What is an Elastomer?

Elastomer is a shorthand for elastic polymer, meaning they are polymers that are having a viscosity as well as elasticity.  Rubber and elastomer are words commonly used to mean any material exhibiting elastic or rubber-like properties such as Natural Rubber, Polyurethanes, Polybutadiene, Silicone, Neoprene.

What are the properties of Elastomers?

  • Hardness
  • Temperature
  • Low-temperature flexibility
  • Ageing
  • Colour
  • Elongation at break

What is Hardness?

The measurement of the material’s resistance towards the deforming force for a defined length of time is done by measuring the hardness. It differs from material to material. The soft compounds deform easily and have high friction while the harder compounds have high resistance and low friction.

How to do a Hardness Testing of Elastomers:

Durometer or Shore testing is a standardized way to measure the hardness of materials like rubber (elastomers) and plastics. The Shore durometer is a device for measuring the hardness of most rubber materials. The range of Shore measurement scale is from 0 to 100. A higher durometer elastomer is harder than a lower durometer elastomer. 

Bareiss has been manufacturing Durometers since 1954 and sold more than 100,000 units worldwide. With the unique patent design, Bareiss Durometers are highly reliable and gives the most repeatable results. This is one the main reasons why Bareiss durometers are the first choice for many reputable manufacturers. The most recent electronic durometer made by Bareiss is called HPE III.

Application of HPE III Electronic Durometer:

Digital Durometer HPE III series are high-end hardness testers for accurate and repeatable hardness measurement of rubber, plastics and other elastomers within the Shore A, A0, B, 0, C, D, D0, 00, 000, 000S, E, scales and much more.

HPE III, the new generation of HPE has many new features to offer. While the device is taking a hardness value from the specimen, an optional temperature sensor mounted on the bottom of the device is taking a temperature value. The device will have indication of both values as well as the values of the ambient temperature and humidity. Historical measurements can be displayed for the hardness values and date/time when each measurement was taken. 

Features and Benefits of HPE III Electronic Durometer:

  • A large screen with 102 x 64 pixels with selectable information to display
  • Optional Temperature and Humidity display
  • Intuitive User Interface. HPE III is designed for one-handed operation.
  • Casing made of aluminum alloy which provides robust structure and light weight
  • Large hand grip to assist the user to approach the specimen perpendicularly and minimizing incorrect measuring angle and ensuring the right force is applied (Patent Design)
  • USB connection for data transfer and battery recharge
  • Fully compliance with ASTM D 2240 and ISO 868