Krautkramer Hardness Testers in 2025: Still Worth It?
If you work in industrial quality control, you’ve likely come across the name Krautkramer. Once a gold standard in ultrasonic and portable hardness testing, these German-made instruments were known for precision and reliability across aerospace, defense, and manufacturing sectors.
But in 2025, the question many Canadian buyers are asking is: Is Krautkramer still relevant—or is it time to upgrade?
What Happened to Krautkramer?
Krautkramer was acquired by GE Inspection Technologies and later absorbed into Waygate Technologies. While the name still carries legacy weight, most units have been discontinued or rebranded. Technicians are now left dealing with:
- ❌ Obsolete analog or RS232 interfaces
- ❌ Limited spare parts and technical support
- ❌ Expensive calibration from fewer labs
Why Krautkramer Still Lingers in Canadian Specs
Many procurement departments haven’t updated their test equipment standards in years. Krautkramer was often the default brand—approved, validated, and deployed. But sticking with it today creates risk and inefficiency.
Modern Alternatives to Krautkramer in Canada
At Testavor.ca, we help Canadian professionals upgrade to better-supported, accurate, and compliant hardness testers—without the legacy issues.
1. Phase II
- ✅ Leeb and UCI options with digital displays
- ✅ NIST-certified test blocks available
- ✅ Ideal replacement for Krautkramer UCI testers
2. BAQ (Germany)
- ✅ Touchscreen UCI testers with high precision
- ✅ Trusted in aerospace and R&D environments
3. TIME Instruments
- ✅ Affordable entry-level and combo testers
- ✅ Ideal for general manufacturing QA
Krautkramer vs Phase II – Comparison Table
| Feature | Krautkramer (Legacy) | Phase II (Modern) |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | Often missing | NIST-certified block optional |
| Calibration Cost | High / declining support | Affordable / common in Canada |
| User Interface | Analog or RS232 | Digital / USB / Color screen |
| Price | $6,000–$10,000+ (used) | $2,000–$5,000 (new) |
Time to Replace Your Krautkramer?
If your facility is still using a discontinued model, Testavor can help you:
- ✅ Match the right tester to your application
- ✅ Stay compliant with ASTM/ISO standards
- ✅ Reduce calibration downtime and costs