Durometer/Shore hardness tester

Analog and digital durometer

The Shore hardness testers/durometers are used for determining the hardness of plastics and rubber according to standards ISO 48-4, ASTM D2240, ISO 868, NFT 51109 and BS 903 Part A26. For on-site testing on the product, analog versions with and without drag-pointer are available. The Shore hardness testers with drag pointers simplify testing, particularly in difficult-to-access locations, as the pointer still indicates the measured value after the test. The digital Shore hardness testers can be connected to testXpert III via data transfer.

Applications and advantages

Applications

Soft rubber, elastomers and natural rubber to Shore A
Harder elastomers, plastics and rigid thermoplastics to Shore D
Soft elastomers and textile fabrics to Shore 0
Expanded rubber, sponge rubber and foam rubber to Shore 00
Harder elastomers than Shore A as per Shore B
Medium hard elastomers to Shore C

Advantages and features of analog hardness testers

Fast, easy testing: the hardness tester is pressed smoothly against the specimen with the prescribed contact force until the presser foot is firmly seated. The hardness value is read off three seconds (ISO) or one second (ASTM) after firm contact is achieved between the presser foot and the test material. The hardness value can also be read off after a longer contact period in the case of materials with significant flow-properties.
ZwickRoell Shore hardness testers feature a round, anti-glare scale (graduated from 0 to 100 Shore) with precise measured-value display.
Hardness testers (for Shore A, D, B, C, 0) are available with or without a drag-pointer. The drag-pointer makes it easier to read off the maximum value and enables determination of the flow properties of the material during a defined period.
A practical carry-case protects the device from damage and dust.
The ZwickRoell 7206 test device with load-weight option is suitable for analog Shore hardness testers (ZwickRoell 3114 ... 3117). The test device ensures that the hardness tester is exactly perpendicular to the specimen surface, leading to a significant reduction overall in measured-value scatter during hardness tests and is recommended for laboratory tests, as test-procedure repeatability is considerably improved if operator influence is eliminated. Interchangeable load-weights equivalent to 10 N (Shore A), 12.5 N and (optional) 50 N (Shore D) compressive force ensure uniformly consistent contact force.
To maintain accuracy in your hardness testers we supply rubber test sheets, test rings for 40 and 60 Shore and a test device to verify spring load characteristics.

Advantages and features of digital hardness testers

Hardness testing can be carried out in both vertical and horizontal orientations, on-site or at a fixed location. With digital hardness testers, the differing times after which measured values are to be determined (ISO specifications) can be input.
Their low weight, compact dimensions and rechargeable battery operation make them suitable for portable use or for fixed laboratory testing (optional test device).
A navigation bar with the functions measurement value storage, zero adjustment, battery display and user levels supports ease of operation and an overview of the most important data.
The compression spring is integrated into the measuring head in such a way that the contact ring allows accurate parallel positioning of the hardness tester on the specimen, eliminating measurement errors.
When the measurement time has expired, it is followed by a visual and acoustic signal. The measured value automatically appears on the display. This value can be transferred to the PC with ZwickRoell testing software via USB interface (PC side) for further processing and archiving.
The testing instrument always displays the current measured value. Up to 300 hardness values can be stored. If a significant length of time elapses without a test being performed, the instrument will switch to standby mode.
The optional test device with load weight is suitable for Shore A and D digital hand-held hardness testers (ZwickRoell 3130/31). It ensures accurate positioning of the hardness tester at right angles to the specimen surface, leading to a significant overall reduction in measured-value scatter. The repeatability of the test procedure is considerably improved by the elimination of operator influence. Use of a test device is therefore recommended for laboratory tests.

Variations and advantages of the durometer/Shore hardness tester

Test stand

The test stand ensures that the shore hardness tester is exactly perpendicular to the specimen surface, leading to a significant overall reduction in measured-value scatter during hardness tests.

Variations in application

In addition to conventional applications such as Shore A and Shore D, particular test variants including sausage firmness testing can be performed.

Verification device

To monitor your durometers, we offer comparative elastomer plates, 40 and 60 Shore control rings and a control device to monitor the spring characteristics.

Connection to PC

With digital Shore hardness testers the measured value is automatically shown on the display; the testXpert III testing software enables transfer to the PC via RS232 interface for processing and archiving.

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Downloads

Product information: ZwickRoell 3130 ... 38 digital hardness testers to Shore PDF 2 MB
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Product information: ZwickRoell 3110 ... 17 analog hardness testers to Shore PDF 2 MB
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