Shore A for soft rubber and elastomers, Shore D for hard plastics. A material that reads above 90 on Shore A should be measured on Shore D.

Can a portable tester be used on any part?

The part needs a minimum weight and wall thickness; a thin, light part absorbs the rebound and gives a false reading.

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Hardness Testers

Hardness is a material's resistance to an indenter, and the method depends on the material. Rubber and plastics are measured on the Shore scales, metals by Rockwell or a portable (Leeb) tester. This shelf carries hardness testers, test stands, probes and a printer.

Which scale?

Shore A is for seals, hoses, rubber and soft elastomers; Shore D for hard plastics, hard rubber and composites. The same material gives different numbers on the two scales; the specification says which is wanted.

On metals, Rockwell measures indentation depth under a fixed load and is the standard method in the laboratory and inspection. Portable testers calculate hardness from rebound speed and measure large parts in place.

Repeatable readings

A hand-held durometer meets the surface at a slightly different angle and force every time. A test stand brings the indenter down square and at constant force, so readings in a series can be compared. A printer records them directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shore A or Shore D?
Shore A for soft rubber and elastomers, Shore D for hard plastics. A material that reads above 90 on Shore A should be measured on Shore D.
Can a portable tester be used on any part?
The part needs a minimum weight and wall thickness; a thin, light part absorbs the rebound and gives a false reading.