Portable Analog Hardness Testing for Elastomers, Plastics and Flexible Materials
The HP Handheld Hardness Tester is a compact, precision instrument designed for manual hardness measurement of elastomers, plastics, flexible materials, composite materials, and polymer components according to Shore and Asker hardness scales.
Featuring a high-precision mechanical measuring system with minimal friction, the HP delivers reliable and accurate hardness readings in production environments, incoming inspection, quality control, and laboratory applications.
Its lightweight, portable design allows hardness testing to be performed wherever it is needed — from manufacturing floors and warehouses to supplier inspections and field quality checks.
Standards
- ASTM D2240
- DIN EN ISO 868
- DIN ISO 48-4
- JIS K 7312
- Works standards
Measuring Methods
The HP supports a wide range of hardness scales:
Shore Hardness
- Shore A
- Shore A0
- Shore B
- Shore C
- Shore D
- Shore D0
- Shore E
- Shore 0
- Shore 00
- Shore 000
- Shore 000-S
- Shore 000-SA
Additional Scales
- Härte L
- Härte L/c
- Asker C
- Asker Cs
- Asker F
Applications
The HP is suitable for hardness determination of:
- Elastomers
- Rubber materials
- Flexible polymers
- Plastics
- Composite materials
- Foams
- Automotive interior components
- Industrial polymer products
It is ideal for applications requiring fast and convenient hardness verification during manufacturing, inspection, and quality assurance processes.
Product Overview
The HP Handheld Hardness Tester provides a simple and reliable solution for determining material hardness according to Shore and Asker scales.
For standard-compliant measurements, the test specimen should have a smooth, flat surface with:
- Minimum diameter: 35 mm
- Minimum thickness: 6 mm
During testing, the instrument is positioned vertically on the specimen surface and manually applied. The specially engineered precision mechanics minimise friction within the measuring system, ensuring accurate and repeatable hardness readings.
The measured hardness value is displayed clearly on the analogue dial during testing. For continued measurement accuracy, regular verification using standard calibration blocks is recommended.
Key Features
Lightweight and Portable Design
The compact and robust design of the HP makes it easy to transport between testing locations.
Supplied with a practical carrying case, the instrument is protected during transportation and ready for use in:
- Production areas
- Warehouses
- Incoming goods inspection
- Supplier quality inspections
- Laboratory environments
Optional Maximum Value Indicator
With the optional maximum indicating pointer, the highest hardness value reached during testing remains displayed on the analogue dial after measurement completion.
This feature is particularly useful when:
- Testing requires additional time for reading
- Measurements are performed in difficult locations
- Peak hardness values need to be recorded
Flexible Handheld or Bench Testing
The HP can be used as a portable handheld tester or converted into a stationary laboratory testing solution with the addition of a compatible test stand.
When combined with the BS 61 II manual test stand, the HP becomes a stable tabletop hardness testing system for controlled laboratory measurements.
Precision Mechanical Measurement System
The HP incorporates a specially designed mechanical movement that reduces internal friction, providing:
- High measurement accuracy
- Reliable repeatability
- Long-term mechanical stability
- Consistent hardness readings
Benefits
- Portable analogue hardness tester
- Measures Shore and Asker hardness scales
- Suitable for elastomers, plastics, foams, and polymers
- Wide range of available measurement scales
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Robust aluminium housing
- High-precision low-friction mechanics
- Optional maximum value indicator
- Can be used handheld or with a test stand
- Ideal for production and quality control applications
Typical Industries
- Rubber manufacturing
- Plastics processing
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Medical devices
- Polymer manufacturing
- Component suppliers
- Quality assurance laboratories
- Research and development