Shore Hardness Testers

Sauter Shore hardness testers and shore hardness durometers measure the indentation hardness of rubber, elastomers, plastics and foam. Choose the appropriate shore durometer scale, such as a Shore A hardness tester, Shore D hardness tester or Shore A0, for the material, then select an analogue or digital instrument to suit the testing and reporting requirements.

3 products

Sauter HB0 100-0 analogue Shore A0 hardness tester

Sauter HB Analogue Shore Hardness Tester

From £138.75

Sauter HDA 100-1 digital Shore A hardness tester

Sauter HD Digital Shore Hardness Tester

From £466.20

Sauter HE Digital Shore Hardness Tester

From £688.20

Shore hardness durometers for rubber, plastics and foam

Shore hardness testers determine hardness from the depth of indentation produced by a defined indenter and spring force. Different Shore scales are not interchangeable, so the instrument must be selected for the material and expected hardness range. The Shore durometer scale used depends on the type and hardness of the material being tested.

Shore A is commonly used for rubber and flexible elastomers, Shore D for harder plastics and rigid polymers, and Shore A0 for soft cellular materials. A test stand can improve repeatability by applying the instrument at a controlled angle and rate, helping to achieve more consistent Shore hardness testing.

A Shore durometer is used to measure material hardness using the relevant Shore scale. The Sauter range of Shore hardness testers includes analogue models for straightforward checking and digital instruments with additional data and evaluation functions. These Shore hardness durometers are available in different scales to suit a range of materials and testing requirements.

Browse compatible test stands and accessories, compare Shore hardness test blocks or return to all hardness testers.

Choosing the correct Shore scale

Use a Shore A hardness tester for many rubber and flexible polymer products, a Shore D hardness tester for harder plastics, and Shore A0 for very soft foam or sponge materials. The applicable product or test standard should take precedence over a general material description.

Sample thickness, distance from an edge, contact time and test temperature can affect the result when carrying out Shore hardness testing. Test pieces may need to be layered where permitted by the applicable method.

Comparison plates are useful for monitoring instrument response and operator technique, but they should not automatically be described as calibration standards.

Shore A hardness testing

Shore A hardness testing is commonly used for rubber, elastomers, neoprene, silicone, leather and flexible plastics.

Shore D hardness testing

Shore D hardness testing is used for harder materials, including rigid plastics, epoxy resins, acrylics and thermoplastics.

Shore A0 foam testing

Shore A0 hardness testing is suitable for soft foam, sponge and low-density materials requiring lower indentation force during testing.

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Shore hardness tester applications

Shore hardness durometers are used across a wide range of industrial and laboratory applications where material hardness, flexibility and consistency must be monitored and verified. Shore hardness testing can be used to assess rubber, elastomers, plastics, foam and other materials against the appropriate Shore durometer scale.

Rubber and elastomer testing

Rubber hardness testers such as Shore A durometers are widely used for testing rubber seals, gaskets, tyres, O-rings, silicone products and elastomer components within manufacturing and quality control environments.

Plastic material inspection

Plastic hardness testers such as Shore D hardness testers are commonly used for rigid plastics, thermoplastics, acrylics and resin materials used within engineering, fabrication and product development applications.

Foam and sponge measurement

Shore A0 hardness testers are suitable for low-density foam, sponge and soft cushioning materials where lower test force and controlled penetration are required.

How to choose a Shore hardness tester

Select the Shore scale first when choosing a shore hardness durometer, then compare analogue or digital operation, data functions and whether a test stand is required.

Select the correct Shore scale

Choose Shore A for rubber and flexible elastomers, Shore D for harder plastics and Shore A0 for soft foam materials. Using the correct scale is essential for meaningful and repeatable hardness measurement.

Decide between analogue and digital

Analogue Shore durometers are simple, reliable and widely used for routine workshop testing, while digital models provide additional functionality including memory storage, peak hold and USB data output.

Consider repeatability requirements

For laboratory or quality-controlled environments, a Shore hardness test stand can improve consistency by maintaining controlled contact force and alignment during testing.

Review calibration and verification needs

Hardness test blocks and optional ISO calibration certificates can support internal quality systems, calibration procedures and measurement traceability requirements.

Shore hardness tester FAQs

Common questions about Shore scales, sample preparation and repeatable durometer testing.

What is a Shore hardness tester used for?

A Shore hardness tester measures the hardness of rubber, plastics, elastomers, foam and similar non-metallic materials by measuring resistance to indentation.

What is the difference between Shore A and Shore D?

Shore A is used for softer materials such as rubber and silicone, while Shore D is designed for harder plastics, acrylics and rigid polymers.

Are digital Shore hardness testers more accurate?

Digital Shore hardness testers can improve readability, repeatability and data recording, particularly within quality control environments, although analogue testers remain widely used for routine industrial testing.

Do Shore hardness testers require calibration?

Regular verification and calibration are recommended to maintain reliable measurement performance of shore hardness durometers. Shore hardness test blocks are commonly used for routine instrument checking and internal verification procedures.