One of the most vital physical properties that needs to be measured in materials testing is hardness. The sample’s hardness characteristics will determine its uses and limitations, and its deployment in certain applications.
The Shore durometer is a device for measuring the hardness of a material, typically of polymers, elastomers, and rubbers.
Higher numbers on the scale indicate a greater resistance to indentation and thus harder materials. Lower numbers indicate less resistance and softer materials.
Durometer scales
There are several scales of durometer, used for materials with different properties. The two most common scales, using slightly different measurement systems, are the ASTM D2240 type A and type D scales.
 Shore A |
 Shore D |
The A scale is for softer ones, while the D scale is for harder ones.
| Material | Durometer | Scale |
| Bicycle gel seat | 15-30 | OO |
| Chewing gum | 20 | OO |
| Sorbothane | 30-70 | OO |
| Rubber band | 25 | A |
| Door seal | 55 | A |
| Automotive tyre tread | 70 | A |
| Hydraulic O-ring | 70-90 | A |
| Hard wheel of roller skate | 98 | A |
| Ebonite rubber | 100 | A |
| Solid truck tyre | 50 | D |
| HDPE Hard Hat | 75 | D |
| Cast urethane plastic | 80 | D |
To discuss your potential requirements, call Mark on 01727 871316.
Mark Dowling
+44 (0) 1727 871 316
