Hardness Testers

Choose hardness testing equipment by material and test method. The range covers Shore durometers for rubber, plastics and foam, Leeb testers for larger metal components, UCI instruments for more localised metal testing, and reference accessories for routine checks.

Hardness Test Blocks

Sauter HB Analogue Shore Hardness Tester

Shore Hardness Testers

Leeb Hardness Testers

UCI Hardness Testers

Hardness Tester Accessories

Collection

15 products

Sauter AHB Hardness Test Blocks

From £133.04

Sauter AHMO-D External Impact Sensor

£355.00

Sauter TI Manual Shore Test Stand

From £270.00

Sauter HO-A07 Support Ring

£210.00

Sauter HO UCI Hardness Tester

From £5,200.00

Sauter HN-D Leeb Hardness Tester

From £930.00

Sauter HMO Leeb Hardness Tester

From £2,020.00

Sauter HMM Leeb Hardness Tester

From £1,060.00

Sauter HE Digital Shore Hardness Tester

From £620.00

Sauter HD Digital Shore Hardness Tester

From £420.00

Sauter HB Analogue Shore Hardness Tester

From £125.00

Sauter AHMR 01 Support Rings

£325.00

Sauter HK Leeb Hardness Tester

From £1,420.00

Sauter AHMO Hardness Test Blocks

From £164.00

Sauter HO HRC Hardness Test Blocks

£211.20

Hardness testing equipment for metals and polymers

Hardness is not measured with one universal method. Shore instruments measure indentation in elastomers, plastics and foams, while Leeb and UCI testers are intended for suitable metallic components. The correct method depends on the material, section thickness, surface condition, component mass and the result that needs to be reported.

Use the child collections to compare instruments designed for the same method. Test stands, probes, impact sensors, support rings and comparison blocks should be selected for the compatible tester rather than treated as universal accessories.

If you are unsure which method is appropriate, check the relevant test standard and the sample requirements before choosing an instrument.

Choosing the right hardness test method

Shore testing is used for rubber, elastomers, plastics and foam. Shore A, Shore D and Shore A0 are different scales and should be selected for the material being tested.

Leeb testing measures rebound behaviour and is useful on suitably massive metal components, including large parts that cannot be taken to a bench tester. Surface finish, impact direction, component mass and support all affect the result.

UCI testing uses a vibrating probe under a defined test force. It can suit smaller components, thin sections and localised test areas where Leeb testing may be unsuitable.

Converted values shown by portable metal hardness testers are based on conversion relationships and should not automatically be treated as equivalent to a direct test in another hardness scale.

Shore hardness testing

Shore durometers are designed for testing rubber, elastomers, plastics, foam and similar non-metallic materials using Shore A, Shore D and Shore A0 scales.

Leeb metal hardness testing

Leeb hardness testers use rebound measurement methods for portable testing of metals including steel, aluminium and alloys in workshop and field environments.

Hardness test block verification

Reference blocks and comparison plates are used to verify instrument performance and support routine hardness tester checking procedures.

Learn more

Industrial hardness testing applications

Hardness testers are used across manufacturing, engineering, inspection and quality control environments where material hardness, consistency and wear resistance must be verified.

Rubber and plastics testing

Shore hardness testers are commonly used for testing rubber, elastomers, plastics, foam, silicone and polymer-based materials within production and quality control applications.

Metal hardness inspection

Portable Leeb hardness testers are widely used for hardness testing of steel, aluminium and metal components in fabrication, machining, maintenance and field inspection environments.

Quality control and verification

Hardness test blocks and reference plates support internal instrument checks, operator training and comparative verification procedures within laboratories and production facilities.

How to choose a hardness tester

Start with the material and applicable test method, then check scale, sample geometry, surface preparation, portability and reporting requirements.

Select the correct hardness scale

Choose Shore A, D or A0 scales for non-metallic materials such as rubber, foam and plastics. For metals and alloys, portable Leeb hardness testers are commonly used for field and workshop testing.

Consider the testing environment

Portable hardness testers are useful for field inspection, installed machinery and large components where bench testing is impractical. Laboratory and production environments may require higher precision or fixed testing arrangements.

Check verification and calibration requirements

Many industries require routine verification and traceable calibration procedures. Hardness test blocks and optional ISO calibration certificates can help support quality management systems and internal testing procedures.

Check the sample requirements

Confirm that the sample has the required thickness, mass, surface finish and test area for the selected method. Curved or lightweight components may need additional support or a different probe arrangement.

Hardness tester FAQs

Practical answers about selecting Shore, Leeb and UCI hardness testing equipment.

What is a hardness tester used for?

A hardness tester measures a material’s resistance to indentation or deformation. Hardness testing is commonly used for quality control, material verification and wear assessment within industrial and manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Shore and Leeb hardness testing?

Shore hardness testing is mainly used for rubber, plastics and elastomers, while Leeb hardness testing is designed for metals and alloys using a rebound measurement method.

Do hardness testers require calibration?

Hardness testers should be regularly verified and calibrated to maintain reliable measurement performance. Hardness test blocks are commonly used for routine instrument checks and comparative verification.

Are portable hardness testers accurate?

Modern portable hardness testers provide reliable and repeatable measurements when used correctly on suitable materials and surfaces. Accuracy depends on the testing method, material condition and correct instrument verification procedures.