USER’S MANUAL FOR HARDMATIC HH-300 SERIES No.

99MBG154B4

●Introduction • Do not push the instrument against a specimen with drastic pressure. Furthermore, do not A COURSE OF DEALING, USAGE, OR TRADE PRACTICE, ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED TO 3.2 Output Connector
displace the instrument transversely keeping it pushed against a specimen. THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
Read this manual thoroughly prior to use in order to fully understand all of the
• Do not push the instrument against hard materials (such as metal or glass) for any purpose
functions of the product and use the product properly. Furthermore, keep this You assume all responsibility for all results arising out of its selection of this product to achieve
other than hardness testing or inspection. HH-300
manual at hand after reading it. its intended results.
• Do not disassemble or make alterations to the instrument. Furthermore, do not loosen its
The specifications of the product or/and the contents of this manual may be
screws, etc.
subject to change without notice. If a defect due to our production and
distribution is identified in the product within one year from the date of purchase, • Do not injure yourself or damage anything with the pressure foot or indenter of the • Disclaimer
WARNING instrument. IN NO EVENT WILL MITUTOYO, ITS AFFILIATED AND RELATED COMPANIES AND
we offer free-of-charge repair. In this case, contact your dealer or a Mitutoyo
• Do not store the instrument in a high-humidity environment. SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST REVENUE, PROFIT, OR DATA, OR FOR
sales office nearest to you. HH-300
Do not use the instrument where it could be splashed with coolant. SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR PUNITIVE
• Do not use the instrument in a dusty environment. DAMAGES HOWEVER CAUSED AND REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY
• Types of Notes • Correctly push the instrument against a specimen to the downward direction. ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT EVEN IF
The following types of notes are used in this manual to help the operator obtain reliable Measurement errors result if the instrument is pushed against a specimen to the sidling, MITUTOYO OR ITS AFFILIATED AND RELATED COMPANIES AND/OR SUPPLIERS
measurement data through correct instrument operation. transverse and upward direction. HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Cable
• It is recommended to experimentally push the instrument against a specimen (approx.10
IMPORTANT An important note provides information essential to use the product. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, Mitutoyo is found to be liable to you for any damage or loss
times) before actual hardness testing. 3.3 Output Format
You cannot disregard this note. which arises out of or is in any way connected with use of this product by you, in no event shall
• Wipe stains from the instrument panel by using a soft cloth or a cotton swab that is dry or
An important note is a type of precaution, which if neglected could Mitutoyo's and/or its affiliated and related companies’ and suppliers' liability to you, whether in
moistened with diluted neutral detergent. Do not use an organic solvent such as thinner and
result in degraded performance or accuracy, or instrument contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, exceed the price paid by you for the product
benzene, which may cause the instrument panel to deform or malfunction.
malfunction/failure. only.
• Be alert for measurement errors caused by thermal expansion of the component parts and
the fixtures, resulting from a significant temperature fluctuation. Use the instrument in a
NOTE A note provides information to be especially noted or supplemented BECAUSE SOME COUNTRIES, STATES OR JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE
temperature-controlled room that has minimum temperature fluctuation. Allow sufficient time
to use the product. EXCLUSION OR THE LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR
for the instrument to thermally stabilize if it is moved to an environment with a different
A note also supplies information to be noted for specific operations INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, IN SUCH COUNTRIES, STATES OR JURISDICTIONS,
temperature.
(e.g., memory limitation, instrument configuration, or details that MITUTOYO'S LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
apply to specific versions of a program)
• Export Control Compliance 0. Features
This Product falls into the Listed-Controlled Goods and/or Listed-Controlled Technologies
• Using conditions (including Programs) under Category 1 through 15 of Separate Table 1 of Export Trade
Hardness measurement by HH-300 series is simply performed by holding the instrument
Operation conditions Temperature range 0 to 40 °C against the surface of a specimen and reading the indicated value. 3.4 Timing Chart
Control Order or under Category 1 through 15 of Separate Table of Foreign Exchange Control This type of hardness is most widely used for hardness testing of Sponge, rubber, plastic and
Humidity 30 to 70 %RH Order, based on Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law of Japan. other soft materials.
Accuracy assurance condition: Temperature range 23±2 °C
Humidity 50±5 %RH If you intend re-exporting the product from a country other than Japan, re-selling the product in
Storage condition: Temperature range -10 to 60 °C a country other than Japan, or re-providing the technology (including program), you shall 1. Part Names and Operating Procedures 10ms ≤ t1 < 150ms
Humidity 0 to 85 %RH observe the regulations of your country. Please contact Mitutoyo prior to such re-exporting, (1) Tightly grip the instrument, and push it against a specimen. 0.1ms ≤ t2 < 0.2ms
Power Source: SR44 silver oxide battery (1pc.) re-selling or re-providing. (2) Make sure that the pressure foot of the instrument securely contacts the specimen, and 0.1ms ≤ t3 < 0.2ms
read the indicated value. 0.1ms ≤ t4 < 0.2ms
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) • Notes on Export to EU Member Countries (3) The indicated value is the hardness value of the specimen. t5:Depends on the
This product complies with the EMC Directive. Note that in environments where When you intend exporting this product to any of the EU member countries, it may be required instrument being use.
electromagnetic interference exceeds EMC requirements defined in this directive, appropriate to provide User’s Manual(s) in English and EU Declaration of Conformity in English (under
countermeasures are required to assure the product performance.
certain circumstances, User’s Manual(s) in the destination country’s official language and EU 1. DATA ON/OFF key
• A display value on this product may flicker or disappear temporarily
due to electromagnetic interference caused by electrostatic discharge. Declaration of Conformity in the destination country’s official language). For detailed 2. SET key
information, please contact Mitutoyo in advance. 3. MODE key
However, this product will return to normal after removing the interference. *3: Hold the REQ signal in the “low” state until “CK” is output. Furthermore, return it to
4. Hold display
the “high” state before the output of the final CK (52ndbit) is completed.
5. Sign display
・CE marking • Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the 6. Function lock display
EMC Directive: EN 61326-1 European Union and other European countries with separate 7. Tolerance judgment (-NG) 4. Error Messages and Corrective Measures
Immunity test requirement: Clause 6.2 Table 2 8. Tolerance judgment (OK) ABS Composition error
Emission limit: Class B collection systems) 9. Tolerance judgment (+NG) If this error code appears (soon disappears) while the spindle is
RoHS Directive: EN 50581 10. Measured value display being moved, it does not mean the malfunction of the instrument,
This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product
shall not be treated as household waste. To reduce the environmental (enlarged display) but just its internal processing. Meanwhile, if this error code
impact of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and appears while the movement of the spindle is stopped, it
• Battery-Related Warnings minimize the volume of WEEE entering landfills, please reuse and recycle. means the malfunction of the internal sensor.
The misuse of the battery can result in the leakage of its electrolyte, the generation of heat or For further information, please contact your local dealer or distributors. 2. Setting (or Replacing) the Battery [Corrective Measure]
the damage to the battery itself, leading to unexpected hazards and/or injuries. Furthermore, • The instrument needs to be repaired. Contact your dealer or
The instrument needs one silver oxide battery (SR44).
the instrument may malfunction. In order to avoid such problems, observe the following a Mitutoyo sales office nearest to you.
precautions without fail. • Disposal of waste batteries and accumulators (as applied in the (1) Remove the battery holder with a screwdriver
Low voltage
or the like.
• Do not disassemble, make alterations to, short-circuit, charge, heat to 100°C or over, or European Union and other European countries with separate (2) If the battery needs to be replaced with a new one, The battery has been drained.
throw the battery into a fire. [Corrective Measure]
• Pay attention to the electrodes (+ and -) of the battery when putting it in the instrument.
Collection systems) remove it from the instrument.
• Replace the battery with a new one.
(3) Put a new battery in the battery holder with its
• Always use a recommended type of battery. Batteries and accumulators containing heavy metals such as mercury, lead positive (+) electrode facing forward. Sensor contamination detection error
• When the instrument is out of use for more than three months, remove the battery from it and and cadmium may contaminate the environment if improperly discarded. (4) Set the battery holder back to its original position. Condensation due to rapid temperature change has been built
store them separately. When incinerated, certain chemicals are released into the air or ([------] is displayed.) Display just after a new up in the detector, or the detector has been contaminated by some
• When discarding or storing the battery, cover its positive (+) and negative (-) electrodes with concentrated in the ash residue from the combustion process; this may (5) Press the SET key twice. battery has been set. other causes.
insulating tapes to prevent them from contacting other metals or batteries. Furthermore, lead to a health risk to humans, animals and the environment in general. (6) Set the functions as required. [Corrective Measures]
especially when discarding it, follow the ordinances or regulations of your local government. In compliance with legal requirements, the symbol of a 'crossedout • Power the instrument off, and then adjust it to a surrounding temperature for approx. two
• Keep the battery away from direct sunlight/ high temperature/ high humidity and out of reach wheeled bin' is either applied on the battery or on its packaging. This hours.
• If the battery holder is not set properly in the instrument, the instrument
of children. symbol indicates that disposal of the batteries in household waste is strictly IMPORTANT • If the instrument is not restored even after it has been adjusted to the surrounding
may display an incorrect value or the instrument itself may malfunction.
• Do not swallow the battery removed from the instrument. If mistakenly having swallowed it, prohibited; instead the batteries have to be disposed of by separate temperature, contact your dealer or a Mitutoyo sales office nearest to you.
• If the measurement mode does not become effective even after the above
consult a physician with great urgency. collection and recycling means. Additional marking identifies the heavy Tolerance setting error
procedure, set the battery in the instrument again.
• If the electrolyte of the battery contacts your eye (eyes) / skin or enters your mouth, metal content (i.e. Cd =cadmium, Hg = mercury, Pb = lead) as contained An upper limit value is smaller than its lower limit value.
• If the instrument is out of use for more than three months, remove the
immediately rinse it with water and then consult a physician. Furthermore, if it adheres to within the battery if over prescribed levels. [Corrective Measure]
battery from the instrument and store them separately in order to prevent
clothing, wash it with water. End users are obliged by law to comply with the discarding procedure for • Press the SET key to set an upper limit value again to be
the instrument from being damaged by the leakage of the battery
waste batteries. At Mitutoyo facilities, or at its appointed distributors, bigger than its lower limit value.
electrolyte.
•Disposal Warnings receptacles will be provided to accept, at no charge, the disposal of • Do not use a sharp-pointed tool to remove the battery holder from the
• A liquid crystal display and a silver oxide battery are used in this product. When disposing of previously supplied batteries.
the instrument, follow the ordinances or regulations of the local government.
instrument. Furthermore, do not forcibly pull out it. Otherwise, it may be 5. Functions and Operating Procedure
damaged.
• The liquid crystal display contains an irritating substance.
Should the liquid content contact an eye or skin, flush with clean, flowing water. If the
• Warranty • All of the settings are cleared after the battery is replaced. Configure them
In the event that this product should prove defective in workmanship or material, within one again.
substance enters the mouth, immediately rinse the mouth, drink plenty of water, induce
year from the date of original purchase for use, it will be repaired or replaced, at Mitutoyo’s
vomiting, and then consult a physician.
option, free of charge upon its prepaid return to Mitutoyo, without prejudice to the provisions of
the Mitutoyo Software End User License Agreement.
3. Data Output
• Precautions on Use 3.1 Cable Connection 5.1 Power On/ OFF
Observe the operational conditions, storage conditions and all the following precaution. If this product fails or is damaged for any of the following reasons, it will be subject to a repair The use of the (optional) connecting cable allows the DATA
The instrument is powered ON/OFF as follows.
Furthermore, in order to make the product show its specified accuracy, use the product charge, even if it is still under warranty. instrument to be connected to a data processing device Power-ON
• To power it ON: Press the DATA ON/OFF key.
indoors and observe the accuracy assurance conditions and all the following precautions. (a) Failure or damage owing to fair wear and tear. such as the digimatic miniprocessor DP-1VR. As a result, • To power it OFF: Hold down the DATA ON/OFF
(b) Failure or damage owing to inappropriate handling, maintenance or repair, or to measured values can be transferred, summed up and key for several seconds.
• Do not use the instrument for any purpose other than testing the hardness of rubbers or unauthorized modification. recorded.
plastics. (c) Failure or damage owing to transport, dropping, or relocation of the instrument after • Remove the cap of the output connector, and connect the instrument to a data processing DATA

• Do not hit anything against the instrument or drop the instrument. purchase. device with the connecting cable. Make sure that the connecting cable is securely connected. Power-OFF
• Do not press the keys with a pointed object (such as screwdriver or ballpoint pen). (d) Failure or damage owing to fire, salt, gas, abnormal voltage, lightning surge, or natural
• Do not use or store the instrument under direct sunlight, or in an excessively hot or cold disaster. IMPORTANT • Keep the cap of the output connector at hand after its removal in order not
environment. (e) Failure or damage owing to use in combination with hardware or software other than to lose it.
NOTE • The instrument always starts up in the measurement mode on being
those designated or permitted by Mitutoyo. powered ON.
• Be alert for malfunction due to material deterioration if it is used in an environment with low • When the connecting cable is out of use, surely put the cap of the output
(f) Failure or damage owing to use in ultra-hazardous activities. • If the instrument is not powered on by the DATA key, it means that the
or high atmospheric pressure. connector back to its original position. battery has been drained. Replace the battery with a new one.
• Do not use high-voltage equipment, such as an electric marking pen, near the instrument. This warranty is effective only where the instrument is properly installed and operated in • If the instrument is powered off while various settings are still being
Electronic parts may be damaged by such equipment. Be alert for malfunction if it is used in conformance with the instructions in this manual within the original country of the installation. configured, all of the settings being configured are canceled and the default
the vicinity of electric noise. settings are restored.
• Do not apply excessive force (torsion or tension) to the instrument. EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED IN THIS WARRANTY, ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONDITIONS,
• Do not push the instrument against a specimen with force substantially exceeding its own REPRESENTATIONS, AND WARRANTIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER INCLUDING,
hardness reading range; otherwise, measurement errors or damage to the instrument may WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS
result. FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NONINFRINGEMENT OR WARRANTY ARISING FROM

-1-
 USER’S MANUAL FOR HARDMATIC HH-300 SERIES No.99MBG154B4

5.2 Measurement Mode NOTE • When the function lock is enabled, any operation other than releasing the 5.3.3 Enabling / Disabling the Function Lock 6-1. Nose geometry
5.2.1 Zero-setting a Displayed Value function lock cannot be performed. If other operations need to be The function lock, (whose setting is prohibited to be changed,) can be either
Hold down the SET key for several seconds, so that a value being displayed is set to zero. performed, disable the function lock. (See Section 5.3.3.) enabled or disabled according to the following procedure.
SET
• To stop setting the functions halfway, hold down the MODE key for several Once the function lock has been enabled, any operation other than powering the θ
θ
seconds. instrument on/off, holding/ releasing a value being displayed, outputting a value
Zero-set a displayed value. being displayed or disabling the function lock cannot be performed.
Note that undetermined settings are not reflected.
• All of the settings are held even after the instrument is powered off. (1) Start the parameter setting mode. (See Procedure 1 in Section 5.3.1.)
5.2.2 Holding a Displayed Value (with no external device connected) However, they are cleared after the battery is replaced, and thus need to be (2) Select the parameter. (See Procedure 2 in Section 5.3.1.)
Press the DATA key in the measurement mode, so that “H” appears and a value being configured again. The function lock then becomes settable.
displayed is then held. To release the “hold” state of the value, press the DATA key again. (3) Either enabling or disabling the function lock can be selectable.
5.3.2 Setting the Tolerance Judgment Function • Selection: Press the MODE key to select whether to enable or disable the
DATA
The GO/NG judgment of measured values can be performed by setting tolerance limit function lock. Pressing the MODE key toggles the function on (enabled) or off
Hold a value being displayed. (disabled).
values.
(1) Start the parameter setting mode. (See Procedure 1 in Section 5.3.1.) • Determination: Press the SET key to determine whether to enable or disable
(2) Select the parameter. (See Procedure 2 in Section 5.3.1.) the function lock.
Type A Type D
The tolerance judgment function then becomes enabled.
DATA
(3) Set the tolerance judgment function. SET

Release its “hold” state. • Selection: Press the MODE key to select one of the following states of the tolerance Start setting the function lock.
judgment function.
Pressing the MODE key switches the function between the following states in the
NOTE • When a result of tolerance judgment is zoomed in on the display, a value following order: “No GO/NG indication” → “Tolerance judgment (normal display) →
being displayed cannot be held by the DATA key. “Tolerance judgment (enlarged display)”. Toggle the function
• Determination: Press the SET key to determine the state of the tolerance judgment MODE

5.2.3 Externally Outputting a Value Being Displayed function selected.

(with an external device connected) When either “normal display” or “enlarged display” is selected, the mark ► starts
A value being displayed can be output to the external device connected to the instrument. blinking on and off, and the tolerance upper limit value then becomes settable. The function
For information on the connection of the connecting cable, see Section 3.1 “Cable When “No GO/NG indication” is selected, the next parameter becomes settable. SET
Lock is disabled.
Connection”. The function lock has been set. Type E
• Outputting a value being displayed
SET (The next parameter now ecomes
Press the DATA key in the measurement mode, so that a value being displayed is Start setting the tolerance judgment function. settable.)
The function lock is enabled.
output to the external device.
See Section 3 “Data Output” for information on cable connection, pin assignment,
output data format, timing chart.
Setting completion
NOTE • The function lock does not become effective until the parameter setting mode
No GO/NG is quitted and the measurement mode is then restored.
DATA
(The next parameter indication
Output a value being displayed. becomes settable.)
SET
6. Specifications
MODE Switches Code No. 811-330-10 811-332-10 811-334-10 811-336-10 811-338-10 811-336-11 811-338-11
between
Output a value being displayed to the external device.
these states SET Model HH-330 HH-332 HH-334 HH-336 HH-338 HH-336-01 HH-338-01
• When a result of tolerance judgment is zoomed in on the display, a value
NOTE being displayed cannot be output by the DATA key.
Toggle between the items
Only when an output request (REQ) is made from the external device, a
measured value can be output to it. MODE Switches
• Before outputting a measured value, read the instruction manual of the data between these
states Appearance
processing device for proper use SET
configuration
• Stop the movement of the spindle when making an output request (REQ) Enlarged display
from the external device. Otherwise, an incorrect value may be output or the
output of a measured value may fail.
• When an output request (REQ) is made after a short interval from the
previous output request, the output of a measured value may fail. Start setting an upper limit value.
• Hold down the SET key for several seconds. Nose geometry Type E Type A Type D Type A Type D Type A Type D
The mark starts blinking on and off and a number now
5.3 Parameter Setting Mode becomes selectable. Display system Digital
Various settings can be configured in this mode. • Selection: Press the MODE key to select a number. Pressing
the MODE key switches a digit between the following b Ф5 mm Ф1.25 mm Ф1.25 mm Ф1.25 mm Ф1.25 mm Ф1.25 mm Ф1.25 mm
5.3.1 Starting/Quitting Parameter Setting Mode numbers in the following order: “0 → 1 → 2 … → 9 → 0”.
(1) Starting the parameter setting mode MODE • Determination: Press the SET key to determine a number, so
Hold down the MODE key for several seconds in the that the next digit starts blinking on and off and becomes d - Ф0.79 mm - Ф0.79 mm - Ф0.79 mm -
measurement mode. Indenter
settable. e.g.: 12.0 mm
(2) Selecting/setting the parameter MODE SET • If an upper limit value does not need to be changed, press the R - - R0.1 - R0.1 - R 0.1
(See the description of each parameter.) SET key. A lower limit value then becomes settable.
(3) Quitting the parameter setting mode θ - 35 ° 30 ° 35 ° 30 ° 35 ° 30 °
Hold down the MODE key for several seconds, so that SET Start setting the tolerance
the measurement mode is restored. lower value. Start setting a lower limit value. Pressure a Ф5.4mm Ф3 mm Ф3 mm Ф3 mm Ф3 mm Ф3 mm Ф3 mm
• Hold down the SET key for several seconds. foot f 44x18mm Ф18 mm Ф18 mm 44x18 mm 44x18 mm Ф18 mm Ф18 mm
Measurement mode Select and then determine numbers for a lower limit value in the
same way as those for an upper limit value. e.g: 11.5 mm Indenter
2.5 mm
MODE
protrusion
Start the parameter setting mode.
Hardness HE HA HD HA HD HA HD
Spring force WE=550+75HE WA=550+75HA WD=444.5HD WA=550+75HA WD=444.5HD WA=550+75HA WD=444.5HD
SET
WE, WA, WD [mN] [mN] [mN] [mN] [mN] [mN] [mN]
SET
Start configuring the settings. The tolerance limit values have been set. Accuracy of
±68.6 mN ±68.6 mN ±392.3 mN ±68.6 mN ±392.3 mN ±68.6 mN ±392.3 mN
See Section 5.3.3. spring force

(The limit
nextvalue
parameter
is larger becomes
Functions Data hold, Zero-setting, Tolerance judgment, Function lock
Function lock NOTE • If a lower than its upper limit value, “Err 90” appears and both
settable.)
values are cleared. Press the SET key to cancel the error and set a tolerance
MODE
Switch the parameters.
Output SPC
from an upper limit value again.
(For more details, see Section 4. Error Messages and Corrective Measures.) Mass 0.29 kg 0.31 kg 0.31 kg 0.29 kg 0.29 kg 0.26 kg 0.26 kg
• A different tolerance cannot be set separately for the normal display and the
MODE enlarged one. Dimensions 147x59x40 mm 190x59x41 mm 190x59x41 mm 147x59x40 mm 147x59x40 mm 147x59x40 mm 147x59x40 mm
Switch the parameters. • Tolerance limit values are automatically converted whenever the unit system or
the resolution are changed. In this case, a conversion error may occur. It is China RoHS Compliance Information
therefore recommended to check tolerance limit values after the unit system and This product meets China RoHS requirements.
the resolution are changed.
电器电子产品有害物质限制使用管理办法
SET
Start configuring the settings.
See Section 5.3.2.
产品名称： 用于橡胶和塑料的硬度计
产品中有害物质的名称及含量
有害物质 环保使用期限标识，是根据电器电子产品有害物质限制使用管理办法以及，电子电气产品有害物质限制使
部件名称 铅 汞 镉 六价铬 多溴联苯 多溴二苯醚 用标识要求(SJ/T11364-2014)，制定的适用于中国境内销售电子电气产品的标识。
Measurement mode (Pb) (Hg) (Cd) (Cr(VI)) (PBB) (PBDE) 电子电气产品只要按照安全及使用说明内容，正常使用情况下，从生产月期算起，在此期限内，产品中含
MODE 本体 × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 有的有毒有害物质不致发生外泄或突变，不致对环境造成严重污染或对其人身，财产造成严重损害。
Quit the parameter setting mode. 配件 × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 产品正常使用后，要废弃在环保使用年限内或者刚到年限的产品时，请根据国家标准采取适当的方法进行
处置。
另外，此期限不同于质量/ 功能的保证期限。
本表格依据 SJ/T 11364 的规定编制。
○：表示该有害物质在该部件所有均质材料中的含量均在 GB/T 26572 规定的限量要求以下。
×：表示该有害物质至少在该部件的某一均质材料中的含量超出 GB/T 26572 规定的限量要求。

For the EU Directive

Mitutoyo Corporation Authorized representative and importer in the EU:
20-1, sakado 1-Chome, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 213-8533, Japan Mitutoyo Europe GmbH
-2- http://www.mitutoyo.co.jp Borsigstrasse 8-10, 41469 Neuss, Germany