Shore D Hardness Analysis

Shore D hardness is a standard test method that involves measuring the depth of penetration of a given indentation. The test methods used to measure Shore D hardness are included in the following international standards:

ASTM D2240-00 Standard test method for rubber property - Durometer hardness. This standard identifies eight types of rubber hardness testers known as durometers (types A, B, C, D, DO, O, OO and M). The procedure for determining the indentation hardness of substances classified as thermoplastic elastomers, vulcanized (thermoset) rubber, elastomeric materials, cellular materials and some plastics are also covered by this standard. This test method is not applicable for testing coated fabrics.
ISO 868 Plastics and ebonite - Determination of indentation hardness by means of a durometer (Shore hardness). This standard describes a test method for determining the indentation hardness of plastics and ebonite by means of two types of durometers. Type A test method is used for softer materials and D type test method is used for harder materials. These methods allow measuring the initial indentation, or the indentation after a certain time, or both. These test methods are primarily experimental methods for control purposes. For specification purposes, it is recommended to use the ISO 48 Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic - Determination of hardness standard for softer materials.

The hardness value is determined by inserting the durometer recess foot into the sample. Shore hardness measures range from 0 to 100. Higher number represents harder material. The resulting depth depends on:

Hardness of the material
Viscoelasticity
Indent shape
Test duration

In short, Shore hardness is a measure of a material's resistance to penetration into a spring-loaded, needle-like indentation. The hardness of polymers (rubbers and plastics) is generally measured using Shore scales. The Shore A scale is used to test soft elastomers (rubbers) and other soft polymers. The hardness of hard elastomers and many other polymer materials (thermoplastics and thermosets) is measured using the Shore D scale.

Our organization also provides Shore D hardness analysis services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.