ASTM D2240

Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness

Rubber Property – Durometer Hardness Test

ASTM D2240 - Durometer Hardness Test - Material Testing Micom LabsASTM D2240 – Durometer hardness is a test method designed to test the depth of an indentation in the material being tested. The indentation is created by a given force on a standardized indentation head. The depth is proportional to the material hardness, also called Shore Hardness, its ductility, and the shape of the indentation head. Using rubber properties and a durometer hardness, the ASTM D2240 consists of pressing the indentation head at the bottom of the handheld device until the flat bottom part is resting on the material’s surface to be tested.

 

This test method is widely used for composites and polymer testing. Micom offers ASTM D2240 shore hardness testing as part of its plastics testing services.

ASTM D2240 Uses and Factors to be Considered

ASTM D2240 allows for a measurement of the initial hardness, or the indentation hardness, after a given time. The test requires applying the force in a consistent manner, without shock, and measuring the hardness.  There are 12 scales and there is no mathematical relationship between the various scales as they are arbitrary scales. It is therefore important to know which scale you need the laboratory to use.

ASTM D2240 Typical Test Parameters

  • Initial hardness or timed hardness: Usually initial
  • Specimen shape: Flat & homogeneous (no texture)
  • Durometer scale to be used: The most popular durometer scales are “A” and “D”. These two scales combined together cover a hardness range from rubbers to nylon.
  • Number of specimens per product: 1 specimen, 5 readings
  • Specimen dimensions: 2” X 2” or more with a minimum thickness of 6.4 mm (0.25 inches) thick.
  • Conditioning and testing Temperature: 23 ± 2 °C
  • Conditioning and testing relative humidity: 50 ± 5%

The following video is about the ASTM D2240 Standard Test Method for Shore Hardness. It shows how we measure the depth of penetration of a specified type of indentor into soft materials like rubber or plastic.

We take care of testing from start to finish
So you can focus on what you do best

We get it, we're the only ones in the room excited by testing.
That's why we've fine-tuned every step of the testing process to provide you with
a fast and reliable service at a cost that will keep you coming back.

This is the Micom promise.

Quick Quote

We take care of testing from start to finish
So you can focus on what you do best

We get it, we're the only ones in the room excited by testing.
That's why we've fine-tuned every step of the testing process to provide you with
a fast and reliable service at a cost that will keep you coming back.

This is the Micom promise.

Quick Quote

We take care of testing from start to finish
So you can focus on what you do best

We get it, we're the only ones in the room excited by testing.
That's why we've fine-tuned every step of the testing process to provide you with
a fast and reliable service at a cost that will keep you coming back.

This is the Micom promise.

Quick Quote

If you have any questions about ASTM D2240 testing, we invite you to contact us today. It will be our pleasure to answer your questions and talk to you about your custom testing requirements.

For additional test methods related to this standard, we invite you to read about polymer testing and ASTM testing. You can also download our brochure to learn more about our paint, coating and polymer testing services.

Download Brochure