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Home / Material Hardness Instruments Buying Guide

Material Hardness Instruments Buying Guide

Maintaining the integrity of your materials is crucial across various industries. Material hardness is a key indicator of durability, wear resistance, and overall performance. Here at BlastOne, we understand the importance of selecting the appropriate hardness tester for your specific needs.

We offer a comprehensive range of DeFelsko hardness testers, each designed to excel in different applications. Whether you’re working with soft rubbers, hard plastics, or evaluating the scratch resistance of coatings, BlastOne has the right tool to ensure accurate and reliable hardness measurements.

Our PosiTector lineup features user-friendly digital models for efficient data collection and standardized testing in accordance with recognized industry standards. Keep reading to delve into the strengths and limitations of each PosiTector model (SHD, BHI, PT) and discover the perfect hardness tester for your quality control or material assessment tasks.

Name Best Scenarios Benefits Disadvantages Options Product Page
PosiTector SHD
  • Measures indentation hardness of non-metallic materials such as
    • Soft rubbers
    • Epoxies
    • Plastics
    • Thick coatings
  • Accuracy: Provides precise digital readings for reliable hardness measurement
  • Wide Material Range: Available in Shore A (soft materials) and Shore D (harder materials) models for versatility
  • Conforms to ASTM D2240, ISO 48-4/868/7267/7619, and DIN 53505
  • Limited to Non-Metallic Materials: Not suitable for testing the hardness of metals
  • Shore A
    • Soft to hard materials such as soft rubber, elastomers, neoprene, silicone, etc.
  • Shore D
    • Medium to extra hard materials such as hard rubber, hard plastics, epoxies, PVC, acrylic, etc.
PosiTector BHI
  • Measures the hardness of soft metals such as
    • Aluminum
    • Aluminum alloys
    • Copper
    • Brass
    • Harder plastics
    • Fiber-reinforced plastics
  • Portable: Offers convenient and accurate digital readings on-site.
  • Conforms to ASTM B648/D2583, DIN EN 59, and AS/NZS 3572.22
  • Specific Material Range: Primarily designed for soft metals and some hard plastics, not ideal for all materials
  • Standard Gauge/Body w/ Single Probe Kit
  • Advanced Gauge/Body w/ Single Probe Kit
  • Probe Kit Only (No gauge/body)
PosiTest PT
  • Measures the hardness of coatings and films using the Pencil Hardness (Wolff-Wilborn) method
  • Simple and Affordable: Provides a cost-effective solution for basic hardness testing of coatings.
  • Scratch Resistance Evaluation: Ideal for assessing the scratch resistance of paints and other coatings.
  • Conforms to ISO 15184, ASTM D3363, JIS K-5600, BS 3900-E19, MIL C 27 227, ECCA-T4-1, SNV 37113, SIS184187, NEN 5350
  • Semi-Quantitative Results: Provides a relative hardness rating rather than a precise numerical value
  • Destructive Testing: Creates a small scratch on the test surface, which might be undesirable in some cases
  • PosiTest PT Basic Kit 
    • Graphite Pencils – 6B to 6H (14)
    • Custom Aluminum Pencil Sharpener
    • Grit Sandpaper – pack of 400
    • Instructions
  • PosiTest PT Complete Kit
    • Graphite Pencils – 6B to 6H (14)
    • Custom Aluminum Pencil Sharpener
  • Pencil Cart (only)
PosiTector SHD PosiTector BHI PosiTest PT
Best Scenarios
  • Measures indentation hardness of non-metallic materials such as
    • Soft rubbers
    • Epoxies
    • Plastics
    • Thick coatings
  • Measures the hardness of soft metals such as
    • Aluminum
    • Aluminum alloys
    • Copper
    • Brass
    • Harder plastics
    • Fiber-reinforced plastics
  • Measures the hardness of coatings and films using the Pencil Hardness (Wolff-Wilborn) method
Benefits
  • Accuracy: Provides precise digital readings for reliable hardness measurement
  • Wide Material Range: Available in Shore A (soft materials) and Shore D (harder materials) models for versatility
  • Conforms to ASTM D2240, ISO 48-4/868/7267/7619, and DIN 53505
  • Portable: Offers convenient and accurate digital readings on-site.
  • Conforms to ASTM B648/D2583, DIN EN 59, and AS/NZS 3572.22
  • Simple and Affordable: Provides a cost-effective solution for basic hardness testing of coatings.
  • Scratch Resistance Evaluation: Ideal for assessing the scratch resistance of paints and other coatings.
  • Conforms to ISO 15184, ASTM D3363, JIS K-5600, BS 3900-E19, MIL C 27 227, ECCA-T4-1, SNV 37113, SIS184187, NEN 5350
Disadvantages
  • Limited to Non-Metallic Materials: Not suitable for testing the hardness of metals
  • Specific Material Range: Primarily designed for soft metals and some hard plastics, not ideal for all materials
  • Semi-Quantitative Results: Provides a relative hardness rating rather than a precise numerical value
  • Destructive Testing: Creates a small scratch on the test surface, which might be undesirable in some cases
Options
  • Shore A
    • Soft to hard materials such as soft rubber, elastomers, neoprene, silicone, etc.
  • Shore D
    • Medium to extra hard materials such as hard rubber, hard plastics, epoxies, PVC, acrylic, etc.
  • Standard Gauge/Body w/ Single Probe Kit
  • Advanced Gauge/Body w/ Single Probe Kit
  • Probe Kit Only (No gauge/body)
  • PosiTest PT Basic Kit 
    • Graphite Pencils – 6B to 6H (14)
    • Custom Aluminum Pencil Sharpener
    • Grit Sandpaper – pack of 400
    • Instructions
  • PosiTest PT Complete Kit
    • Graphite Pencils – 6B to 6H (14)
    • Custom Aluminum Pencil Sharpener
  • Pencil Cart (only)

Material Hardness Testing

Material Hardness: A Key Quality Control Measure

Material hardness refers to its resistance to permanent shape changes like indentation, scratching, or wear. It’s a critical factor in quality control across various industries, ensuring materials meet performance expectations.

Resources:

How to Measure Shore Hardness with the PosiTector SHD

How to Measure Barcol Hardness

How is Material Hardness Measured?

Hardness Testing: Methods & Applications

While “hardness” seems straightforward, measuring it involves various methods depending on the material and industry needs. Test methods and scales are chosen based on:

  • Material: Different materials require specific testing approaches.
  • Quality Requirements: Client expectations and industry standards determine the desired level of hardness.

How Hardness Testing Works:

Most methods involve pressing an indentor (a specially shaped tool) into the material under a controlled load and sometimes for a specific duration. The resulting indentation size or shape is then measured to determine a hardness value.

Examples of Indentors:

Two common hardness testers:

Pencil Hardness Test

The pencils have a hardness scale that ranges from 6B (softest) to 6H (hardest) and act as an indentor as they are pushed across the surface by hand or with the assistance of a cart.

Benefits of Hardness Testing:

Hardness measurement isn’t just about quality control. It’s a versatile and cost-effective technique that unlocks valuable insights into various material properties.

Consider how hardness testing benefits different applications:

  • Quality Assurance: Manufacturers, customers, and regulatory bodies set specific hardness standards. Hardness testing ensures materials meet these requirements, guaranteeing their performance and safety.
  • Material Characterization: Hardness can reveal more than just how resistant a material is to indentation. For instance, in paints and coatings, hardness can indicate the degree of cure. This knowledge helps with job planning and scheduling, saving time and resources.

By understanding the relationship between hardness and other material properties, you can gain a deeper understanding of how your materials will perform in real-world applications. This will save you valuable time for job scheduling and project execution.

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Hardness Test Standards

Shore Hardness Test Standards

  • ASTM D2240—Standards Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness

    ASTM D2240 guides the user through twelve types of rubber hardness measurement devices known as durometers: Types A, B, C, D, DO, E, M, O, OO, OOO, OOO-S, and R.*

    *Refer to ASTM D2240 for a complete description of the test standard.

  • ISO 868—Plastics and ebonite — Determination of indentation hardness by means of a durometer (Shore hardness)

    ISO 868 specifies a method for the determination of the indentation hardness of plastics and ebonite (vulcanized hard rubber).*

    *Refer to ISO 868 for a complete description of the test standard.

  • ISO 7267—Rubber-covered rollers — Determination of apparent hardness — Part 1: IRHD method

    ISO 7267 specifies a test method for the determination of rubber hardness of vulcanized- or thermoplastic-rubber roller covers, reported in Shore hardness units (Shore A or D).*

    *Refer to ISO 7267 for a complete description of the test standard.

  • ISO 7619—Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastics — Determination of indentation hardness — Part 1: Durometer method (Shore hardness)

    ISO 7619 specifies a test method for determining the indentation (Shore) hardness of vulcanized or thermoplastic rubber using durometers. Reports measurement in Shore A, D, AO, or AM scales.*

    *Refer ISO 7619 for a complete description of the test standard.

  • DIN 53505—Shore A and Shore D hardness testing of rubber

    DIN 53505 offers guidance to measuring rubber hardness using Shore A and Shore D durometers.*

    *Refer to DIN 53505 for a complete description of the test standard.

Barcol Hardness Test Standards:

  • ASTM B648—Standard Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Aluminum Alloys by Means of a Barcol Impressor

    ASTM B648 specifies a test method used to determine the Barcol hardness of aluminum alloys using a Barcol Hardness Impressor.*

    *Refer to ASTM B648 for a complete description of the test standard.

  • ASTM D2583—Standard Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Rigid Plastics by Means of a Barcol Impressor

    ASTM D2583 covers the determination of indentation hardness of reinforced and non-reinforced plastics using a Barcol Impressor.*

    *Refer to ASTM D2583 for a complete description of the test standard.

  • DIN EN 59—Glass reinforced plastics- Determination of indentation hardness by means of a Barcol hardness tester

    DIN EN 59 specifies a test method used to determine the Barcol Hardness of glass reinforced plastics.*

    *Refer to DIN EN 59 for a complete description of the test standard.

  • AS/NZS 3572.22—Plastics - Glass filament reinforced plastics (GRP) - Methods of test - Method for the determination of hardness by means of a Barcol impressor

    AS/NZS 3572.22 specifies a test method used to determine the Barcol Hardness of glass (filament) reinforced plastics (GRP).*

    *Refer to AS/NZS 3572.22 for a complete description of the test standard.

Coatings/Paint/Film Hardness Test Standards

  • ISO 15184—Paints and Varnishes—Determination of Film Hardness by Pencil Test

    ISO 15184 specifies a method for determining the film hardness by pushing pencils of known hardness over the film.*

    *Refer to ISO 15184 for a complete description of the test standard.

  • ASTM D3363—Standard Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test

    ASTM D3363 describes the test method for determining the hardness of paint and coatings using a set of leads or pencils of decreasing hardness to determine the point at which the pencil will not: 1—gouge the film (pencil hardness) or 2—scratch the film (scratch hardness).*

    *Refer to ASTM D3363 for a complete description of the test standard.

  • JIS K 5600-5-4—Testing Methods for Paints - Part 5: Mechanical Property of Film - Section 4: Scratch Hardness (Pencil Method)

    JIS K 5600-5-4 specifies a test method for determining film hardness by pushing pencils of a known hardness over the film.*

    *Refer to JIS K 5600-5-4 for a complete description of the test standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the PosiTector SHD calibrated at the factory?

    The PosiTector SHD arrives fully calibrated and ready to measure. A Long-Form Certificate of Calibration traceable to NIST or PTB is included, which documents actual readings taken by your instrument at our calibration laboratory on standards traceable to a national metrology institute. Beware of ‘Certificates’ or ‘Certificates of Conformance’ offered by competitors. These typically do not include actual instrument readings, and are often insufficient to meet common quality requirements.

    The included Test Block allows the gage operator to quickly verify correct operation and accuracy of the SHD.

  • What is the difference between Shore A and Shore D durometers?

    PosiTector SHD Shore Hardness Durometers measures the indentation hardness of non-metallic materials such as polymers, elastomers and rubbers. In the corrosion industry, durometers are commonly used to ensure proper curing of thick coatings and pipeline repair wraps.

    The two PosiTector SHD models look and operate identically, and vary only in the spring pressure and shape of the intender tip. This allows the two models to accurately measure different hardness ranges:

    • Shore A (SHDA)- for soft to hard materials such as soft rubber, elastomers, neoprene, silicone, etc.
    • Shore D (SHDD) – for medium to extra hard materials such as hard rubber, epoxies, hard plastics, PVC, acrylic, etc.

  • Can the PosiTector SHD measure the hardness of metals?

    No. Shore Hardness Durometers are designed to measure the indentation hardness of non-metallic materials such as polymers, elastomers and rubbers. Nearly all metals are outside the Shore Hardness scale. The PosiTector BHI Barcol Hardness Impressor is ideal for measuring the hardness of soft metals (aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, brass, etc.), harder plastics and fiber-reinforced plastics.

  • Does the PosiTector SHD include a fixture stand?

    No. A PosiTector SHD Test Stand is available as an accessory item for both SHD A and SHD D instruments.

  • What is the minimum thickness of material necessary to measure with the PosiTector SHD?

    ‍According to ASTM D2240-15 “Standard Test Method for rubber Property – Durometer Hardness”, the test specimen must be at least 6.0 mm (0.24 inches) thick unless it is known that equivalent test results can be obtained with a thinner specimen. Since in-field use of a Shore durometer can concern testing the hardness of an applied coating with a measured thickness less than 6.0 mm, it is incumbent upon the operator to be aware of both the required coating thickness and its expected hardness for a particular application. Both the coating thickness and expected hardness will be specified by the coating manufacturer. Given the wide variety of coating types extant, DeFelsko has no ability to indicate a minimum coating thickness suitable for testing with our PosiTector SHD.

  • Does the PosiTector SHD measure Rockwell/Brinell/Barcol hardness?

    No. The PosiTector SHD Shore Hardness Durometer measures the Shore indentation hardness of non-metallic materials such as polymers, elastomers and rubbers. DeFelsko also manufactures the PosiTector BHI Barcol Hardness Impressor which is ideal for measuring the hardness of soft metals (aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, brass, etc.), harder plastics and fiber-reinforced plastics.

  • How often should the PosiTector probe be recalibrated?

    PosiTector probes include a Certificate of Calibration showing traceability to NIST or PTB included (Long Form) with each probe—with no expiry or end date. They have no shelf life, therefore the length of time in the field is not a good indicator for recalibration intervals. Many organizations with quality programs and recertification programs require annual recalibrations, and this is a good starting point for most users. DeFelsko recommends that customers establish calibration intervals based upon their own experience and work environment. Based on our product knowledge, data and customer feedback, a one year calibration interval from the date the instrument was placed in service is a good starting point.

  • What is a Barcol Hardness Impressor?

    A Barcol Hardness Impressor is an instrument that measures the indentation hardness of soft metals (aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, brass, etc.), harder plastics and fiber-reinforced plastics.

  • What are some typical applications for Barcol hardness?

    • Aluminum production
    • Forgings, castings, raw stock inspection
    • FRP/GRP – fiber and glass reinforced plastics (both reinforced and non-reinforced rigid plastics)
    • Duro or hard thermo plastics
    • Degree of cure in composite materials

  • I currently use an analog (dial) type Barcol Impressor. What are the advantages of the digital PosiTector BHI?

    The PosiTector BHI has numerous advantages over conventional analog instruments, and over many competitive digital instruments:

    • ‍Memory: The PosiTector BHI has the ability to save readings for archival or reporting, without the need for error-prone transcription. This greatly enhances the reliability and convenience of reporting.
    • ‍Reporting Software Options: The PosiTector BHI includes the PosiSoft suite of software for viewing and reporting data. Select from a powerful desktop version, built-in USB drive, web-based or mobile applications.
    • ‍Test Time: Some materials continue to deform while the measurement is being taken. To achieve consistent results, it is often recommended to record measurements after a set amount of time has elapsed. The PosiTector BHI allows users to set a test time, which begins counting down on the screen when the indentor is placed on the surface to be measured. After that period has elapsed, a measurement is recorded and displayed. This is vastly superior to existing methods of using a stopwatch, or more often, estimating when the required test time has elapsed.
    • ‍Auto Sub-Batch (Advanced models only): As with most measurement processes, it is advisable to take multiple measurements at each test location (spot), to ensure the user hasn’t taken an erroneous or outlying reading. With the Auto Sub-Batch feature, a new sub-batch is created after the desired number of measurements is taken, conveniently grouping readings from each location.
    • ‍Interchangeability: PosiTector body accepts all PosiTector BHI, SHD, 6000, 200, IRT, DPM, RTR, SPG, SST, and UTG probes easily converting from a hardness tester to a coating thickness gage, dew point meter, infrared thermometer, surface profile gage, soluble salt tester, or ultrasonic wall thickness gage.

  • How should I store the PosiTector BHI when not in use?

    The PosiTector BHI comes complete with a hard shell plastic case.

  • What is the life expectancy of the probe tip?

    The durable probe tip is designed for long life and continuous accuracy. A glass zero plate and test disks are included for verifying accuracy. Replacement probe tips are available to replace worn, out of tolerance tips.

  • Why is a glass zero plate included?

    The PosiTector BHI is factory calibrated and for most applications no calibration adjustment is required. However, there may be times when a zero adjustment is necessary including after indentor replacement or to compensate for indentor wear. For best accuracy, the Gage should be zeroed on the included glass plate.

  • Can I purchase a new PosiTector BHI probe for an existing PosiTector gage body?

    Yes. PosiTector BHI probes are compatible with PosiTector Standard gage bodies with a color display and PosiTector Advanced gage bodies with serial numbers greater than 730,000. You can simply update your existing PosiTector gage body by following step-by-step instructions at www.defelsko.com/update.

  • Is the new PosiTector BHI probe compatible with PosiSoft solutions?

    Yes. The NEW PosiTector BHI probes are compatible with PosiSoft Desktop v4, PosiSoft.net and the PosiTector App for Apple and Android. They are currently not compatible with the PosiTector SmartLink.

  • How are PosiTector BHI probes calibrated at DeFelsko?

    Each PosiTector BHI probe is calibrated using certified materials referenced in ASTM B648-10. A Long Form Certificate of Calibration containing actual measured values is included with each probe.

  • Is there a standard warranty for DeFelsko instruments?

    DeFelsko Corporation’s standard 2 year warranty applies.

  • What is measured with an infrared surface temperature probe and what are some typical applications?

    An infrared surface temperature probe measures surface temperature from a distance without contacting the surface. An IR surface temperature thermometer is useful for measuring temperatures in areas where conventional sensors will not work including hard to reach areas and moving parts. Also ideal for measuring on objects whose temperature is above the recommended range for direct contact sensors or when contact with a sensor would damage the surface as is the case for freshly sprayed powder.

    The 5.7:1 distance to spot ratio of the PosiTector IRT will average the temperature over a larger area and is ideal for quickly scanning large steel structures.

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