Automated Hardness Testing of Rubber Compounds Under Extreme Temperature Conditions
The digiChamber is an advanced temperature-controlled testing system designed for automated hardness measurement of rubber compounds and elastomer materials under extreme temperature conditions ranging from -40°C to +180°C.
Developed by Bareiss in collaboration with leading temperature technology specialists Vötsch Technik, the digiChamber combines precision temperature simulation with automated hardness testing to provide reliable insight into how temperature affects material performance.
By integrating a high-quality temperature chamber with the digi test II hardness tester, the system enables accurate Shore A and IRHD N hardness measurements under realistic operating conditions — making it an ideal solution for tyre manufacturers, seal manufacturers, and rubber compound developers.
Standards
- DIN ISO 48-4
- DIN ISO 48-2
- DIN EN ISO 868
- ASTM D2240
- ASTM D1415
Measuring Methods
- Shore A
- IRHD N
Applications
The digiChamber is designed for temperature-dependent hardness testing of:
- Rubber compounds
- Elastomers
- Sealing materials
- Tyre materials
- Polymer components
- Flexible materials
Typical applications include:
- Temperature influence analysis
- Material characterisation
- Product development
- Quality control
- Research and laboratory testing
Product Overview
The digiChamber enables precise evaluation of hardness changes caused by temperature variations. With a controlled temperature range from -40°C to +180°C, the system allows users to simulate real-world operating environments and understand how elastomer properties change under thermal stress.
The corresponding digi test II hardness tester is mounted externally to the chamber, preventing temperature-related measurement errors and ensuring highly accurate hardness results.
A computer-controlled rotating sample table enables fully automated serial testing at predefined measurement points. Users can define the number of samples, measurement locations, temperature stages, and conditioning times to create efficient and repeatable test sequences.
For individual testing requirements, samples can also be positioned manually through the side access opening of the chamber.
The intuitive digiCenter software provides complete control of the test process, including temperature management, conditioning cycles, measurement sequences, and data evaluation. Test results can be displayed as graphs or tables and stored within a database for easy analysis and documentation.
Key Features
Premium Combination of Temperature Control and Hardness Testing
The digiChamber combines:
- High-quality Bareiss hardness measurement technology
- Advanced Vötsch Technik temperature chamber technology
This combination provides accurate, repeatable hardness testing under controlled environmental conditions.
Realistic Operating Condition Simulation
Evaluate how temperature affects the hardness and performance of rubber materials across a wide temperature range:
-40°C to +180°C
This enables realistic simulation of applications involving:
- Extreme cold environments
- High-temperature operation
- Thermal cycling conditions
- Temperature-dependent material behaviour
Automated Serial Hardness Testing
The integrated rotating sample table enables automated testing of multiple specimens.
Features include:
- Up to 25 samples per test sequence
- User-defined measurement points
- Adjustable number of measurements per sample
- Automated test workflows
This improves efficiency while reducing operator influence.
Flexible Testing Procedures
The digiChamber provides maximum flexibility for different testing requirements.
Users can define:
- Sample positions
- Temperature levels
- Conditioning times
- Number of measurements
- Test sequences
This allows customised testing procedures for different materials and applications.
digiCenter Software Platform
The digiCenter software provides complete control and management of temperature-dependent hardness testing.
Features include:
- Temperature chamber control
- Test plan creation
- Conditioning time management
- Measurement sequence configuration
- Data storage in a central database
- Graphical and tabular result display
- Test templates for repeat applications
The intuitive interface simplifies complex testing procedures and improves laboratory productivity.
Additional Features
- Automated hardness testing at extreme temperatures
- Temperature range from -40°C to +180°C
- Interchangeable hardness scales:
- Shore A
- IRHD N
- Integrated IPC for complete system control
- External mounting of hardness tester to prevent measurement errors
- Includes monitor and digiCenter software
- Automatic rotating table for serial measurements
- Suitable for individual and automated sample testing
Benefits
- Accurate hardness testing under temperature influence
- Simulates real-world operating conditions
- Automated measurement sequences
- Reduced operator influence
- High repeatability and reliability
- Supports Shore A and IRHD N testing
- Efficient testing of multiple samples
- Advanced temperature control technology
- Complete software-based test management
- Ideal for research, development, and quality assurance
Typical Industries
- Tyre manufacturing
- Automotive
- Rubber component manufacturing
- Seal and gasket production
- Polymer research
- Elastomer development
- Industrial quality control laboratories
- Materials testing facilities