Durometer...the measure of the hardness of rubber compounds

The Durometer is the International Standard Instrument used to measure the hardness of rubber or rubber-like materials.  Durometers measure hardness by the penetration of an indentor into the rubber sample.  The calibrated reading is expressed in a number value.  The hardness values are always expressed in terms of plus or minus (±) five points (example:  60±5 Durometer).

It is important to note that when testing hardness of a rubber sample, the material should not be less than ¼" thick (.250"). 
Durometer Type (Shore) Applicable to these types of materials
Type A (Shore) Soft rubber & plastics
Type D (Shore) Hard rubber & plastics
Type 00 (Shore) Sponge & foam


Approximate Durometer Hardness Comparisons
Durometer type
Shore
A
Shore
D
Shore
00
100
58
 
 
95
46
 
 
90
39
 
 
85
33
 
 
80
29
98
 
75
25
97
 
70
22
95
 
65
19
94
 
60
16
93
 
55
14
91
Durometer type
Shore
A
Shore
D
Shore
00
50
12
90
 
45
10
88
 
40
8
86
 
35
7
83
 
30
6
80
 
25
 
76
 
20
 
70
 
15
 
62
 
10
 
55
 
5
 
45
The above values are approximate and are not to be used as an exact equivalent. 
This information is provided as a selection guide only.

Here are a few examples of hardness based on Durometer scale:
  • Rubber band:  35 Shore A
  • Rubber tire:  55 Shore A
  • Rubber shoe heel:  70 Shore A
  • Typewriter platen:  95 Shore A

Disclaimer:
The technical data in the Rubbermill website (www.rubbermill.com) are to be used as a guide only.  RubberMill does not guarantee the accuracy of the information and is not responsible for its end use.
 
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Phone: 336-622-1680 • Fax: 336-622-1685
info@rubbermill.com
 
 
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