The ASTM D2240-04 standard, developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), defines twelve types of rubber hardness testers known as durometers: Types A, B, C, D, DO, E, M, O, OO, OOO, OOO -S and R. This standard also describes a procedure for determining the indentation hardness of materials classified as thermoplastic elastomers, vulcanized (thermoset) rubber, elastomeric materials, cellular materials, gel-like materials and some plastics. This test method is not considered equivalent to other indentation hardness methods and device types, including those specifically described in ASTM D1415. Also, this test method is not applicable for testing coated fabrics.
This test method allows hardness measurements based on the initial indentation or the indentation after a certain period of time, or both. Meanwhile, durometers with the maximum reading indicator used to determine the maximum hardness values of a material may give lower hardness when the maximum slope is used. Procedures for Type M or microhardness durometers normally accommodate specimens whose durometer hardness cannot be determined by other durometer types due to their size or configuration. Type M durometers are designed for testing samples with a thickness or cross-section diameter of 1.25 mm or greater, but smaller sized samples can be placed under the conditions specified in this standard and have an M durometer with a hardness range of 20 to 90. For samples that have a durometer hardness range other than that specified, another suitable procedure is used to determine the durometer hardness.
Durometers are a standard way to measure the hardness of materials such as rubber (elastomers) and plastics. Durometer scales range from 0 to 100, but there is no such thing as a unit of measurement for durometers. Therefore, durometers are dimensionless measurements. Durometer numbers represent a relative comparison of hardness between similar materials whose hardness is measured using the same durometer scale and standard of measurement.
Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses, and evaluations our organization provides for businesses in various sectors, we also offer standard test methods (durometer hardness testing) for determining rubber properties under the ASTM D2240-04 standard, utilizing a trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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