IRHD Hardness Testers
Available for quotation
IRHD Type
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IRHD Hardness Testers
Wallace offers a full range of International Rubber Hardness Degrees (IRHD) automatic benchtop hardness testers that are compliant with international testing standards.
- Product Name
H12 Micro IRHD Hardness Tester
- Product Name
H14 Macro IRHD Hardness Tester
- Overview
The Wallace H12 is a digital benchtop hardness tester that measures in IRHD the hardness of rubber samples. In particular it has been designed to accurately test thin sections and small test pieces such as O-rings.
- Overview
The Wallace H14 is a digital benchtop hardness tester designed for measuring in IRHD Macro. Each model specialises in the Normal, High or Low Macro range, testing the hardness of standard rubber samples.
- Standards
ISO 48-2, ASTM D1414, ASTM D1415
- Application
Hardness testing of soft thin vulcanised rubber, O-rings, thermoplastic elastomers
- Application
H14 (Normal) Hardness testing of Soft, vulcanised rubber, natural rubber, nitriles, thermoplastic elastomers, flexible polyacrylics and thermosets, wax, felt and leathers.
- Application
H14 (High) Hardness testing of hard rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, harder plastics and rigid thermoplastics.
- Application
H14 (Low) Hardness testing of soft rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, very soft plastics and thermoplastics, medium-dense textile windings.
- Calibration Options
Manufacturer Calibration Certificate included as standard
UKAS ISO/IEC 17025 Calibration Certificate available on request
- Typical Lead Time
4-6 weeks (to be confirmed at time of quoting)
- What's Included?
- H12 Micro Hardness Tester
- Standard Table
- Spare Indenter
- Mains Power Supply Unit
- Mains Lead
- USB Cable
- User Manual
- Calibration Certificate
- What's Included?
- H14 IRHD Hardness Tester
- Standard Table
- Mains Power Supply Unit
- Mains Lead
- USB Cable
- User Manual
- Calibration Certificate
Specification
| H12 Micro | H14 Macro (Normal) | H14 Macro (High) | H14 Macro (Low) | |
| Part Number | WAH12/1 | WAH14/1 | WAH14H | WAH14L |
| Weight | 6.5kg | 8kg | 8kg | 8kg |
| Indenter Diameter | 0.395mm ±0.005 | 2.50mm ±0.01 | 1.00mm ±0.01 | 5.00mm ±0.01 |
| Maximum Indentation Depth | 0.3mm | 1.80mm | 0.44mm | 3.18mm |
| Measurement Range | 30 - 100 Micro IRHD | 30 - 85 IRHD | 85 - 100 IRHD | 10 - 35 IRHD |
| Foot Force | 235mN ±30 | 8.3N ±1.5 | 8.3N ±1.5 | 8.3N ±1.5 |
| Contact Force | 8.3mN ±0.5 | 0.3N ±0.02 | 0.3N ±0.02 | 0.3N ±0.02 |
| Indenting Force | 145mN ±0.5 | 5.4N ±0.01 | 5.4N ±0.01 | 5.4N ±0.01 |
| Sample Thickness (as per standard) | 2.0mm ±0.5 | 8 to 10mm | 8 to 10mm | 8 to 10mm |
Universal Specifications
| H12 Micro | H14 Macro (Normal) | H14 Macro (High) | H14 Macro (Low) | |
| Dimensions (mm) | 300 (h) x 215 (w) x 255 (d) | |||
| Resolution | Selectable rounding to 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 or 1 | |||
| Indenter Shape | Ball | |||
| Force Method | Weight | |||
| Force Duration | 5 + 30 seconds | |||
| Operating Temperature | 5 to 40°C; Altitude 2000m maximum | |||
| Humidity Range | 10 to 80% RH non-condensing | |||
| Output of Test Results to PC/ Printer/ Datalogger | USB connection (RS232 protocol) | |||
The robust ‘C’ frame design allows the operator easy access from front and sides to safely load and remove samples. The indenter mounting is essentially frictionless and its position sensed by a linear variable differential transformer, providing the instrument with outstanding sensitivity. The adjustable anti-vibration feet reduce the effect of external vibration.
By simply pressing the start button, the instrument functions automatically, allowing accurate, repeatable results to be recorded into an optional Wallace software program or exported to Excel.
As minimal training is required, new operators soon become confident with this Hardness Tester, achieving consistent readings from the outset.
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IRHD stands for International Rubber Hardness Degrees and is an internationally recognised hardness scale used for testing rubber and elastomer materials. The test measures how far a spherical indenter penetrates the material under controlled force, providing accurate and repeatable hardness values.
In essence, the harder the material, the less the indenter penetrates the surface; so a low IRHD value means the rubber is soft, while a high IRHD value means it is hard.
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IRHD uses a dead-load principle with controlled force application and timing, while Shore hardness testing uses a spring-loaded indenter. IRHD is generally considered more repeatable and less operator dependent, especially for laboratory testing.
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Micro IRHD is used for thin or small samples using lower forces and a smaller indenter, while Macro IRHD is designed for larger standard rubber samples.
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The H12 is designed for:
- Thin rubber samples
- Small test pieces
- O-rings
- Precision elastomer components
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The H14 is designed for standard rubber test samples and larger elastomer components requiring accurate IRHD measurements.
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Yes. Both the H12 and H14 feature one-touch automatic operation to reduce operator dependency and improve repeatability. They are designed on a plug and play principle - unbox, place on a stable surface, plug in and you are ready to perform your first test.
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Yes. The H12 is commonly used with the optional O-ring table accessory to accurately position O-rings beneath the indenter.
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Yes. The H12 and H14 include PC connectivity and can output results to software, printers, or dataloggers. For optimum performance use the Wallace Traceability Software which can be incorporated into your existing lab practices. Find out more here.
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Yes. UKAS ISO/IEC 17025 calibration can be added when requesting a quote, or arranged through our Maintenance & Calibration service. Contact our Service Team.
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Yes, we provide installation and training, plus technical support and service contracts to keep your equipment running smoothly over its lifetime.
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Yes, we supply internationally and we support customers worldwide through our network of agents and distributors. Use the Agent Locator or contact us and we will connect you with the right regional support.
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Calibration frequency depends on usage and quality requirements, but annual calibration is typically recommended. If you would like guidance please contact our Service team and they will provide advice based on your individual testing practices.
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Yes. Wallace supplies IRHD test blocks for performance verification and routine instrument checks. Find more information on test blocks here.
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Available accessories include:
- Sample tables
- O-ring holders
- Printers
- Traceability software
- Calibration test blocks
