Rubber Hardness Guide
Rubber Hardness: Specifying a Useful Requirement
Hardness is one part of a rubber specification. Include the scale, method, tolerance and measurement conditions with the functional requirements of the component.
01 / Rubber Hardness Guide
Write a measurable hardness requirement
A value such as “70” needs a scale and method before it can be used for acceptance. Identify the drawing requirement, tolerance and specified standard edition. Shore A, Shore D and IRHD results belong with their own methods; a conversion chart does not replace measurement by the required method.
02 / Rubber Hardness Guide
Keep the measurement conditions with the result
Agree the specimen and measurement arrangement before comparing supplier and customer reports.
| Input | Information to record |
|---|---|
| Requirement | Value, scale, tolerance, method and specified edition |
| Material identity | Compound grade, batch and processing or sample state |
| Specimen | Test piece or finished part, thickness, curvature and support |
| Conditioning | Preparation, temperature, storage and conditioning history |
| Reading | Measurement locations, reading time and agreed repeat measurements |
| Measurement process | Instrument identification, calibration records and relevant MSA |
| Acceptance | Responsible party, reporting format and treatment of differing results |
03 / Rubber Hardness Guide
Review a change after storage on a comparable basis
Keep the original result, lot identity and storage history with an unused reference sample where available. Repeat measurement with the agreed method and conditioning. Record any change alongside dimensions, appearance and the required function. A changed reading is a reason to investigate the part and measurement conditions.
04 / Rubber Hardness Guide
Connect hardness with the part’s function
Agree functional acceptance separately for assembly, flexibility, sealing or dynamic response. A hardness number alone does not establish chemical compatibility, compression recovery or an allowable working strain. Use the identified material and representative geometry for the required checks.
From your requirements to a component review
Discuss the Specification
Send your drawing or describe the application. Include service conditions, material requirements and quantity.