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Durometer Hardness

Last updated: July 19, 2024

What Does Durometer Hardness Mean?

Durometer hardness is a measurement used to quantify the ability of a material to resist indentation. Durometer hardness is most commonly used to measure the hardness of rubbers, gels and plastics.

Coating materials often undergo a durometer hardness test to ensure they have an acceptable hardness level.

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Corrosionpedia Explains Durometer Hardness

Durometer hardness is determined by performing a test that is conducted with a Shore durometer test instrument. This instrument was developed by an accomplished metallurgist named Albert Shore. To perform a Shore durometer hardness test, the device is loaded with an indenter. The indenter is then forced onto a material using a spring that applies a known force.

The indentation on the material is then measured.

Durometer hardness measurements are conveyed as a number on the Shore scale. There are several types of Shore scales that can be used. The appropriate scale for a given material depends on its hardness level. Softer materials such as gels are typically grouped in the Shore 00 scale.

Materials that are better able to resist indentation, such as rubber, are commonly placed in the A scale. Finally, hard plastics fall into the D scale.

Different indenters must be used for each type of durometer Shore scale. The indenter is used to penetrate anywhere from 0 to 0.100 inches (0 to 2.54 mm). If it does not penetrate, then the Shore hardness is prefixed with the number 100.

If, for example, it penetrates 0.070 inches, then its hardness level is prefixed with a number around 30.

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