Description
The TQC Sheen Shore Hardness Gauge (Durometer) is a precision instrument designed to measure the hardness of soft materials by determining their resistance to indentation. It is widely used in coating laboratories, production environments and quality control applications.
The durometer works by applying a standardized force through a specific indenter onto the material surface. The depth of the indentation is then translated into a hardness value on a scale from 0 to 100.
This instrument is suitable for a wide range of materials including coatings, rubber, elastomers and plastics. Its robust construction, made from anodized aluminium and stainless steel, ensures durability and consistent performance in both laboratory and field environments.
Equipped with a drag pointer, the device captures the maximum hardness value during measurement, enabling accurate and easy readings.
⸻
Shore A vs Shore D
Different Shore scales are used depending on material hardness:
* Shore A – for softer materials such as rubber, elastomers, silicone and flexible coatings
* Shore D – for harder materials such as rigid plastics, epoxy coatings and composites
The difference lies in the shape and geometry of the indenter and the applied force.
⸻
When to Choose Shore A vs Shore D
Selecting the correct Shore scale is essential to obtain accurate and meaningful hardness measurements. Using the wrong scale can result in misleading or inconsistent results.
Choose Shore A when testing softer materials, where the indenter needs to penetrate more easily:
- Rubber and elastomers
- Soft plastics
- Flexible coatings
- Silicone and soft polymers
Shore A is designed with a blunter indenter and lower force, making it suitable for materials that deform easily.
Choose Shore D when testing harder materials, where greater resistance to indentation is expected:
- Hard plastics
- Epoxy coatings
- Rigid polymers
- Composite materials
Shore D uses a sharper indenter and higher force, allowing accurate measurement of materials with higher hardness.
Practical guideline:
If the Shore A measurement is consistently above ~90, it is recommended to switch to Shore D for better resolution and accuracy.
⸻
Why Hardness Testing Matters
Hardness is a key material property that directly influences performance, durability and wear resistance. Measuring hardness allows users to:
- Verify material consistency
- Ensure compliance with specifications
- Detect curing or formulation issues
- Monitor production quality
Reliable hardness measurement helps prevent product failure and ensures consistent coating performance.
⸻
How It Works
- Place the durometer vertically on the test surface.
- Apply the instrument with steady pressure until full contact is achieved.
- Allow the indenter to penetrate the material under the defined force.
- Read the hardness value directly from the scale (0–100 Shore).
- Use the drag pointer to record the maximum value if required.
⸻
Key Features & Benefits
- Accurate measurement of indentation hardness
- Suitable for coatings, rubber and plastics
- Available in Shore A and Shore D versions
- Scale range from 0 to 100 Shore units
- Drag indicator for peak value recording
- Robust construction (anodized aluminium and stainless steel)
- Compact and portable design
- Easy to use for both lab and field applications
⸻
Technical Specifications
| Measurement Range | 0 – 100 Shore |
| Scale Resolution | 1 Shore unit |
| Base Diameter | 18 mm |
| Material | Stainless steel, anodized aluminium |
| Dimensions | 60 x 25 x 110 mm |
| Weight | 230 g |
⸻
Scope of Supply
- Shore Hardness Gauge (Durometer)
- Test block
- Protective case
⸻
Accessories
- TQC Sheen Shore Hardness Test Stand for improved repeatability
- TQC Sheen Shore Hardness Calibration block sets
- Additional weights for test stands
⸻
Manufacturing and Standards
The TQC Sheen Shore Hardness Gauge is manufactured by TQC Sheen, part of Industrial Physics, and is designed for reliable and repeatable hardness testing in coatings and materials applications.
The instrument complies with internationally recognised standards including:
TQC Sheen Shore Hardness Gauge | Product Sheet
TQC Sheen Shore Hardness Gauge | Manual
TQC Sheen Shore Hardness Gauge | Video
Click here to contact us or request a quote.
