The Shore hardness scale is a method of measuring the indentation resistance of elastomeric materials, plastics and other polymers. It is a fundamental tool for evaluating the flexibility, stiffness and durability of these materials in different applications.
The measurement is performed using a Shore durometer , which consists of a device with a steel or plastic indenter. The indenter is pressed against the surface of the material under a specific force. The depth of the indenter's penetration is what is called Shore hardness .
There are different Shore scales, each with a specific measurement range for different types of materials:
It is important to note that Shore scales are not absolute and may overlap. For example, a material with a Shore hardness of 95A may have a similar Shore hardness of 45D. The relationship between scales is not direct, so conversions may vary depending on the source consulted.
The Shore hardness scale is used in a wide variety of applications, including:
Shore hardness determines the flexibility of the printed part. Choosing the filament with the right hardness is crucial for the success of the print and the functionality of the final part.
| Shore hardness | Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Shore A | 0-100 | 85A: Shoe soles, heels, leather straps |
| 90A: O-rings, hoses, polyurethane rollers | ||
| 95A: Bicycle tires, mobile phone cases, bumpers | ||
| 100A: Rigid plastics, acrylics, polycarbonate | ||
| Shore D | 0-100 | 60D: Nylon, polypropylene, ABS |
| 70D: Polyester, acetate, polycarbonate | ||
| 80A: Delrin, Teflon, UHMWPE | ||
| Shore B | 15-95 | 25B: Natural rubber, EPDM, silicone |
| 40B: Neoprene, nitrile, SBR | ||
| 60B: Butyl rubber, Viton, Hypalon | ||
| Shore E | 0-100 | Polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene, EPDM |
| Shore 00 | 0-85 | Gels, soft silicones, elastomers |
The Shore hardness scale is a useful method for measuring the indentation resistance of various rubbers and plastics . However, it is important to note that the resilience of these materials can affect the indentation reading over time.
Due to resilience, materials may partially recover after indentation. This means that the indentation depth may decrease slightly over time, which may affect the Shore hardness reading.
To take this effect into account, the indentation time is sometimes indicated together with the hardness number. This allows for a more accurate comparison of hardness between different materials and different measurement conditions.
It is important to remember that the Shore hardness test only measures indentation resistance . It does not provide information on other important properties, such as tensile strength , abrasion resistance , or wear resistance .
Shore hardness specifications can be useful for comparing similar materials and for quality control during production. However, They should not be relied upon as the sole factor in determining the suitability of a material for a specific application.
Shore hardness testing is a useful tool for evaluating the indentation resistance of rubbers and plastics . However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of the test and to use the Shore hardness information in conjunction with other properties relevant to the end application.
At 3DFils, we are committed to offering you the exact hardness you need for your projects. That is why we have developed a wide range of filaments with different Shore hardnesses. You can see all our flexible filaments here .
