirements allow a Vickers tester. Your
choice could be a NEXUS® Vickers / Knoop tester 4300. At any moment after your purchase you can upgrade your tester
from for instance Vickers to Macro, Micro Vickers or even to Brinell at fixed prices. The upgrades are possible in the 4300 or
4500 range. It requires simply a phone call to your distributor or to INNOVATEST® and the upgrade does not take more than
a couple of hours, including calibration. Investing in a NEXUS® series tester guarantees access to almost any load application
in the Vickers, Knoop and Brinell range up to 62.5kg.
High accuracy, flexibility and pure efficiency are synonyms for the NEXUS® 4000 series.
Contents
Introduction 6
1. Unpacking & checking contents 10

1.1 Unpacking 10
1.2 Accessory box 11
1.3 Accessories mounted on the tester (depending on purchased options) 12
2. Main unit 13
2.1 Hardness tester body 13
3. Installation of the hardness tester 14

3.1 Installation conditions 14
3.2 Removing transportation security 15
3.3 Levelling 15
3.4 Installing the electronic eyepiece 16
3.5 Installing an anvil or X-Y work stage 17
4. Connecting with the main power 18
5. Working with the NEXUS® 4000 19

5.1 Power on 19
5.2 Start screen 19
5.3 Main screen 20
5.4 Membrane keypad functions 20
5.5 Set up menu 21
5.6 Objectives 24
5.7 Performing a hardness test 25
5.8 Additional functionality 28
5.9 Data output 32
6. Calibration procedures 38
6.1 Force calibration 38
6.2 Objectives calibration 38
6.3 Maintenance advice 38
7. Technical specifications 39
8. Standard delivery and accessories 40

8.1 Standard delivery 40
8.2 Optional accessories 40
9. Periodical inspection 41
10. System failures 42

10.1 Frozen start screen 42
10.2. Home position failure 42
10.3 Upper limit failure 43
10.4 Lower limit failure 43
11. Trouble shooting 44
12. Replacement of fuse 45
13. Technical drawings 46
1. Unpacking & checking contents
This section describes unpacking conditions and standard accessories.
1.1 Unpacking
When you receive the product, unpack it and check if all components are included.
NOTE:
While unpacking the unit, use no extreme force to remove the packing materials. The accessories box is placed next to the instrument and
separated by soft materials to avoid damage to the tester. REMOVE the accessory box first! STORE the packing material in a safe place as
you might need it again. Never ship or transport the tester without the correct packing materials or with the transportation safety inside the
tester not being in the correct place. This could cause severe damage to the testers load application system.
The standard components and accessories differ with system types within the NEXUS® 4000 series but each complete ship-
ment includes at least:
a) Hardness tester body

b) Accessory box
Wooden box (outer packing) Carton box (inside packing)

Remove 14 screws, lift wooden shell of the pallet. Open carton box on the top side

Remove accessories case Lift top foam part gently, vertical, from the tester
Lift tester vertically out of the carton box
NOTE 1:
While lifting the tester, do not touch sensitive part like the turret.
NOTE 2:
Note that the actual packing conditions may differ from those shown above.
1.2 Accessory box
- Flat anvil, hardened, ø60mm
- Vickers test block (2 pcs)
- Manual X-Y-Z stage
- Objectives 5x, 10x, 20x or 10x, 20x, 40x
- Electronic digital eyepiece 15x
- Set of workpiece fixtures, vice, chuck, clamp
- Spare halogen lamp
- Built-in thermal printer
- Fuse
- Four adjustable feet
- Power cable
- INNOVATEST® certificate
- Installation & user manual
NOTE 1:
Some components or parts may be packaged separately and may not be included in the accessory box or may have been installed on the
hardness tester.
NOTE 2:
Special options may be set in the places which are left blanks.
1.3 Accessories mounted on the tester
(depending on purchased options)
1. 2 or 3 objectives according to your choice

2. CCD camera
3. CCD tube cover
4. Automatic or semi-automatic CCD measuring system
5. Motorized tables or automatic Z-axis drive systems
2. Main unit
This section describes the individual parts of the main tester body
2.1 Hardness tester body
1. Head cover
2. Second optical path (CCD) 1 2
3. Measurement microscope
4. Motorized Turret
5. Objective A, B or C (optional) 3
6. Indentor holder
7. X-Y stage
8. Elevator spindle screw
4 5
9. Emergency switch
10. Operation panel, LCD display 6
11. Vibration dampers
12. Built in printer 7
13. Power switch
14. Rear cover
15. RS-232 connector
16. AC power input
10
11
13 15
12 16 14
3. Installation of the hardness tester
This section describes the correct way of installing your NEXUS 4000® series hardness tester
3.1 Installation conditions
Install the hardness tester system in the conditions shown below in order to make full use of its functions and performances and
to avoid defects or inaccuracy of any kind.
VIBRATION
- Install the hardness tester in a place free from floor vibrations.
- Install the hardness tester on a rigid floor securely fixed (Do not install it on a high or infirm floor).
- Do not install the hardness tester in a place where many people come and go.
- Do not install the hardness tester near equipment generating vibrations.
- Install the hardness tester on the first floor of a building if possible.
- Do not install the hardness tester in a building near a road with heavy traffic.
- Do not install the hardness tester in a building where a crane, vibration tester or similar equipment is installed.
NOTE:
Vibrations transmitted to the hardness tester result in inaccurate measurement in particular in low force application procedures.
WIND, SOUND & HUMIDITY

- Do not install the hardness tester in a place directly exposed to the wind from an air conditioner, etc.
- Do not install the hardness tester in a room with excessive air circulation.
- Do not install the hardness tester near an entrance or an exit (Wind and vibrations).
- Do not install the hardness tester near equipment generating sound (Acoustic vibrations).
- Ambient temperature 10°C to 35°C
- Recommended temperature: 21 ± 3°C
- Ambient humidity 70% RH or less. No dew condensation allowed.
WORKBENCH
Place the hardness tester on a horizontal work bench (such as a cabinet, desk or table).
The installation area needed is not less than 500 mm in width, 600 mm in depth and 850 mm in height.
The work bench should be rigid and withstand a load over 60kg.
NOTE 1:
Do not apply any impacts to the hardness tester when moving it and do not tilt it by 30 degrees or more.
NOTE 2:
When carrying the tester, be careful not to bring your hands, etc. into contact with the turret.
3.2 Removing transportation security
Remove the transportation security BEFORE connecting the tester with the main power.
Remove the top cover of the instrument (see picture) by unlocking the CCD adaptor cover.
Find position “F” and GENTLY remove the foam parts that block the load application lever.
MAKE SURE THAT THE LOAD LEVER WILL NOT MOVE MORE THEN 5MM UP OR DOWN WHILE REMOVING THE FOAM.
Store the foam parts as you might need them for future transportation
NOTE 1:
Excessive movement of the load lever can severely damage the load application system,
ALWAYS insert transportation security while moving the tester to any other position.
3.3 Levelling
The NEXUS® system is equipped with a unique load application system which is not sensitive to correct leveling.
Nevertheless, to eliminate possible wear and tear on the testers mechanical structure we advise to make sure that your tester
is correctly leveled.
Your NEXUS® is standard supplied with 4 adjustable vibration dampers.

Install the dampers on the tester if not installed yet and use a correct key to adjust the height of each damper.
3.4 Installing the electronic eyepiece
The electronic eyepiece microscope can be found in the accessory box. Please handle this part with care as it’s a sensitive
part of your hardness tester.
Remove the lens tube protection cover

Gently insert the eyepiece optical tube in the lens tube of the tester.
While inserting the eyepiece move the eyepiece gently around its center position so that it fits without using force.
Leave the eyepiece in a horizontal position and move it to a vertical position.

Assure yourself the moving is without excessive friction.
Turn the eyepiece several times around its center and leave it in a horizontal position with the data cable coming out on the
right side.
Connect the eyepiece data cable to the connector on the left side (seen from the testers front) top of the tester.
3.5 Installing a anvil or X-Y work stage
The anvils and work stage can be found in the accessories box. Clean the joint surfaces of the anvil or work stage and elevator
spindle screw thoroughly. Take the table or stage of your choice and insert it in the elevator spindle center. Assure yourself that
the worktable or stage is carried by the spindle top and that the locking screw was unlocked while placing the table or stage.
Fix the worktable with the fixing screw on the top of the elevator spindle.
Anvil locking screw Clean join faces
Remove the indenter cover;

Turn the metal protection cover clockwise and unscrew it from the turret.
4. Connecting the main power
This section describes the correct way of getting your tester powered up
Assure yourself that your testers power requirement is in compliance with your power supply.
The testers power details can be found on the back plate mentioning VOLTAGE requirements.
NOTE:
Connecting your tester to an incorrect main power supply could cause severe damage to the instrument and could create fire.
Main power
5. Working with the NEXUS® 4000
This section describes the correct way of getting started
5.1 Power on
Switch on the tester using the red color ON/OFF button on the back panel.
NOTE:
Make sure that the emergency stop switch on the right side of the tester is not activated as the tester won’t power on in such case. If the
tester does not start within 2 seconds, turn the emergency switch slightly to the right. If the switch was locked it will unlock automatically.
After switching on the power of the tester, the following screen will be shown:
5.2 Start screen
400 Series
Version 2.00
Wait for 10 seconds while the NEXUS® is doing its internal electronics and settings check.
During this period the turret might rotate and find its starting position automatically.
If the tester is ready for use, the main screen will appear automatically.
NOTE:
Firmware version numbers differ pending tester specifications
5.3 Main screen
1500.0HV
D1= 99.97um FORCE: 500gf
D2=
D2=99.97um
99.97um DWELL:
DWELL: 59sec
59sec
The tester is now switched on correctly and ready for use.
5.4 Membrane keypad functions
To set up your tester you need to understand the working of the user interface. Find the functions hereunder that might help
you to go through the set up menu.
1 2 3 4 5 MEASURE
6 7 8 9 0 ENTER
KG/N HV/HK DWELL DELETE
START
BRIGHT PRINT
T
PRINT, prints measured values & statistics ARROW DOWN, move down trough selectable
DWELL, allows to set the correct dwell time ARROW LEFT & RIGHT, toggle trough selectable values
ESC, aborts test /returns to previous screen ENTER, Enters measured values from microscope
SETUP, to enter the setup menu ROTATE TURRET, toggle between objectives and indentors
START, start measurement procedure ZERO, to set electronic microscope to zero
ARROW UP, move up trough selected CLR, to erase last or all readings
OK, confirms your selection INCREASE LIGHT, halogen light source
DECREASE LIGHT, halogen light source
5.5 Set up menu
Press SETUP to enter the setup menu
The first option will be highlighted (inverted text

bar)
Toggle between menu items with
UP & DOWN ARROW
Press either:
OK to select the highlighted option or
ESC to go back to the MAIN SCREEN
a) pplied Force
A
The first setting shows the selected test force: 20gr to 61,5kgf depending on your testers configuration. The second
setting shows the force parameter in gram or Newton.
Toggle between FORCE and INDICATION with

the ARROWS UP & DOWN
Toggle through selectable values and

indications with the LEFT & RIGHT
ARROWS
Selectable values:
Depending on your testers configuration.
(See technical specifications)
Press either:
OK to confirm the settings and return to the
setup menu, or ESC to return to the set up
menu without saving the (new) settings.
FACTORY DEFAULT:
FORCE: 1kgf
INDICATION: gf
b) Conversion
This setting allows to choose which converted hardness value will be shown below to the original value on the MAIN
SCREEN.
With the LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS the

required scale can be selected.
Available scales to convert to:

Rockwell C > HRC
Rockwell B > HRB
Rockwell A > HRA
Brinell > HB
Leebs > HL
Press either:
OK to confirm the setting and return to the
set up menu, or ESC to return to the set up
FACTORY DEFAULT:
HRC
Note:
If the to be converted value is outside the
selected conversion scale the conversion value
shows NONE.
c) Date/Time
The first setting allows to enter and save the correct system date
The second setting allows to enter the correct system time
Toggle between DATE and TIME with the

ARROWS UP & DOWN
Toggle through selectable values and

indications with the LEFT & RIGHT
ARROWS, select required figure with
arrows up and down in each highlighted DATE
or TIME zone.
Preset year 2000:

The first 2 characters of the year are fixed to
20.
Press either:
menu without
saving the (new) settings.
FACTORY DEFAULT:
DATE: 00-00-2000
TIME: 00:00 (24h system)
d) Hardness Scale
This setting allows to choose which hardness test is going to be performed (based on your testers configuration) and
will change standard HV main screen indication in to HK,HB or visa versa.
HARDNESS SCALE With the LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS the

required scale can be selected.
Available scales to set:

SCALE : HV Vickers > HV
Knoop > HK
Brinell > HB
Press either:
CONFIRM:OK ESC:TO SETUP MENU set up menu, or ESC to return to the set up
FACTORY DEFAULT:
HV
e) Language
This setting allows to choose which menu language will be displayed

required menu language can be selected.
Available languages are depending on your

testers configuration:
English
German
French
Spanish
Italian
Press either:
FACTORY DEFAULT:
English
f) LCD Brightness
This setting allows to increase or decrease LCD brightness with as a reference the INNOVATEST logo.

required brightness can be set.
Selectable percentage of brightness:

Minimum 35%
Maximum 85%
Press either:
FACTORY DEFAULT:
To be decided on the basis of testing.
5.6 Objectives
Your NEXUS® has been configured following your request. The objective settings are therefore set to the correct magnification in
correspondence to the turret position during the assembly process of the tester. Your tester allows you to use different objectives
with larger or lower magnification then those installed on the tester. When objectives are exchanged for different magnification
you need to adjust the firmware settings to use the correct magnification for hardness calculations.
Toggle between OBJECTIVES position 1, 2 or 3

with the ARROWS UP & DOWN
Toggle through selectable magnification with the

LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS.
Press either:
menu without saving the (new)
settings.
FACTORY DEFAULT:
Depending on system configuration.
NOTE 1.
Incorrect objective settings give wrong hardness values
NOTE 2.
After changing objectives don’t forget to calibrate your objectives to re-assure the accuracy of your tester
5.7 Performing a hardness test
a) Choose correct starting objective

Before starting the test first select the objective required for your measurement. You can choose the objective by pressing
the turret turning button on the keypad.
b) Choose correct settings

See 5.5
c) Positioning of the specimen

Use a proper specimen fixture if the specimen is not flat.
Ensure the specimen surface complies to the required standards.
Place the object on the X-Y stage or anvil.
d) Focusing
Rotate the elevator hand wheel counterclockwise to lower the shaft and put a specimen in the center of the flat anvil or
X-Y stage. The specimen surface must be in parallel with the flat anvil. When measuring a round bar use a V shaped
anvil. Rotate the elevator hand wheel clockwise until focus position has almost been reached.
Now look through the eyepiece and focus the work piece so that a sharp and crisp image appears in the microscope
or on the LCD panel (Optional CCD system).
NOTE:
Do not to bring the specimen in contact with the indenter or objective lens as this can cause severe damage to the turret,
objectives or indentor.
e) Start
If all settings are done to your satisfaction, now press the START button.
f) Load application screen 1
The turret will now change its position from objective to indentor first.
During this procedure the empty load bar appears on the MAIN SCREEN
1500.0HV
ROCKWELL: 118.9 HRC
D1= 99.97um FORCE: 500gf
D2= 99.97um
DWELL: 59sec
POSITIONING TURRET TO INDENTOR LOCATION
After reaching the indentor home position the screen will refresh showing additional information while the
load application has started.
g) Load application screen 2
In the left bottom corner the inverted text
1500.0HV TESTING appears in order to make clear

that the tester has started its testing
ROCKWELL: 118.9 HRC procedure.
D1= 99.97um FORCE: 500gf In the load bar graphic a center line
appears indicating the load is being
D2= 99.97um applied.
TESTING... DWELL: 59sec
The statistics bar will show the statistics
information, during the flashing of the word
TESTING as zero or previous values in case of
multiple tests.
NOTE:
Pressing ESC (escape) aborts the testing
procedure. The keypad will be blocked
during the entire testing procedure.
The process of the load application can be followed by watching the different indications of the
load bar on the LCD display. TESTING will be flashing during the entire load application process.
After the full test has been performed, the turret will automatically turn to the position of the objective that you have
selected before pressing START. (Last chosen objective position)
h) Measuring screen
After the full load application and indenting process has been finished the tester is now ready for
measuring the indent diagonals to determine the hardness value.
Before measuring the diagonals the electronic eyepiece filar lines have to be set to ZERO.
Turn the micrometer knobs so that the filar lines touch each other. Press ZERO.
NOTE:
If this process will not be followed correctly, the tester LCD panel will give the following warning:
i) Encoder zero position warning
The measuring microscope of the hardness

tester needs to be set to ZERO. A failing zero
position would lead to wrong
measurements.*
Set the 2 measuring lines in the microscope in

such way that no light can be seen
between the measuring lines. (the lines should
only touch each other), then press ZERO.
The tester will now return to the MAIN

SCREEN.
Press START again to proceed.
NOTE:
This screen can not be ESCAPED, encoder

positioning is required to proceed.
This ENCODER POSITION WARNING only

appears after pushing the START button the
first time after power on. The position
will be stored in testers CPU system
Once the eyepiece is set to ZERO you can proceed measuring the indentation. First measure the horizontal position.
1500.0HV
The value in D1 will be inverted, measure with
the microscope the horizontal diagonal and
press ENTER to enter the measured value in D1
ROCKWELL: 118.9 HRC
D2 will be inverted, measure with the
D1= 99.97um FORCE: 500gf microscope and press ENTER to enter the
measured value in D2
D2= 99.97um
DWELL: 59sec The hardness value will appear on the main
screen including the converted value if
applicable.
NOTE:
Previous measured value in case of multiple
measurements will be erased from entering the
new D1 value.
The statistics bar will continuously show all

testing results statistics.
Note:
If you have a new microscope with a
push-button (“C” in the serial number),
you can push the button in stead of
pressing the ENTER key.
5.8 Additional functionality
a) Statistics screen
After one or more tests have been performed, while viewing the MAIN SCREEN, press OK.
The LCD display will now show an overview of the last 20 tests individual values, or less, and its statistic
values.
Press any key to return to MAIN SCREEN
NOTE:
Pressing PRINT will print the standard
statistics and measured values and will
return to MAIN SCREEN.
b) Changing dwell time

The standard factory DEFAULT dwell time of the NEXUS® 4000 is set to 10 seconds according to international
standards. Pressing DWELL will highlight the DWELL time setting on the main screen

DWELL time can be adjusted.
Selectable dwell time settings:

1-60 seconds
Press either:
MAIN SCREEN, or ESC to return to the
MAIN SCREEN without saving the (new)
settings.
c) Printing
Pressing PRINT while viewing the MAIN SCREEN, after at least 1 test has been performed, will give a full statistics
print out on the built in printer, showing all individual and statistic measurements.
d) Clearing measurements
Pressing CLR will light up the DELETE SCREEN. Both last an all readings can be deleted. Deleting values is permanent
and the values cannot be returned.
Toggle between LAST READING and ALL

READINGS with the ARROWS UP & DOWN
Press either:
OK to confirm and return to the MAIN
SCREEN, or ESC to return to the MAIN
SCREEN to abort the deleting procedure.
e) Changing brightness of the light source
Press one of the membrame key pad “light” buttons for decreasing or increasing the microscope light source.
5.9 Data output
Output data from NEXUS® 4000 series to PC with Terminal connection (RS232)
- Connect the NEXUS® 4000 series tester to the PC with a RS232 cable
RS232 PORT
- Start the program “Termite”
Free available from http://www.compuphase.com/software_termite.htm
- Click on “Settings”
- Adjust the Port configuration to match the following settings:

The COM port can be different for each PC.
After a measurement the value will be automatically transferred to the PC:
Output data from NEXUS® 4000 series to Excel with Data Redirector
- Start the program “Data Redirector”

The COM port can be different for each PC.
- Select the correct baudrate:
- If you want each measurement in a new row, select “Add value in new row”
- If you want each value in a new column, select “Add value in new column”
- If you also want a timestamp with each measurement, select the box “Add timestamp”
- Click on “Open” to start Excel
After each measurement the selected cell in Excel will be updated with the measured value.
“Add value in new row”
“Add value in new column”
“Add value in new row, Add timestamp”
“Add value in new column, Add timestamp”
If you only want to use the value without the scale (e.g. HV) you can add a row below with a formula:
=LEFT(A1, LEN(A1)-3)
A1 is the cell which contains the measured value. -3 is the number of characters you wish to strip.
6. Calibration procedures
The NEXUS® series is equipped with a highly sensitive and accurate load cell that feeds back the applied force. The settings
of the electronic system are calibrated at the INNOVATEST® assembly lab and is brought to ultimate performance before the
tester was shipped to you.
It’s unlikely that you need to adjust any settings of your NEXUS® in the normal product live.
6.1 Force calibration
In the event that the force application of your tester needs to be recalibrated please seek advice from your supplier or contact
the service department of INNOVATEST® directly.
To calibrate the applicable force of your NEXUS® series hardness tester, specific equipment is required (range of calibrated
precision load cells).
6.2 Objectives calibration
During the assembly process, the objectives on your NEXUS® tester have been calibrated to obtain maximum performance and
accuracy from the optical path. Replacing objectives requires calibration of the objectives. Such calibration can only be done
by your supplier or contact INNOVATEST® service center directly.
6.3 Maintenance advice
Do not clean your tester with chemical solutions such as “thinner” or white spirit as this can cause permanent damage to the
painting, metallic surfaces or plastics.
Do not use aggressive or abrasive materials
Keep the elevator spindle clean and do NOT lubricate the spindle with normal oil. Use sewing machine oil and CLEAN THE
SPINDLE THOROUGHLY after lubrication so that as little as possible oil is left on the spindle. Repeat the cleaning procedure
after a few days to ensure no oil will dry up on the spindle surface.
In case any part needs replacement, use genuine INNOVATEST parts in order not to disturb the performance of your tester.
7. Technical specifications
NEXUS 4300 Vickers, Knoop, test forces 1kgf/9.8N, to 30kgf/294.19N
NEXUS 4301 Brinell, test forces 1kgf/9.8N to 31.25kgf/306.45N
NEXUS 4302 Macro Vickers, Knoop, test forces 0.2kgf/1.96N to 30kgf/294.19N
NEXUS 4303 Micro/Macro Vickers, Knoop, test forces 0.02kgf/0.19N to 30kgf/294.19N
NEXUS 4304 Micro/Macro Vickers, Knoop, Brinell, test forces 0.02kgf/0.19N to 31.25kgf/306.45N
NEXUS 4305 Micro/Macro Vickers, Knoop, Brinell, test forces 0.01kgf/0.19N to 10kgf/98N
NEXUS 4500 Vickers, Knoop, test forces 1kgf/9.8N to 50kgf/490N

NEXUS 4501 Brinell, test forces 1kgf/9.8N, to 62.5kgf/612N
NEXUS 4502 Macro Vickers, Knoop, test forces 0.2kgf/1.96N to 50kgf/490N
NEXUS 4503 Micro/Macro Vickers, Knoop, test forces 0.1kgf/0.98N to 50kgf/490N
NEXUS 4504 Micro/Macro Vickers, Knoop, Brinell, test forces 0.1kgf/0.98N to -62.5kgf/612N
Hardness scales Micro-Vickers, Macro-Vickers, Knoop, Brinell

Test force selection Test force selectable over menu operation
Test procedure Automatic, loading/dwell/unloading
Hardness value 5 digits
Loading speed Variable, depending on selected force
Turret 4 positions over 360°, fully automatic, memorized start position,
option for 2 indentors and 2 objectives or 1 indentor and 3 objectives
Test force accuracy <1% for test force from 100gr/0.98N to 30kgf/294.19N,
< 1.5% for test force below 100gr
Test loads 0.01kgf/0.098N, 0.02kgf/0.19N, 0.025kgf/0.24N, 0.05kgf/0.49N, 0.1kgf/0.98N,
0.2kgf/1.96N, 0.3kgf/2.94N, 0.5kgf/4.9N, 1kgf/9.8N, 2kgf/19.6N,
2.5kgf/24.5N, 3kgf/29.4N, 4kgf/39.2N, 5kgf/49N, 6.25kgf/61.29N,
10kgf/98N, 15.625kgf/153.2N, 20kgf/196.13N, 30kgf/294.19N,
31.25kgf/306.45N, 50kgf/490N, 62.5kgf/612N
User display Length of diagonals, hardness value, converted value, test force, online statistics
Display resolution 0.1 HV, HK and HB
Hardness conversion Rockwell, Rockwell Superficial, Brinell, Leeb & Tensile
Standards Meets or exceeds, ISO, ASTM, JIS (Nadcap) standards
Statistics Total test, max, min, average, range, standard deviation, all in real time after each test
Control panel Start test, stop test, light intensity, dwell time, print, clear,
menu operation for date, time, scale and load settings, language
Memory Memory for batch testing results (20 test results)
Connectivity RS-232 Bi-Directional
Loading mechanism Fully automatic, closed loop, force feedback, loading, dwell, unloading
Dwell time setting Default 10 seconds, user defined 1 to 60 seconds (1 sec increments)
Printer Built-in, silent high speed thermal printer
Electronic microscope Bright Dual line filar eyepiece with 15x magnification, 0.01µm reading
Test color (standard) Laboratory White
Light source Halogen 12V, 30 watt, green filter, dimmable
Optical path 2 way, eyepiece/video/ccd/cmos camera
Workpiece accommodation Vertical capacity 165mm (maximum workpiece height),
Horizontal capacity 140mm (from center-line)
Stage dimensions Stage 100mm x 100mm,
Travel 20mm x 20mm,
Reading 0.01mm
Operating temperature 10°C to 35°C, non-condensing
Humidity 10% to 90% non-condensing
Machine dimensions 250mm x 610mm x 650mm
Machine weight 51kg
Power consumption 390W
Power supply 100VAC to 240VAC, 50/60Hz, single phase
8. Standard delivery and accessories
8.1 Standard delivery
- Flat anvil, hardened, ø60mm

- Vickers test block (2 pcs)
- Manual X-Y-Z stage
- Objectives 5x, 10x, 20x or 10x, 20x, 40x
- Electronic digital eyepiece 15x
- Set of workpiece fixtures, vice, clamp
- Spare halogen lamp
- Built-in thermal printer
- Fuse
- Four adjustable feet
- Power cable
- INNOVATEST® certificate
- Installation & user manual
- Color: Laboratory White
8.2 Optional accessories
- Certified indentors (ASTM, DIN, ISO)

- Certified reference hardness blocks (ASTM, DIN, ISO)
- Custom testing tables
- Objectives 5x, 40x
- IMPRESSIONS™ XT Video indent measuring systems
- Motorized X-Y stage (small or large)
- Motorized X-Y-Z stage (auto focus)
- Solid tester table and storage cabinet
9. Periodical inspection
Inspect the following before every hardness test and periodically.
Part Attention Action Precaution

Indentor Tip dirty Wipe indentor Do not bend indentor shaft
Objective or lens Lens surface polluted Wipe lens Do not scratch
Eyepiece Polluted eyepiece Clean eyepiece Do not scratch
Anvil Rust Remove rust Do not bring stage into contact
with turret, etc.
Testblock Rusted Replace test block Do not use rusted test block
10. System failures
10.1 Frozen start screen
If the start screen with the INNOVATEST logo does not disappear after 10 seconds, switch off the tester, wait for 15 seconds
and switch on the tester again. The tester should now start normally, within 10 seconds.
REASON:
If the tester is switched off and on again, to fast, the electronics system will not start to avoid damage caused by power peaks.
ERROR SCREENS:
Your NEXUS® tester has a sophisticated self-controlling system that checks the testers correct electronic and mechanical performance
during each process.
In the unlikely event that your tester has any technical problem the following information will be seen on the display. FOLLOW
ALL DIRECTIONS ON THIS & FAILURE INFORMATION OF THE TESTER DISPLAY WITHOUT DOUBT. Also follow the directions
of the information below:
10.2.Home position failure
The NEXUS® load control system did not reach its ultimate unloaded HOME position. Using the tester in this case could cause
structural damage and is therefore not possible.
Switch of the tester, wait 20 seconds and switch on the tester again.
Contact your supplier or the INNOVATEST Service centre.
10.3 Upper limit failure
This message appears if your NEXUS® load system has passed its safe HOME position and over run the final limit switch while
unloading. If the restart does not solve the problem, contact your supplier or the INNOVATEST® Service centre.
10.4 Lower limit failure
This message appears if your NEXUS® has passed its safe HOME position and runs over the final limit switch while applying
force. This particularly happens if the tester has not been focused well, the work piece has been removed after pressing start
or when the spindle has been lowered after pressing start.
Switch of the tester, wait 20 seconds and switch on the tester again. Reposition and focus the work piece and start again.
If the restart does not solve the problem, contact your supplier or the INNOVATEST® Service centre.
11. Trouble shooting
This section shows errors which may occur in the NEXUS® 4000 series, their possible causes, and countermeasures to be taken
against such errors.
Problem Possible cause Action

- Lighting lamp does not Power is not supplied Supply power
go on (power is not turned on). Lamp has blown out Replace lamp
Fuse has burnt out Replace fuse
Indentor is in front Object lens is in front
- Operation panel LCD Power is not supplied Supply power
does not light up. Cable is connected improperly Connect cable properly
Cable is broken Contact your supplier
Trouble of operation box Contact your supplier
- No indentation is made Out of focus Adjust focus
Indentor tip is chipped off Replace indentor
Hardness tester is faulty Contact your supplier
Indentor shaft curve Contact your supplier
Abnormal position of indentation Adjusting the indentation position
- Abnormal hardness value Ocular is not set to zero properly Set ocular to zero
Indentor tip is dirty Wipe indentor
Installed in bad conditions Improve installation conditions
- No data output Cable is connected improperly Connect cable properly
Cable is broken Contact your supplier
Output instrument power is turn off Output instrument power is turn on
- Irregular indentation shape Indentor tip is dirty
Indentor tip is chipped off Replace indentor
Specimen surface is coarse (or dirty) Polish specimen surface
Specimen is tilted Make specimen surface in parallel
with fine adjustment stage
Specimen is curved (or spherical Make an indentation at highest
or columnar) position of specimen curve
Hardness tester is faulty (such as Contact your supplier
indentor shaft is broken)
12. Replace of fuse
Disconnect electric power cable from backside of main body after turn off the machine and disconnect remove power line.
Pull out a fuse holder using screwdriver etc.
Fuse holder
Electric power connector
Inside
In the fuse holder, a fuse is stored. Fuse in use
Reserve fuse
Outside Fuse holder
Take out the fuse which is blown.
Outside Inside
Inside
Mount the spare fuse
Connect electric power cable

Outside
13. Technical drawings
MAX 165
MAX 140
MAX 160
40
250
550 250
100
All dimensions are in mm
MAX 165
MAX 140
MAX 160
650
40
50
550 250
All dimensions are in mm
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
INNOVATEST Europe BV
Borgharenweg 140, 6222 AA
Maastricht, The Netherlands,
certifies that the following hardness testing machine

complies with all the relevant protection,
health and safety requirements of the
European Machine Directive (2006/42/EC),

Electral Compatibility Directive (2004/108/EC)
and with National laws and regulations adopting these directives.
This declaration applies to all models manufactured of the

NEXUS 4000 SERIES
(Micro-)Vickers Hardness Testing System
(4300,4301,4302,4303,4304,4500,4501,4502,4503,4504)
Assessment of compliance of the product with the requirements

relating to the compatibility was based on the following standards:
ISO 12100, EN 60204-1+A1, EN 61326-1.
Authorized person in the EU to compile a technical file:
Ing. Paul Spronck OV

ATEST
Director of Technology N
IN
*
Borgharenweg 140, 6222 AA

ED
*C I
Maastricht, The Netherlands E RTIF
January 10th 2013
IN12-173 080615
CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE

manufacturing, distribution & service
Borgharenweg 140
6222 AA Maastricht (The Netherlands)
Phone: +31 43 3520060
Fax: +31 43 3631168
E-mail: info@innovatest-europe.com
Website: www.innovatest-europe.com

Manual 4000 Vikers

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MANUAL

NEXUS® 4000 Series

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NEXUS® 4000 SERIES

HARDNESS TESTING INSTRUMENT

• Superior Test Control

Unmatched consistency, repeatability and reliability now become affordable.

Closed loop vs Dead weight

Superior force control

Accuracy, reliability & efficiency

Closed loop vs Dead weight

High speed measurement

Upgrade your NEXUS® later

1. Unpacking & checking contents 10

3. Installation of the hardness tester 14

4. Connecting with the main power 18

5. Working with the NEXUS® 4000 19

8. Standard delivery and accessories 40

10. System failures 42

11. Trouble shooting 44

12. Replacement of fuse 45

13. Technical drawings 46

a) Hardness tester body

Wooden box (outer packing) Carton box (inside packing)

(depending on purchased options)

1. 2 or 3 objectives according to your choice

2.1 Hardness tester body

3.1 Installation conditions

WIND, SOUND & HUMIDITY

Your NEXUS® is standard supplied with 4 adjustable vibration dampers.

Remove the lens tube protection cover

Leave the eyepiece in a horizontal position and move it to a vertical position.

Anvil locking screw Clean join faces

Remove the indenter cover;

5.2 Start screen

The tester is now switched on correctly and ready for use.

5.4 Membrane keypad functions

KG/N HV/HK DWELL DELETE

Press SETUP to enter the setup menu

The first option will be highlighted (inverted text

Toggle between menu items with

UP & DOWN ARROW

Toggle between FORCE and INDICATION with

Toggle through selectable values and

With the LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS the

Available scales to convert to:

Toggle between DATE and TIME with the

Toggle through selectable values and

Preset year 2000:

saving the (new) settings.

HARDNESS SCALE With the LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS the

Available scales to set:

With the LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS the

Available languages are depending on your

With the LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS the

Selectable percentage of brightness:

Toggle between OBJECTIVES position 1, 2 or 3

Toggle through selectable magnification with the

a) Choose correct starting objective

b) Choose correct settings

c) Positioning of the specimen

- Flat anvil, hardened, ø60mm

European Machine Directive (2006/42/EC),