Hardness properties and density of a rubber or polymeric material can influence the overall performance in and end-use product. Measuring hardness levels can help predict the ability of the material to recover after being indented through force.

Hardness testing measures the depth of indentation of a ball into a sample. Hardness property values are then calculated using tables derived from the empirical relationship between indentation depth and hardness levels.

Our rubber and plastic testing labs can offer a comprehensive range of hardness measurements, including:
  • Low, macro, high and micro machines
  • Shore A, Shore D and Shore M measurements
    • Durometers are mounted to a stand, yielding better reproducibility
  • Macro and micro-IRHD measurements
  • Rockwell hardness (R&M scales only)

Common Standards for Hardness Properties Testing

  • ISO 48— Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic -- Determination of hardness -- Part 2: Hardness between 10 IRHD and 100 IRHD
  • BS ISO 48-4 Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic. Determination of hardness. Indentation hardness by durometer method (Shore hardness)
  • BS EN ISO 868 Plastics and ebonite. Determination of indentation hardness by means of a durometer (Shore hardness) Type A or Type D
  • BS EN ISO 2039-2 Determination of Rockwell hardness. Rockwell hardness - Rockwell hardness
  • ASTM D785 Standard Test Method for Rockwell Hardness of Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
  • ASTM D1415 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—International Hardness
  • ASTM D2240— Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness

About our Labs

Our on-site sample preparation facilities are equipped to handle thickness reduction of rubber by slitting/buffing, ensuring, as well as supporting other polymeric and plastic materials meaning we are able to test a wide variety of products and material applications.
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