Durometer

A durometer gauge or durometer tester is needed to perform a durometer hardness test procedure. Durometer devices determine the surface hardness of many different materials, including polymers and elastomers. Each durometer or hardness tester measures the depth of an indentation in the material caused by a defined force of a given geometric presser foot. The depth of the indentation reflects the hardness of the material. A general distinction is made between static and dynamic methods. In traditional static tests, the test force is applied uniformly with increasing magnitude, while in dynamic testing methods, an instantaneous load is applied. From metal, plastic, and rubber to foam and fabric, different materials are measured using different hardness scales, such as ASTM D2240 type A and type D scales. For example, soft plastics are measured using the type A scale, while hard plastics are measured using the type D scale.