Shore hardness

What is Shore hardness?

The Shore hardness test is a standardised method for determining the hardness of elastomers and plastics. It indicates how deeply a standardised conical test specimen penetrates the material and is an important parameter for the deformability, load-bearing capacity and feel of technical components such as Seals, spring elements or composite parts.

How does the Shore hardness measurement work?

The test is carried out in accordance with the ASTM D2240 standard. A test stamp (durometer) with a defined geometry and force is pressed vertically onto the material. Depending on the penetration depth, a hardness value is obtained on a scale from 0 (soft) to 100 (hard). There are various Shore scales, e.g:

Shore A - for soft elastomers (e.g. Seals)
Shore D - for harder elastomers and plastics (e.g. truck tyres)

These two most common scales are also defined in the standards DIN EN ISO 868 or DIN ISO 7619-1 (withdrawn). Depending on the scale, the geometry of the test specimen, the force applied and the holding time differ.

Comparison of Shore hardness test and IRHD hardness test:

Criterion	Shore hardness test	IRHD hardness test
Range of materials	Elastomers and plastics	Elastomers
Test specimen	Truncated cone	Hemisphere
Precision	Good	Very good
Test procedure	Destructive (leaves an imprint)	Non-destructive

Further entries

DIN ISO 3302-1

DIN ISO 3302-1 defines the general tolerances for moulded rubber parts and is an international standard for ensuring dimensional accuracy in elastomer processing.

Abrasion

Abrasion is the mechanically induced surface wear of a material caused by friction and has a decisive influence on the service life and usability of technical components.

Sealing lips

Sealing lips are flexible sealing elements that securely enclose media and remain reliably functional even in the event of rotation or pressure fluctuations.

Saturated and unsaturated polymers

Saturated polymers have only single bonds in the main chain and are resistant to ageing, while unsaturated polymers contain double bonds in the main chain and are easier to crosslink; EPDM is a speciality because its double bond is in the side chain.

NR: Natural rubber

Natural rubber (NR) is a highly elastic, tear-resistant elastomer made from renewable raw materials that is primarily used in dynamically stressed components such as tyres, dampers and conveyor belts.

Rubber blank

A rubber blank is a non-crosslinked, mouldable elastomer precursor that is processed in moulding tools to produce elastic rubber parts.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material with high thermal conductivity that is used in a variety of ways as a construction material and support element in technical components.

Rubber

Rubber is an elastic material of natural or synthetic origin that is vulcanised into durable components for sealing, damping and technical applications.

Engine damper

Engine dampers are elastic elements that absorb vibrations and shocks between the engine and the vehicle or machine frame. They reduce vibrations, protect adjacent components from stress and improve the noise and running behaviour of the entire system.

PA: Polyamide

Polyamide (PA) is a robust, wear-resistant plastic with very good strength and chemical resistance, which is used in particular in technical components and rubber-plastic composite systems.

Azo and urea compounds

Azo and urea compounds are speciality chemicals that are used as blowing or cross-linking agents in rubber processing - especially for foams and friction-active components.

IRHD hardness (International Rubber Hardness Degree / ball indentation hardness)

IRHD hardness is an internationally standardised method for measuring rubber hardness using ball pressure and is particularly suitable for small or sensitive elastomer components.

Crosslinking chemicals

Cross-linking chemicals ensure the permanent elasticity and dimensional stability of rubber through chemical reaction - a key component in the production of functional rubber parts.

TPE: Thermoplastic elastomers

TPEs are elastic, malleable materials with rubber-like behaviour that can be thermally processed and recycled like plastics - ideal for flexible seals, handles and hybrid parts.

PP: Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP) is a lightweight, chemical-resistant thermoplastic with a wide range of applications that is ideal for technical plastic parts and rubber-plastic composite solutions.

Rebound resilience

Rebound resilience describes the ability of a material to return energy after rapid deformation - crucial for dynamic applications such as spring elements or dampers.

SBR: styrene-butadiene rubber

SBR is a cost-effective, abrasion-resistant elastomer with good mechanical properties that is mainly used in tyres, seals and general moulded rubber parts.

FKM: Fluororubber

FKM is a heat- and chemical-resistant high-performance elastomer for seals and components in extremely demanding industrial applications.

Elongation

Elongation refers to the change in length of a material under tensile load and is a key parameter for assessing the elasticity and breaking strength of technical materials.

RoHS

RoHS restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment in order to reduce environmental and health risks. Products may only be sold in the EU if all components comply with the specified limits for listed hazardous substances.

ABS: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a robust, impact-resistant and easy-to-process plastic that is used for housings, interior parts and rubber-plastic composite components with high surface and dimensional stability requirements.

Compression moulding

Compression moulding is a process for manufacturing moulded rubber parts in which a rubber compound is compressed under pressure and heat in a closed mould and vulcanised directly.

Adhesion

Adhesion is the physical holding force between two different materials at their interface and is a key factor for strong, durable connections in technology and industry.

Rubber-Metal Composite Parts

Rubber-metal composite parts are mechanically stable components in which elastomer and metal are inseparably combined - ideal for bearings, dampers and technical sealing systems.

Extrusion of rubber

Rubber extrusion is a continuous manufacturing process for rubber-elastic profiles, hoses and seals in which the material is pressed through a moulding die and then vulcanised.

PES: Polyester

Polyester (PES) is a robust, chemical-resistant thermoplastic that is used both as an engineering plastic and as a fabric reinforcement in rubber composite parts.

PPA: Polyphthalamide

Polyphthalamide (PPA) is a dimensionally stable, chemical and temperature-resistant high-performance plastic that is used in particular for precise, media-resistant components and rubber-plastic composite solutions.

Tool costs

Tool costs are the expenses for the manufacture of tools and have a significant influence on the profitability of series production.

Injection moulding

Injection moulding is a precise moulding process for manufacturing complex plastic and rubber parts in which the material is injected into a mould under pressure and cured there.

Rubber recycling

Rubber recycling includes mechanical, thermal and chemical processes for the reuse of vulcanised rubber products as raw materials or additives in new applications.

Assembly Services

Component assembly comprises the assembly of individual components into a functional unit as an assembly.

Rubber expansion joints

Rubber expansion joints are flexible connecting elements that compensate for movements, vibrations and pressure surges in pipework. Thanks to their elastic structure, they can absorb changes in length, lateral displacements and angular movements and thus protect connected system components from mechanical stress, vibrations and tension in the pipework system.

Calendering

Calendering is a rolling process in which rubber or plastic compounds are rolled between heated rollers. In addition to the manufacture of finished products such as rubber mats, it is primarily used in the production of rubber blanks.

Mould cavity / cavity

Mould cavities are the cavities in a mould that give the component its final geometry during the moulding process.

Shaft seal

A shaft seal is a sealing element that seals between a rotating shaft and a housing. It prevents lubricants from escaping and at the same time protects against dirt, dust and moisture.

Medical device regulation (MDR)

The Medical Device Regulation (MDR) is the central EU regulation for medical devices, which places high demands on safety, documentation and market surveillance.

Adhesion promoter

Adhesion promoters are chemical bonding agents that permanently bond rubber with other materials and thus form the basis for resilient rubber composite parts.

Elongation at break

The elongation at break indicates how much a material can stretch under tensile load before it tears.

Protective housing

A protective housing encapsulates sensitive components and prevents damage caused by dirt, water or impact.

PC: Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate (PC) is a transparent, impact-resistant plastic that is used for high-quality housings, visible parts and functional composite components.

ISO 9001

ISO 9001 is the world's most important standard for quality management. It defines how companies manage their processes so that products and services deliver consistently high quality and fulfil customer requirements.

Copolymerisation

Copolymerisation is the simultaneous polymerisation of different monomers to produce polymers with specifically adjustable properties for technical and industrial applications.

Valve seal

A valve seal is an elastic component that reliably seals the flow of gases or liquids in a valve. The seal prevents leaks, compensates for pressure and temperature changes and ensures that the valve fulfils its switching, control or shut-off function reliably and permanently.

HTV silicone: High-temperature curing solid silicone

HTV silicone is a high-temperature curing solid silicone rubber that becomes a permanently elastic material when heated. It combines high mechanical strength with excellent resistance to temperature, ageing and chemicals.

Vulcanisation

Vulcanisation is the process in which raw rubber is converted into a permanently elastic, dimensionally stable and durable rubber state through chemical cross-linking.

CFRP: Carbon fibre reinforced plastic

CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) is an ultra-light, extremely strong composite material made of carbon fibres and a plastic matrix that is used in highly stressed lightweight construction applications.

EPDM: Ethylene propylene diene rubber

EPDM is a weather, UV and chemical-resistant elastomer with high thermal stability that is used in particular for durable seals, hoses and outdoor applications in industry and construction.

Elasticity

Elasticity is the ability of a material to deform under load and then return completely to its original shape - essential for flexible technical components.

Compound

A compound is a customised material mixture of polymer and additives that is specifically tailored to the requirements of a particular technical application.

Shore hardness

The Shore hardness measures how deeply a test pin penetrates a material and thus provides information about its degree of hardness - a decisive factor in the selection of elastic and technical materials.

Vacuum cups

Suction cups are suction cups made of elastomer or plastic that cling elastically to the surface and trap the resulting vacuum. Suction cups create an adhesive connection between the gripper and the workpiece by means of negative pressure.

Tool cleaning

Tool cleaning ensures reliable, clean moulding, protects against burr formation and extends the service life of tools in series production.

Synthetic rubber

Synthetic rubber is an industrially manufactured elastomer material that is categorised into main chemical groups and whose properties can be specifically adapted to technical requirements.

Rubber buffers

Rubber buffers are elastic elements that absorb and dampen shocks, oscillations and vibrations. They protect machines, devices and assemblies from mechanical loads, compensate for movements and reduce noise in technical applications.

Rapid tooling

Rapid tooling is the accelerated production of functional tools for the rapid production of prototypes or small series under near-series conditions.

Seals

Seals prevent leaks in pipework, motor and system components. They also compensate for manufacturing tolerances and protect processes against pressure, temperature and media stress.

PPS: Polyphenylene sulphide

Polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) is a high-temperature and chemical-resistant precision plastic that is used in media-exposed and dimensionally critical components, especially in hybrid solutions.

Rubber-fabric composite parts

Rubber-fabric composite parts are elastic components with integrated fabric inserts that ensure high tensile strength, dimensional stability and dynamic load-bearing capacity - for example in membranes, seals or conveyor belts.

Sealed seats

Sealing seats are machined contact surfaces that accommodate seals in a form-fit and force-fit manner, thus ensuring permanent media separation protection.

Freeze deburring

Freeze deburring is a process for removing burrs, particularly on rubber parts, by cooling and mechanical blasting.

Oil resistance

Oil-resistant materials permanently withstand aggressive oils and are used in seals, hoses and technical components.

Bellows

A bellows is an elastic component with a corrugated, accordion-like geometry that absorbs movements, changes in length or swivelling movements without losing its protective or sealing function. It protects sensitive components such as joints, shafts or guides from dirt and moisture and at the same time enables a flexible, permanently movable connection.

Vibratory finishing (barrel finishing)

Mass finishing or barrel finishing is a mechanical mass finishing process in which surfaces are machined and burrs removed using abrasive media and movement.

Series production

Series production refers to the repeated, economical manufacture of similar components in large quantities.

Plasticiser

Plasticisers are additives that make rubber and plastics more elastic and easier to process and are mainly used in flexible sealing and moulded parts.

Primer

Primers are adhesion-promoting primers that improve the adhesion between rubber, plastic or metal and ensure a permanent bond in composite and coating applications.

CR: Chloroprene rubber

Chloroprene rubber (CR) is a versatile, weather- and flame-resistant elastomer that is often used for seals, hoses and technical components for indoor and outdoor use and is also known as neoprene.

Toolmaking

In elastomer production, toolmaking refers to the development and manufacture of high-precision tools that are used in the production of rubber, plastic and composite parts for moulding.

Special alloys

Speciality alloys are highly developed metal mixtures for extreme requirements in technology, medicine and industry - especially where corrosion, temperature or load limits of standard materials are exceeded.

brass

Brass is an easily machinable, corrosion-resistant copper-zinc alloy that is widely used as a functional and decorative metal - including in rubber-metal composite parts, fittings and electrical components.

Rubber caps

Rubber caps reliably protect components from dust, moisture and mechanical impact.

REACH

REACH is an EU regulation for the registration, evaluation and regulation of chemical substances in order to better protect people and the environment. Companies must prove the safety of the raw materials they use and inform customers if their products contain substances of concern.

LABS (paint wetting impairment substances)

LABS are substances that interfere with the wetting of paints and must therefore be strictly avoided or tested in paint-critical applications.

ISO 14001

ISO 14001 explained: an overview of the requirements, areas of application and benefits of the international standard for environmental management systems.

Glass transition temperature

The glass transition temperature (Tg) is the temperature range in which a polymer changes from elastic to glassy and largely determines its low-temperature flexibility.

Housing and cover with integrated seal

Housings and covers with integrated seals are components in which the sealing function is embedded directly in the plastic or metal part. The sealing function is usually realised as an overmoulded or pressed-in rubber sealing lip. They enable reliable sealing without a separate sealing component and are often used for compact, easy-to-install assemblies.

Inserts

Inserts are solid components that are embedded in rubber components during processing in order to specifically extend their functionality, stability or fastening options.

Elastomer rollers

Rubber rollers transmit forces, dampen vibrations and protect surfaces in printing machines, conveyor systems and packaging lines.

Rubber-Plastic Composite Parts

Rubber-plastic composite parts are hybrid components in which elastic and thermoplastic components are functionally combined - ideal for seals, housings and flexible technical solutions.

FVMQ: Fluorosilicone

FVMQ is a cold-flexible, fuel- and weather-resistant fluorosilicone elastomer that is primarily used in the aviation and automotive industries for demanding sealing applications.

EN 9100

EN 9100 explained: an overview of the requirements, areas of application and benefits of certification for the aviation, aerospace and defence industries.

Titanium

Titanium is an extremely corrosion-resistant, lightweight and high-strength material that is used in aviation, medical technology and for rubber-metal composite parts in aggressive environments.

Molded Rubber Parts

Moulded rubber parts are elastic components made from vulcanised rubber by pressing, transfer moulding or injection moulding. They are manufactured according to drawings and are used as sealing, damping or functional elements in technical applications.

Biocompatibility

The proof of biocompatibility proves through standardised tests that a medical device or material does not cause any harmful reactions in the human body.

Tensile strength

The tensile strength is the maximum stress that a material can withstand under tensile load and is a key parameter for the mechanical strength of elastomers.

Transfer moulding

Transfer moulding is a rubber moulding process in which the material is pressed from a heated chamber into a closed mould where it is cross-linked under pressure and temperature - ideal for precise components with inserts.

Caoutchouc vs. rubber vs. elastomer

Rubber is the raw material, rubber is the end product created by vulcanisation, and elastomer is the superordinate material class of elastic polymers.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a corrosion and temperature-resistant material that is used for durable, hygienic and mechanically resilient components in demanding technical applications.

FDA conformity

FDA compliance means that a material or product meets the requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is safe for contact with food, drinking water or pharmaceutical applications. Only approved ingredients may be used and the material must not release any substances of concern into the medium.

Suction pad

Suction cups are cup-shaped suction cups made of elastomer or plastic that cling elastically to the surface and trap the resulting vacuum. Suction cups create an adhesive connection between the gripper and the workpiece by means of negative pressure.

Stress cracking

Stress cracking is the gradual formation of cracks in plastics due to the interaction of stress and chemical media - often with critical consequences for component safety.

Polymerisation

Polymerisation is the chemical reaction in which many monomers are combined to form long polymer chains - the basis for plastics and rubber elastomers.

Anti-ageing agent

Anti-ageing agents are functional additives that protect elastomers and plastics from damaging influences such as oxygen, ozone, UV radiation or heat, thereby significantly extending their service life.

Fillers

Fillers are functional additives in rubber or plastic compounds that specifically influence mechanical properties, processability or cost structure.

Peroxide crosslinking

Peroxides are reactive cross-linking chemicals that produce stable, temperature- and chemical-resistant elastomer structures without sulphur bridges in rubber processing.

Grommets

Grommets are ring- or disc-shaped protective inserts that are inserted into openings or edges to allow cables to pass through safely. Grommets protect cables and hoses from sharp edges, seal feed-throughs and can be quickly inserted into holes or gaps.

HNBR: Hydrogenated NBR

HNBR is a particularly heat-, oil- and ageing-resistant elastomer that is ideal for durable seals and technical components in dynamically stressed applications.

Bearing bolt

A bearing pin is a cylindrical connecting element that serves as a pivot or swivel axis for moving components. It transmits forces, guides movements and secures the position of components within a bearing or a joint connection.

PU: Polyurethane elastomer

PU elastomers are dimensionally stable, abrasion-resistant plastics with high mechanical strength that are ideal for rollers, seals and shock absorbers in heavy-duty industrial applications.

Deburring

Deburring is the process of removing burrs from components to ensure the function, appearance and safety of technical products.

GRP: Glass fibre reinforced plastic

GRP (glass fibre reinforced plastic) is a robust, lightweight composite material made from glass fibres and a plastic matrix that is used in a wide range of applications in industry, construction and mobility.

IIR: Butyl rubber

Butyl rubber (IIR) is a particularly gas-tight, weather- and chemical-resistant elastomer that is mainly used in tyres, seals and membranes.

RTV silicone: Room temperature curing solid silicone

RTV silicone is a room temperature curing silicone rubber that cures without heat or pressure. It is particularly suitable for sealing, bonding, potting and mould making and is less strong and temperature-resistant than HTV and LSR.

NBR: Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber

Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is an oil and fuel-resistant elastomer that is frequently used for seals, hoses and technical moulded parts in mechanical engineering and vehicle construction.

Fatigue

Fatigue refers to the progressive degradation of material due to repeated mechanical stress and is a key factor in the design of durable technical components.

Cycle time

The cycle time describes the complete duration of a production run during injection moulding or pressing and is a key parameter for efficiency and output.

Vibration dampers

Vibration dampers reduce vibrations and noise in machines and vehicles.

Silane crosslinking

Silane crosslinking is a moisture-controlled crosslinking process for plastics and elastomers that enables mechanical stability at moderate processing temperatures.

Prototype construction

Prototyping is the targeted production of functional sample parts for early testing and optimisation of geometry, material behaviour and processability before the start of series production.

Ageing

Ageing describes the gradual change in material properties due to external influences such as heat, UV radiation or media, which can lead to long-term impairment of function and service life.

Residual materials

Residual materials are recyclable material residues from production that can be specifically collected and fed back into the production cycle to conserve resources.

Degreasing

Degreasing is an essential cleaning step for removing residues from components to ensure optimum adhesion during vulcanisation, bonding or coating.

Keyboard and switch covers

Keyboard and switch covers are elastic protective components that protect keys and operating elements from dust, moisture and dirt. At the same time, they maintain the operating function by transmitting the actuation feel and enabling reliable sealing.

Valves

Valves control, throttle or shut off liquids and gases in pipework, motors and hydraulic systems. They are crucial for process reliability and efficiency.

Aramid / Kevlar

Aramid / Kevlar is an extremely tensile, lightweight and heat-resistant fibre that is used as reinforcement in rubber composite parts, sealing systems and protective applications.

Profile seal

A profile seal is a seal with a defined cross-sectional shape (round, rectangular, hollow or with a complex profile) that ensures a seal between two components. It is made from elastomers and is used wherever gaps, movements or unevenness need to be compensated for.