GE MIC 10 | Ultrasonic Hardness Tester

The GE MIC 10 (originally by Krautkrämer, now under Waygate Technologies/Baker Hughes) is a high-precision, portable ultrasonic hardness testing device. It utilizes the Ultrasonic Contact Impedance (UCI) method to provide fast, accurate, and non-destructive hardness measurements on a variety of metallic materials. It is widely used for spot-checking components where traditional benchtop testing is impractical.

Product Specifications

Feature	Specification Details
Product Name	GE MIC 10 Ultrasonic Hardness Tester
Testing Method	UCI (Ultrasonic Contact Impedance)
Material Range	Steel, cast steel, alloy steel, aluminum, brass, etc.
Hardness Scales	HV, HB, HRC, HRB, HS, N/mm²
Probe Types	Manual probes (10N, 20N, 30N, 50N, 98N)
Display	LCD with backlight
Power	Battery-operated (AA cells)

Application Fields

The MIC 10 is designed for industrial environments requiring mobility and precision:

Automotive Industry: Hardness testing on engine components, gear teeth, and welds.
Aerospace: Monitoring material integrity in aircraft structural parts and turbine blades.
Heavy Manufacturing: Checking hardness of cast iron and forged steel components during production.
On-Site Inspection: Ideally suited for testing large, permanently installed parts that cannot be moved to a laboratory (e.g., pipes, pressure vessels, and large castings).

Product Usage Instructions

Probe Selection: Select the appropriate probe based on the material type and the thickness of the part. Ensure the test load matches the expected hardness range.
Surface Preparation: The surface must be clean, smooth, and free of rust or scale. Mechanical polishing is often required to ensure the diamond-tipped probe makes direct, uniform contact.
Calibration: Calibrate the unit using a reference block of known hardness. This ensures the ultrasonic frequency shift is correctly translated into the desired hardness scale.
Measurement: Hold the probe vertically against the test surface. Apply the specified test force steadily. The measurement is recorded automatically and displayed on the screen once the UCI contact is achieved.
Maintenance: Keep the diamond tip clean. Avoid dropping the probe, as the internal piezoelectric crystal is fragile and sensitive to impact.

GE MIC 10 Inspection Technologies (For Parts)

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: What is the main advantage of the UCI method compared to traditional Rockwell testing?

A: The UCI method is effectively non-destructive. It leaves a microscopic indentation that is often invisible to the naked eye, allowing for testing on finished parts without compromising their functionality or aesthetics.

Q: Can the MIC 10 be used on rough surfaces?

A: No, UCI testing requires a relatively smooth surface finish. Rough surfaces cause the probe to oscillate inconsistently, leading to inaccurate readings. Surfaces should ideally be ground or polished.

Q: Is this device suitable for all metals?

A: It is primarily intended for metals with a relatively constant elastic modulus. While it works excellently for steel and many alloys, it may require specific calibration or have limited accuracy on certain soft or highly porous materials.

Q: How do I store measurement data?

A: The MIC 10 typically features internal memory to store readings. Use the provided communication cables and software to transfer this data to a PC for professional reporting and trend analysis.