Scratch Hardness Apparatus

Product Code : EL-ATLE-10493

Scratch Hardness Apparatus (code EL-ATLE-10493) is an apparatus for determining the quantity of soft particles in coarse aggregates on the basis of scratch hardness. A brass rod of 0.0125 in (1.6 mm) diameter with a rounded point is set in a plunger that lowers and raises freely on a support stand, the brass point and plunger together weigh 2 ± 0.1 lbs (8.9 ± 0.4 N), and one replacement brass rod is supplied.

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Specifications

What Is the Scratch Hardness Apparatus Used For?

Soft particles in a coarse aggregate reduce the wear resistance of concrete surfaces, so their quantity is estimated before the aggregate is accepted for such work. Each particle is brought under the plunger, and the brass point bears on its surface with the fixed weight of the point and plunger while a scratch is attempted; a particle that is grooved by the brass, without any brass being left on it, is counted as soft. The soft particles are weighed, and their share of the sample mass gives the result. The standard listed for it is ASTM C851.

What to Specify When Ordering

• Quantity — the number of apparatus required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Scratch Hardness Apparatus determine?
It determines the quantity of soft particles in a coarse aggregate, judging each particle by whether the brass point scratches it under a set load.

What are the brass rod details?
The rod is brass, 0.0125 in (1.6 mm) in diameter with a rounded point, and it is inserted into a plunger mounted on a support stand.

What force does the point apply?
The overall weight of the brass point and plunger is 2 ± 0.1 lbs, equal to 8.9 ± 0.4 N, and this weight provides the scratching force.

Is a spare rod included?
Yes, the apparatus is furnished with one replacement brass rod, so the point can be renewed when it becomes worn.

How is a particle judged to be soft?
A particle is counted as soft when the brass point cuts a groove in it without leaving a deposit of brass on the surface.

Which standard is the apparatus listed under?
The standard listed for the Scratch Hardness Apparatus is ASTM C851, which deals with scratch hardness of coarse aggregate particles.

OEM Manufacturer

Buyers of the Scratch Hardness Apparatus deal directly with its maker, Engineering Lab Equipment (Engineering Labs Equipment Pvt Ltd), whose works are at Plot No. 43, Industrial Park, Sector 2, Growth Center, Saha, District Ambala, Haryana, India. The company designs, makes and tests aggregate testing equipment for grading, strength, abrasion and shape tests, supplies engineering colleges, polytechnics, technical training institutes and research laboratories in India and overseas, and builds to institution-specific requirements on request. Tender details are on the Tenders/OEM page.

Related Aggregate Testing Equipment

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• Aggregate Crushing Value Apparatus — aggregate crushing value set with 150 mm cylinder, 148 mm plunger, base plate, measure and tamping rod.
• Los Angeles Abrasion Testing Machine — aggregate abrasion drum running at 30-33 R.P.M. with detachable shelf, revolution counter and twelve steel balls.
• Shape Index Caliper — 200 mm aggregate shape caliper graduated in 0.05 mm, measuring 450 × 150 × 50 mm.

See the full Aggregate Testing Lab Equipment range or all Civil Engineering Lab Equipment.

Request a Quote

For this and other aggregate testing lab equipment, schools and colleges can contact Engineering Lab Equipment, a manufacturer, supplier and exporter based in Ambala, India. Quotations are given on request: send the number of scratch hardness sets required and your delivery location through the contact page, or add the Scratch Hardness Apparatus to the enquiry cart from this page.

Last updated: October 2026