Durometers are used for testing the hardness of non-metallic materials such as rubber, elastomers, plastic, foam and sponge. This hardness tester is a non-destructive instrument that works on the same principle as that of a metal hardness tester.

Depending on the hardness measurement requirement, you can use a round or block, pencil or quadrant durometer. As the names indicate, durometers have characteristic shapes. A pencil durometer is a handheld device with an extended point that you can use in areas where you cannot use other durometers. A round or block durometer requires a test stand for mounting and are suitable for laboratory testing setups. A quadrant durometer is an analog durometer with housing that is shaped like a quadrant of a circle.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing a durometer are:

1. Type of durometer depending on it's component's material: A, B, C or other
2. Required measuring range for the durometer
3. Style of durometer: pencil, round, block or quadrant
4. Shape of the indenter: flat cone, sharp cone, hemispherical or flat circular

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a durometer from reputable durometer manufacturers

Once you have identified the hardness testing requirements, evaluate the most suitable durometer from a range of products available in the market.

I recommend: Newage, a reputable durometer manufacturer, provides handheld and portable durometers. A.W.T. World Trade is another durometer supplier that offers durometers for textile and printing applications. You can buy rubber durometers at Hoto Instruments, a testing and measurement equipment manufacturer. ELECTROMATIC Equipment offers various durometers, including pencil durometers and round durometers with both analog and digital display. For hardness testing of elastomers and plastics, check out the products offered by Instron.

Buy a durometer from durometer distributors or retailers

At distributors and retailers' websites, you can compare different durometers based on their features and prices.

I recommend: Rutland Tool & Supply is a distributor of industrial products, including durometers. Albuquerque Industrial, a reputable distributor of precision measuring and test instruments, supplies durometers. Paul N. Gardner Company supplies various hardness testers, including durometers. You can also buy durometers at KTA, a distributor of inspection and monitoring equipment.

Buy a specialty or customized durometer

If your hardness testing requirements are not met by standard products available with different suppliers of durometers, opt for specialty or customized durometers.

I recommend: In addition to standard industrial durometers, Rex Gauge Durometers also manufactures customized durometers as per customers’ requirements. PTC Instruments is another customized durometer manufacturer that supplies durometers for testing materials such as human and animal tissues, epoxy, contact lenses, gums and gels.

Calibrate your durometer periodically

Consult expert teams from reputable calibration service providers to ensure the sensitivity and accuracy of your durometers.

I recommend: Calibratordepot.com provides calibration and repair services for testing equipment including durometers. You can calibrate your durometer at Griffin, which is an ANSI/ ISO/ IEC 17025 compliant commercial calibration laboratory. The Calibration Solution is another gauge calibration firm that calibrates durometers. JLW Instruments provides repair and calibration services for testing and measurement equipment, including durometers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Select a durometer with an ancillary hand if you want to record maximum hardness of the component.
• •  Make sure your durometer meets all of the latest ASTM D2240 standards.