While using a durometer may appear simple, there is actually a technique required to get accurate and meaningful test results. Before attempting to test specimens with irregular surfaces, it is recommended to practice on the flat surface of a known sample. For best results your specimen should be at least 1/4-inch thick with a room temperature of 70 degrees F. One technique to use for practice is holding your durometer on a flat glass or steel surface -- the durometer should indicate 100A. If you are unsure about your durometer’s
function please contact us at 1-800-PLEIGER.Place the specimen on a firm flat surface. Hold the durometer vertically with the presser foot on edge.
Gently roll the durometer and stand it upright so the pressure foot rests flat on the specimen surface.
Apply only enough pressure to hold the presser flat on the surface (approximately 2-3 pounds). Excess pressure will result in a high reading, while insufficient pressure will result in a low reading. Read the durometer within one second of the foot resting flat in the specimen.
This unit has limited accuracy. For highest accuracy a “hands free” unit should be used.
Durometers are accurate within +/- 1A and operator error and inconsistencies can raise this error to +/- 2A. The standard deviation for hand held units is 3A.
Test blocks can be used for temporary verification, but are not suitable for calibration. As with all measuring instruments, calibration should be tested regularly. If the durometer is dropped or mishandled, you may return it postage paid to Pleiger Plastics Company for calibration verification.
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Next to material selection, durometer is one of the most critical aspects of urethane performance. Durometer can be directly linked to most performance problems and service life reduction issues. For this reason we recommend urethane durometer be included in any quality control program.