Leeb Testing Instruments: Portable NDT Equipment for South Africa
Leeb testing instruments are portable non-destructive testing (NDT) devices that check the hardness, coating thickness, wall thickness, surface finish and internal soundness of metal parts without cutting, damaging or removing them from service.
Ecotao supplies five Leeb instrument families from Cape Town: rebound hardness testers, coating thickness gauges, ultrasonic thickness gauges, surface roughness testers and ultrasonic flaw detectors. We deliver throughout South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini.
What does "Leeb" mean in testing?
The word covers two things, and buyers often search for both.
1. The Leeb hardness method
The Leeb test is a dynamic rebound hardness test developed by Dietmar Leeb in the 1970s. A spring fires a small impact body with a tungsten carbide ball at the metal surface. A coil measures its speed just before and just after impact. Harder metals return more energy, so the impact body bounces back faster.
HL = 1000 × vrebound ÷ vimpactThe instrument converts Leeb hardness (HL) into Rockwell (HRC, HRB), Brinell (HB), Vickers (HV) and Shore (HS) values for the selected material. The method is standardised in ASTM A956 and ISO 16859.
2. The Leeb instrument brand
Leeb is also the brand name of a range of portable NDT instruments that goes well beyond hardness testing. Ecotao supplies the full range as five families: hardness testers, coating thickness gauges, ultrasonic thickness gauges, surface roughness testers and ultrasonic flaw detectors.
Together they answer the five questions a QC inspector, fabricator or maintenance engineer asks most often about a metal part:
- Is it the right hardness or heat treatment?
- Is the paint or galvanising thick enough?
- How much wall is left after corrosion?
- Is the machined surface smooth enough?
- Are there hidden cracks or voids in the weld or casting?
The manufacturer states that Leeb instruments are produced under an ISO 9001 quality management system and carry CE marking.
The five Leeb instrument families
Each family has its own page with full model specifications, comparison tables and buying advice. Start with the property you need to measure.
Portable Leeb Hardness Testers
Check metal hardness on site in seconds, on parts too big or too valuable to cut.
A portable hardness tester replaces the trip to a bench Rockwell or Brinell machine. Fire the impact device against the part, and the tester shows hardness in HL alongside HRC, HRB, HB, HV or HS. Use it to confirm heat treatment, sort mixed steel stock, check weld and heat-affected-zone hardness, and verify incoming castings, forgings, shafts, rolls and pressure vessels.
- Range (D device)170 to 960 HLD
- ScalesHL, HRC, HRB, HB, HV, HS
- Impact devicesD on all; D, DC, DL, D+15, G, C, E on Leeb120 to Leeb190
- Best accuracy±0.3% at 800 HLD (Leeb190)
- PrinterBuilt-in on Leeb140, Leeb160 and Leeb170
- Leeb110
- Leeb120
- Leeb130
- Leeb140
- Leeb160
- Leeb170
- Leeb190
- OLH300
On the Ecotao store: OLH300 colour screen hardness tester
Leeb Coating Thickness Gauges
Prove that paint, powder coat and galvanising meet the specified dry film thickness.
A coating thickness gauge measures the dry film thickness (DFT) of a coating without damaging it. Magnetic induction probes measure non-magnetic coatings such as paint, powder coat, zinc and chrome on steel and iron. Eddy current probes measure non-conductive coatings such as paint and anodising on aluminium, copper and other non-ferrous metals. Painting contractors, galvanisers, fabricators and coating inspectors use them to sign off each coat before the next goes on.
- Range0 to 1250 µm on most models; 0 to 6000 µm on the Leeb253 (steel and iron)
- Resolution0.1 µm on most models
- MemoryUp to 1560 readings (UEE920 and UEE922)
- PrinterBuilt-in thermal on the UEE923
- Leeb211
- Leeb230
- Leeb231
- Leeb232
- Leeb242
- Leeb252
- Leeb253
- Leeb262
- UEE920
- UEE922
- UEE923
Leeb Ultrasonic Thickness Gauges
Measure remaining wall thickness from one side, without draining or cutting.
An ultrasonic thickness gauge sends a sound pulse into the material and times its echo from the back wall. Thickness equals sound velocity multiplied by half the round-trip time. It is the standard tool for corrosion and erosion surveys on pipes, pressure vessels, storage tanks, boilers, ship hulls and structural steel, and works on metals, plastics, glass and ceramics.
- Uee930 / 932 / 9330.75 to 350 mm (probe dependent)
- Uee9600.75 to 1000 mm; measures through coatings up to 1 mm
- Uee9620.12 to 1800 mm in steel (probe dependent); A-scan and B-scan
- Resolution0.01 mm (down to 0.001 mm on the Uee962)
- Uee930
- Uee932
- Uee933
- Uee960
- Uee962
Leeb Surface Roughness Testers
Put a number on surface finish instead of judging it by eye or fingernail.
A surface roughness tester (profilometer) draws a fine diamond or piezo stylus across the surface and calculates roughness parameters from the profile. Machine shops use it to check turned, ground and honed parts against the Ra or Rz on the drawing. Coating applicators use it to confirm the surface profile after blasting, and maintenance teams use it on shafts, seal faces and bearing journals.
- ParametersRa, Rz, Rq, Rt on all models; 13 parameters on the Leeb432
- Cut-off lengths0.25, 0.8 or 2.5 mm
- Best resolution0.001 µm (Leeb432)
- Pocket optionSSR100, runs on one AA battery
- Leeb400
- Leeb432
- Leeb451
- SSR100
On the Ecotao store: SSR100 pocket roughness tester
Leeb Ultrasonic Flaw Detectors
Find cracks, porosity and lack of fusion inside welds, castings and forgings.
An ultrasonic flaw detector sends high-frequency sound into the part through a straight or angle-beam probe and displays every returning echo as an A-scan. A trained operator reads the position and height of each echo to locate and size internal defects. It is the main volumetric NDT method for structural and pipe welds, pressure equipment, rail, shafts, and incoming castings and forgings.
- Frequency0.5 to 15 MHz (Leeb500, 510, 520); 0.5 to 20 MHz (Leeb521, 522, Uee952, Uee953)
- Scan range0 to 6000 mm (Leeb500, 510, 520, Uee952) or 0 to 10 000 mm (Leeb521, 522, Uee953)
- TCGLeeb521, Leeb522 and Uee953
- Rugged housingIP65 on the Uee952, Uee953 and Uee981E
- Leeb500
- Leeb510
- Leeb520
- Leeb521
- Leeb522
- Uee952
- Uee953
- Uee981E
On the Ecotao store: Uee981E ultrasonic flaw detector
Which Leeb instrument do I need?
Match the question you need answered to the instrument. Many inspection teams carry two or three of these, because each measures a different property.
← Scroll to see full table →
| Your question | Instrument | Measuring principle | Result shown | Typical users | Operator skill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Is this steel hard enough, or correctly heat treated? | Leeb hardness tester | Rebound speed of an impact body (Leeb method) | HL, converted to HRC, HRB, HB, HV, HS | QC inspectors, heat treaters, foundries, maintenance | Low: a few hours of practice |
| Is the paint or galvanising thick enough? | Coating thickness gauge | Magnetic induction (steel) or eddy current (non-ferrous) | Dry film thickness in µm | Painting contractors, galvanisers, coating inspectors | Low |
| How much wall is left after corrosion? | Ultrasonic thickness gauge | Pulse-echo time of flight | Thickness in mm | Plant maintenance, tank and pipeline inspectors, marine surveyors | Low to medium |
| Is the machined or blasted surface within spec? | Surface roughness tester | Stylus traces the surface profile | Ra, Rz, Rq, Rt and more, in µm | Machine shops, toolrooms, coating applicators | Low |
| Are there cracks or voids inside the weld or casting? | Ultrasonic flaw detector | Pulse-echo A-scan with straight or angle probes | Echo position and amplitude; defect location and size | Certified NDT technicians, weld inspectors | High: ISO 9712 certification normally required |
Ultrasonic thickness gauge vs ultrasonic flaw detector
Both use the same pulse-echo physics, but they answer different questions. A thickness gauge reduces the echo to one reliable number: the wall thickness under the probe. A flaw detector shows the whole echo pattern so a trained operator can see reflections from defects between the surface and the back wall. If you only need corrosion readings, a thickness gauge is faster, cheaper and easier to use. If you need to inspect welds or find internal defects, you need a flaw detector.
How to choose a Leeb testing instrument
Work through these five questions before you request a quote. They narrow most selections down to one or two models.
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Define the property and the standard
Write down what you must report (HRC, µm DFT, mm wall, Ra or defect size) and which specification or client standard it is reported against. That fixes the instrument family.
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Check the part's size, mass and shape
Leeb hardness readings with the D device need a part of about 5 kg and 5 mm thick, or a smaller part firmly coupled to a heavy base. Thin, curved or small parts may need a different impact device or probe.
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Confirm the range you actually need
Thick linings need a coating gauge beyond 1250 µm. Thick forgings or castings may need the Uee962's extended range. Small bores need a slim probe or impact device.
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Decide how results are recorded
For signed-off site records, choose a model with a built-in printer (Leeb140, Leeb160, Leeb170, UEE923, Uee933) or USB and PC software for reports.
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Match the instrument to the site
Mines, refineries and shipyards are hard on equipment. Metal housings (such as the Leeb130 and UEE922) and IP65 flaw detectors stand up better to dust, water and knocks.
Where Leeb NDT instruments are used in Southern Africa
What each instrument does in the industries we supply, and why it is the right tool for the job.
Mining and mineral processing
Ultrasonic thickness gauges track wear on slurry pipelines, chutes, cyclones and tanks so liners and spools are replaced before they fail. Hardness testers check wear plates, crusher parts and grinding media on delivery.
Power generation and petrochemical plants
Thickness gauges map boiler tube and pressure vessel wall loss during shutdowns. Hardness testers check weld and heat-affected-zone hardness on pressure piping, and flaw detectors inspect welds for cracking.
Steel fabrication and structural welding
Flaw detectors check full-penetration butt welds on structural steel and pipe. Coating gauges confirm galvanising and paint DFT before steel leaves the yard, avoiding costly rework on site.
Ports, marine and coastal structures
Salt air along the coast from Saldanha and Cape Town to Durban and Richards Bay drives fast corrosion. Thickness gauges survey hull plating, sheet piling and tanks, and the Uee960 and Uee962 can read through paint without stripping it.
Engineering workshops and machine shops
Roughness testers verify turned, ground and honed finishes against the Ra on the drawing. Hardness testers confirm that shafts, gears and dies were correctly hardened before final machining.
Foundries, forges and heat treatment
Leeb hardness testers check large castings and forgings that will not fit on a bench tester. Flaw detectors find shrinkage, porosity and inclusions before parts are machined.
Test standards behind each method
Specifications and client QC plans usually refer to these standards. Quote the one in your specification when you ask for a quote.
← Scroll to see full table →
| Method | Commonly cited standards | What the standard covers |
|---|---|---|
| Leeb hardness | ASTM A956, ISO 16859 | Leeb rebound hardness test method for metallic materials |
| Coating thickness (steel) | ISO 2178 | Magnetic method for non-magnetic coatings on magnetic substrates |
| Coating thickness (non-ferrous) | ISO 2360 | Eddy current method for non-conductive coatings on non-magnetic metals |
| Ultrasonic thickness | ASTM E797 | Thickness measurement by manual ultrasonic pulse-echo contact method |
| Surface roughness | ISO 21920 (previously ISO 4287) | Profile parameters such as Ra, Rz and Rq |
| Ultrasonic flaw detection | EN 12668-1, ISO 9712 | Characterisation of flaw detector instruments; certification of NDT personnel |
Leeb testing instruments: frequently asked questions
What is a Leeb testing instrument?
"Leeb" means two things. The Leeb method is a rebound hardness test, invented by Dietmar Leeb, in which an impact body is fired at a metal surface and its rebound speed is compared with its impact speed. Leeb is also the brand name of a range of portable non-destructive testing (NDT) instruments: hardness testers, coating thickness gauges, ultrasonic thickness gauges, surface roughness testers and ultrasonic flaw detectors. Ecotao supplies the Leeb range across South Africa and neighbouring countries.
What is the difference between an ultrasonic thickness gauge and an ultrasonic flaw detector?
An ultrasonic thickness gauge gives one number: the remaining wall thickness at the probe. It is used for corrosion surveys on pipes, tanks and hulls. An ultrasonic flaw detector shows the full echo pattern (A-scan), so a trained operator can find and size internal defects such as cracks, lack of fusion, porosity and laminations in welds, castings and forgings.
How does a Leeb hardness tester work?
A spring fires a tungsten carbide ball impact body at the test surface. A coil measures its speed just before and just after impact. The Leeb hardness value is HL = 1000 × rebound speed ÷ impact speed. The instrument then converts HL to Rockwell (HRC, HRB), Brinell (HB), Vickers (HV) or Shore (HS) using stored conversion curves for the selected material.
Which instrument do I need to measure paint or galvanising thickness?
A coating thickness gauge. Magnetic induction gauges measure non-magnetic coatings (paint, powder coat, zinc, chrome) on steel and iron. Eddy current gauges measure non-conductive coatings (paint, anodising) on non-ferrous metals such as aluminium and copper. Most Leeb coating gauges read 0 to 1250 µm; the Leeb253 reads up to 6000 µm on steel and iron for thick linings.
Can I measure pipe wall thickness from the outside only?
Yes. An ultrasonic thickness gauge measures from one side by timing a sound pulse through the wall and back. This is the standard method for corrosion surveys on pipelines, pressure vessels, storage tanks and ship hulls. The Uee960 and Uee962 can also measure through paint (echo-to-echo mode), so the coating does not have to be removed.
What does Ra mean on a surface roughness tester?
Ra is the arithmetic mean deviation of the surface profile from its mean line, in micrometres. It is the most widely specified roughness parameter on engineering drawings. Rz is the mean peak-to-valley height and is often specified for coating adhesion and sealing faces. All Leeb roughness testers measure Ra, Rz, Rq and Rt; the Leeb432 measures 13 parameters in total, including Rp, Rv, RSm and Rmr.
Do I need training to use an ultrasonic flaw detector?
Yes. Ultrasonic flaw detection results are only as good as the operator. Weld and pressure equipment inspections normally require personnel certified to ISO 9712. In South Africa, NDT training and certification is available through the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW). Thickness gauges, hardness testers, coating gauges and roughness testers are easier to learn and are used daily by fabricators, maintenance teams and QC inspectors.
Where can I buy Leeb NDT instruments in South Africa?
Ecotao supplies Leeb hardness testers, coating thickness gauges, ultrasonic thickness gauges, surface roughness testers and ultrasonic flaw detectors from Cape Town, with delivery throughout South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini. Contact sales@ecotao.co.za or +27 21 911 5835 for a quote.
Not sure which Leeb instrument fits your inspection?
Tell us the material, the part size and what you need to report. We will recommend the instrument, impact device or probe that fits, and confirm stock and lead time.
- Head Office+27 21 911 5835
- Zak086 142 8716
- Zaid082 390 3989
- Emailsales@ecotao.co.za
aqua@ecotao.co.za