Shore Hardness Testers
Shore Type
i Not sure what Shore model? Either select Don't Know below, contact our team for help, or use our comparison chart in the tabs.Head Option
i We provide two head types, the standard and the extended which increases the maximum sample thickness from 35mm to 75mmRecommended Add-ons
Need help selecting the right configuration? Speak to our team to get the best configuration for you.
Shore Hardness Testers
The Wallace Shore Hardness Tester provides precise, repeatable measurements across the full Shore hardness scale. Designed for testing rubber and polymer materials in quality control and laboratory environments, it meets all major international test standards and supports Shore types A through OO. Precision Shore hardness testing across all major Shore types. Compliant with ISO 48-4, ASTM D2240, and all major international standards.
- Product Name
H17 Shore Scale Hardness Testers
- Overview
The Wallace range of H17 digital benchtop hardness testers are designed for measuring in Shore scale the hardness of various materials. A range of models are offered including the H17A for testing standard rubber, H17O for soft rubber and medium density textiles, H17D for hard rubbers and plastics, and H17M for thin/small rubber samples.
- Standards
ISO 48-4, ASTM D1414, ASTM D2240
- Application
Hardness testing in Shore scale as follows:
- Shore A:- Soft vulcanised rubber, natural rubber, nitriles, thermoplastic elastomers, flexible polyacrylics and thermosets, wax, felt and leathers.
- Shore B:- Moderately hard rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, paper products and fibrous materials.
- Shore C: - Medium hard rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, medium hard plastics and thermoplastics.
- Shore D:- Hard rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, harder plastics and rigid thermoplastics.
- Shore DO:- Moderately hard rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, and very dense windings.
- Shore M:- Thin irregularly shaped rubber, O-rings, thermoplastic elastomers and plastic specimens.
- Shore O:- Soft rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, very soft plastics and thermoplastics, medium-dense textile windings.
- Shore OO:- Extremely soft rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, sponge, extremely soft plastics and thermoplastics, foams, low density textile windings, human and animal tissue.
- 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?
- H17 Shore Scale Hardness Tester
- Standard Table
- Mains Power Supply Unit
- Mains Lead
- USB Cable
- User Manual
- Calibration Certificate
- Attachments
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H17 Shore Scale Hardness Tester Data Sheet 297 KB
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Specifications
| A | B | C | D | DO | M | O | OO | |
| Model | H17A | H17B | H17C | H17D | H17DO | H17M | H17O | H17OO |
| Weight | 7.5kg | 7.5kg | 12kg | 12kg | 12kg | 6.5kg | 7.5 kg | 6.5kg |
| Indenter Shape | 35° Frustum | 30° Cone | 35° Frustum | 30° Cone | Hemisphere Ø 2.38mm | 30° Cone | Hemisphere Ø 2.38mm | Hemisphere Ø 2.38mm |
| Indenter Tip | Flat Ø 0.79mm | Radius 0.100mm | Flat Ø 0.79mm | Radius 0.100mm | Radius 1.19mm | Radius 0.100mm | Radius 1.19mm | Radius 1.19mm |
| Max. Indentation Depth | 2.50mm | 2.50mm | 2.50mm | 2.50mm | 2.50mm | 1.25mm | 2.50mm | 2.50mm |
| Measurement Range | 20 - 90 A | Above 90 A Below 20 D | Above 90 B Below 20 D | Above 90 A | Above 90 C Below 20 D | 20 - 85 A | Below 20 DO | Below 20 O |
| Foot Force | 1kg | 1kg | 5kg | 5kg | 5kg | 0.25kg | 1kg | 0.4kg |
| Spring Force | 8.05N | 8.05N | 44.45N | 44.45N | 44.45N | 0.765N | 8.05N | 1.111N |
| Sample Thickness | >6mm | >6mm | >6mm | >6mm | >6mm | >1.5mm | >6mm | >6mm |
Universal Specifications
| A | B | C | D | DO | M | O | OO | |
| Dimensions (mm) | 300(h) x 215(w) x 255(d) | |||||||
| Resolution | 0.1 units | |||||||
| Force Method | Spring | |||||||
| Force Duration | 1 or 3 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 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 specialist Wallace software program or exported to Excel.
As minimal training is required, new operators soon become confident with the H17, achieving consistent readings from the outset
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Shore hardness testing uses a spring-loaded indenter and measures indentation depth after a defined dwell time. IRHD testing uses controlled dead-load forces and is often preferred for laboratory precision and repeatability.
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Yes. Traceability software, printers and data terminals are available for capturing and managing test data.
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Yes. After pressing the start button, the hardness tester operates automatically and holds the result on the display at the end of the test cycle.
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35mm is the standard maximum sample thickness; however our Extended Head Hardness tester can test up to 75mm sample thickness.
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When compared with a handheld hardness tester, the benchtop versions offer:
- Improved stability
- Better repeatability
- Reduced operator influence
- More accurate positioning
- Easier compliance with standards
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Yes. Working with our sister company, Tenon Engineering, we provide a bespoke service to design and make a customised sample table that will fit your requirements.
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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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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 Shore test blocks for performance verification and routine instrument checks. Find more information on test blocks here.
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Yes. Wallace hardness testers support PC connectivity and traceability software for digital data collection and reporting.
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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. Want more information? Contact our Support team who will be happy to help.
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The Wallace Traceability Software package is an add-on product that can be purchased together with your hardness tester to provide customisable software for your lab environment. You can find out more here.