How to Test the Hardness of Materials Using the Shore A Digital Durometer
The Shore A Digital Durometer is a palm-sized portable hardness tester suitable for measuring medium hardness materials such as rubber, plastic, leather, wax, and more. This article shows how straightforward it is to perform material hardness measurements using this tester.
Figure 1 Watch an Instrument Choice Scientist demonstrate how to test the hardness of materials using the Shore A Digital Durometer
How to Test the Hardness of Materials Using the Shore A Digital Durometer
How to Navigate the Durometer
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Taking a Measurement
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Measurement Note #1: The thickness of the measured sample needs to be more than 6mm. Suppose your sample is not more than 6mm thick; layer with more of the same sample before taking a measurement. Note: do not use more than three layers. Measurement Note #2: Ensure the measuring point is at least 18mm from the outside edges of the sample. Measurement Note #3: For the highest level of accuracy, always measure three points and take the average value of the three measurements for your final measurement. |
- Install batteries in the compartment at the top of the unit – the positive side facing up.
- If the unit does not automatically switch on, press the ON/OFF key to switch it on.
- To take a measurement, ensure the screen reads at 000. If it is not, press the ZERO key to re-zero the instrument.
- Hold the device in your hand and press firmly against the material to be tested.
- The measured value will display, record the stable value. The measured value will disappear from the screen when pressure is released.
- Take two more measurements and average the result.
How to Hold a Measurement
- To take a measurement, ensure the screen reads at 000. If it is not, press the ZERO key to re-zero the instrument.
- Hold the device in your hand and press firmly against the material to be tested.
- When the measured value is displayed, press the HOLD key. The measured value will remain on the screen along with the small “H” indicating the device is in hold mode.
- Press the HOLD key a second time to release the hold function and return to normal measurement mode.
- Take two more measurements and average the result.
Conclusion
The Shore A Digital Durometer is an accurate and easy to use portable hardness tester well suited for measuring a range of medium hardness materials.
For more information or help choosing or using a portable hardness tester, see the links below or contact an Instrument Choice Scientist!
Additional links
- View the Shore A Digital Durometer Portable Hardness Tester or check out the Shore D Durometer Portable Hardness Tester for harder plastics.
- Browse all Portable Hardness Testers at Instrument Choice
- Watch How to Test the Hardness of Materials Using a Digital Durometer Portable Hardness Tester
- Want to see what comes in the box with the Shore A Portable Hardness Tester? Watch a scientist Unboxing the Shore A Digital Durometer (IC-SHOREA-01)
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