Measuring Instruments — Hardness Tester Series

FM-204T Digital Tablet Hardness Tester

Keywords: Tablet Hardness Tester, Digital Hardness Tester, Push Pull Force Gauge, Pharmaceutical Tablet Tester, Digital Force Gauge

Precise, Repeatable Hardness Readings in a Compact Digital Gauge.

The FM-204T is a digital display tablet hardness tester built for high-precision, easy-to-read compression testing. Mounted on its test stand, the probe presses steadily against the sample until it fails, capturing and locking the peak force reading on a clear, dual-direction LCD display. For the most accurate results, use the instrument within 10%–100% of its full-scale range; the metrology department recommends avoiding readings below 1% of full scale. Before each test, press the ZERO key once the instrument and sample are in position to cancel out the fixture's own weight.

Key Features

1.  High Precision and Resolution — Delivers accurate, consistent readings suitable for quality-control testing.

2.  Clear Digital Display — A digital readout removes the ambiguity of reading an analog scale.

3.  Four Measurement Units — Switch between N (Newton), kgf, lbf and gf, with easy mutual conversion at the press of a button.

4.  Peak-Hold Function — Captures and holds the peak force reading on screen until manually reset, so you never miss the moment of failure.

5.  Energy-Saving Design — Set the meter to power off automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity, or shut it down manually at any time.

6.  Flexible Power Options — Runs on standard alkaline batteries or a 5V DC power supply, whichever suits your workspace.

Technical Specifications

Test scope	0–20 kgf / 0–196 N / 0–44.26 lbf
Resolution	0.01 kgf / 0.1 N / 0.01 lbf
Diameter of test range	15 mm
Precision	± 0.5% F.S. (range) + 1 digit peak
Units	kgf, gf, N, lbf
Measured values	Peak and instantaneous (real-time) value
Display	Four large-digit LCD, dual-direction, dual screen, with backlight
Shutdown mode	Automatic after 10 minutes idle, or manual shutdown
Allowable load	150% F.S. (buzzer alarms above 110% F.S.)
Power supply	2 x AA batteries, or 5V DC power supply
Working temperature	0°C to 50°C
Working humidity	< 80%
Recommended environment	Away from heat sources and corrosive media
Weight	390 g
Size	211 x 80 x 36 mm

How to Use

1.  Mount the instrument on the test bracket using the four 3 x 10 screws provided.

2.  Select your measurement unit (kg / N / lbf) before testing, and avoid switching units mid-session.

3.  Press PEAK so "MAX" appears on the display, then press ZERO to reset the reading to "0" and prepare for a normal test.

4.  Turn the handle clockwise to raise the probe and place the sample between the probe and the test bed.

5.  Turn the handle counterclockwise to lower the probe onto the sample; as pressure increases, the display shows and locks the peak force at the point of failure — this is the hardness reading.

6.  Press ZERO again to reset the display to "0" and repeat for the next sample.

7.  After testing, brush the probe clean, wipe down the test bed, and power off the instrument.

Measurement Modes

The FM-204T offers two measurement modes. In real-time mode (no "MAX" indicator shown), the displayed value tracks the load as it changes. Pressing PEAK switches to peak-hold mode (indicated by "MAX" on screen), which captures and holds the maximum force recorded during the test — ideal for identifying the exact breaking force of a sample. The UNIT key converts the displayed value between kgf, N, lbf and gf at any time during real-time or peak mode measurement.

Applications

The FM-204T is suited for hardness and compression-strength testing of pharmaceutical tablets, pills, and similar compressed or friable materials, wherever a repeatable, quantified breaking-force measurement is needed for quality control.