Durometers
The durometers that you will find on our website are used for determining surface hardness. We have a selection of durometers for determining the hardness of metal, plastic, rubber, fabric, etc. These Hardness testers measure the hardness in Rockwell B, Rockwell C, Vickers HV, Brinell HB, Shore, HS, Leeb HL or in hardness units (DIN ISO). These devices are especially practical in areas of production, quality control and technical service due to their portability. One advantage of a digital durometers is the internal rechargeable battery found in model PCE-1000. This device with integrated refraction impact offers the advantage of taking measurements without the use of cables that can interfere during a measurement. With it you can take the same measurements with the minimum amount of force but with the same level of accuracy. The measurement principle of these instruments is always the same, the only distinction is between the static and dynamic processes of the hardness measurement (explanation of both processes for taking a measurement of hardness). With Hardness testers for metallic materials you can quickly and accurately test the surface hardness of steel, cast iron, steel for tools, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper and bronze. There are other devices that are used for determining the hardness of rubber, plastic or textiles and are available as either digital or analogue devices. If you can't find the durometer you are looking for, please contact us and we will help you find the best solution to suit your needs by calling our offices on: UK customers +44(0) 23 809 870 30 / US customers (561) 320-9162 and our technical staff will advise you regarding our measuring instruments. Our engineers and technicians will be happy to help you with the handheld devices, and of course, with the other products in the field of regulation and control, and scales and balances.

Here you can see durometers from this company:

Analog Durometers

- PCE-DX-A (Shore A) Durometers  
  (Shore A, for soft rubber and plastic)

- PCE-DX-AS (Shore A) Durometers 
  (Shore A, for hard rubber and elastic, with pulling needle)

- HB series Durometers
  (Analog hardnes tester, handy and mobile, drag indicator, 0...100 HA, HB, HD)

- PCE-DX-DS (Shore D) Durometers
  (Shore D, for hard rubber and elastic, with pulling needle)

- PCE-A (Shore A) Durometers
  (Shore A, for soft rubber and elastic, with certification)

- PCE-D (Shore D) Durometers
  (Shore D, for hard rubber and hard plastic, with certification)

- PCE-O (Shore O) Durometers
  (Shore O for rolled fabric and bolts of yarn, with certification)

- PCE-OO (Shore O) Durometers
  (Hardness tester to measure the hardness of foams, mold, micorcell rubber, M D 2240)

- PCE-AL (Shore A) / PCE-DL (Shore D) Durometers
  (With 8 mm probe, standard ASTM D 2240 , calibration certificate included)

Digital Durometers

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- PCE-DD A (Shore A) Durometers
  (To measure Shore A hardness in soft gums, rubber and elastomers, resolution of 0.5)

- PCE-DD D (Shore D) Durometers
  (To measure Shore D hardness, accuracy ±1 / resolution 0.5)

Hardness tester for metal, steel, cast iron

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- PCE-2500 Durometers
  (for metallic materials, portable USB interface, memory of 360000 values)

- PCE-2000 Durometers
  (Portable hardness tester for metallic materials)

- HN-D Durometers
  (Easy to use with accurate results, 0 ... 999 HLD)

- HM-P Durometers
  (Portable Leeb hardness tester, high quality, 170 - 960 HD)

- HM-M Durometers
  (Extensive functionality for demanding applications, 170 - 960 HLD)

- HK-D Durometers
  (Premium hardness tester for metallic, 170 ... 960 HLD)

- HM-O Durometers
  (Superior functionality for professional applications, 170 - 960 HLD)

- HM-R Durometers
  (Premium instrument for professional users, 170 - 960 HLD)

Procedures of Hardness Testing

Procedures for hardness testing are divided into static and dynamic ones. All are based on the same principle: A penetration device is pushed into the material with constant and certain test load. After that, the local deformation is measured. Depending on the size of the test load, it is distinguished between: Macro- (test load F > 30 N), small load- (2-30 N) and micro hardness (< 0,5 N). The procedures for hardness testing after Brinell, Vikkers or Rockwell belong to the static testing procedures.  In the dynamic procedures (Shore hardness- or Pendulmhammer-method as well as manual hardness testing methods) the penetration device is pushed into the material from a certain distance with the help of kinetic energy. Pipes, turbine shafts and forgings are tested with these methods. DIN 50150 tablets are available for the comparison of values which come from different procedures. 

Information on hardness testing procedures, our durometer uses:

The Leeb hardness is defined by the relation of rebound speed of a smashing object to its impact speed, multiplied with 1000. The harder a material surface is, the higher is its rebound speed. For specific groups of material (steel, aluminum…) the Leeb hardness establishes a direct relation to its hardness properties. For normal metals, curves for converting of hardness HL to other static standard hardnesses (HB, HV, HRC etc.) are deposited in this hardness meter and make it possible to convert Leeb hardness into other hardness values and display them. In conclusion, the durometer is a device for technicians (input and output control, production, development and research).

Brinell: The hardness testing procedure developed by Brinell is used for the testing of soft and semi-hard metals, unalloyed steel or aluminum alloys, for wood and materials with irregular structure (for example cast iron). In this process, a steel ball or a carbide ball with a determined test force is pushed into the material.

Shore: The Shore hardness is a material parameter for elastomers and plastics and is at DIN 53505 and DIN 7868. The shore-hardness testing for rubber or similar material consists of a spring loaded pin whose elasticity (when entering the material) is an indicator for the shore-hardness of the material which is displayed on a scale from 0 (2,5 mm penetration depth) up to 100 shore (0 mm penetration depth).

Rockwell: The Rockwell hardness HRC of a material results from the norm DIN EN ISO 6508 from the penetration depth of a conical diamond. With the help of a specified test load, this cone with a sharpening angle of 120° is pressed into the work piece. The penetrated depth of the indenter serves as a reference. After that, the indenter is loaded with the brunt and hold for maximal 6 seconds. Afterwards, the brunt is removed again. Only the preload is effective now. The difference of the depths before and after laying on the brunt is the degree for the Rockwell hardness of the material. You can find a durometer for each of the listed hardness testing procedures. Optionally, the devices can also be calibrated according to ISO or DKD. A continuously reliable measurement is guaranteed thanks to hardness meters.

Vickers: In contrast to the Rockwell testing procedure, a pyramidal diamond with an opening angle of 136 degrees is pressed into the surface of the work piece.

You will find a variety of accessories, test equipment and adaptors, available on the web. Call us if you have any questions regarding our durometers: UK customers +44(0) 23 809 870 30 / US customers (561) 320-9162.

If you wish to view or print a selection of durometers from our catalogue, click the PDF symbol.