Hardness Testing Articles

Digital vs Analog Rockwell Tester: Which is Better?

23 Jan 2026

Ready to boost your lab's precision and efficiency?

Investing in the right hardness tester isn't just about meeting standards; it's about empowering your team to produce their best work. For many of our clients, the path to superior quality starts with a single choice: the analog vs digital Rockwell tester.

At Qualitest, we see this as an exciting opportunity to align your tools with your specific workflow. Whether you need a rugged workhorse or a data-driven powerhouse, let’s explore which solution will help your operation thrive.

Rockwell Test Precision: Loads, Indenters & Results

21 Jan 2026

For manufacturing floors that depend on fast, accurate results, the Rockwell hardness test is superior. There is no need for operators to work with microscopes or complex conversions; the process is direct, clean, and gives you a number you can act on immediately.

We believe its straightforward nature is its greatest strength. You get immediate, dependable data essential for quality control without the lab-level complexity of other methods.

Superficial vs Regular Rockwell: The Technical Guide

19 Jan 2026

Material testing isn't just a box to check on a QC report. It is the primary safeguard for your product quality.

At Qualitest, we know that choosing between regular vs superficial Rockwell methods is a frequent challenge for lab managers. Getting this technical distinction right is non-negotiable for compliance with ASTM E18 and ISO 6508, and failing to do so is the quickest way to end up with inconsistent data and wasted materials.

Rockwell Testing Methods: Formulas & Usage

1 Jan 2026

Is your team looking for a trustworthy way to verify that your metal components are truly built to last? 

Assessing resistance to indentation is a critical step in guaranteeing that your final output is solid and long-lasting. The Rockwell hardness test serves as the standard approach for this evaluation, offering both precise data and versatile application across various alloys. By tuning the applied pressure and the penetrating tool, you can customize the procedure to suit your specific manufacturing requirements. 

The Complete Rockwell Hardness Testing Guide

31 Dec 2025

For manufacturers and labs, the Rockwell method is the primary choice for checking material resistance. Unlike optical methods that demand measuring the width of an indentation, this approach measures depth. The result is a direct, immediate reading that keeps production lines moving and quality control efficient.  

How Does Temperature Affect a Rubber's Shore Durometer?

13 Oct 2025

Most product failures aren't a great mystery. They typically happen because a small, critical detail was overlooked somewhere in the process. And when your business deals with elastomeric or rubber components, the most commonly overlooked detail is the material's specific firmness. 

That number is its durometer, and treating it as a static, unchanging property is a significant business risk. 

Tensile Strength vs Durometer: An Essential Guide

10 Oct 2025

To put it plainly, a material failure can do more than just stop a project in its tracks; it can damage your reputation and your bottom line. 

In our experience, many of these failures begin with a simple misunderstanding of material properties. The most common point of confusion we see is the tensile strength vs durometer issue. They sound related, but they measure entirely different characteristics, and the choice between them is a critical decision. 

IRHD vs Shore: A Complete Guide for Professionals

8 Oct 2025

Getting the hardness of your rubber components exactly right is a fundamental part of a successful product. 

Your Expert ASTM D2240 Durometer Guide

6 Oct 2025

Getting a material's hardness right is a critical factor for product performance. 

An incorrect value can lead to a component that feels substandard or fails prematurely. This is the precise challenge the ASTM D2240 durometer test method was made to solve. Consider it the official procedure for a specific type of indentation test that confirms how resistant or pliable your materials are. 

We’re going to outline this standard, look at its variations, and explain how you can achieve truly consistent numbers from your ASTM D2240 durometer. 

Durometer Hardness: Shore A vs Shore D Differences

3 Oct 2025

In the manufacturing sector, getting material properties right is a fundamental requirement for success. 

We have consistently seen that a product's performance, safety, and lifespan are directly tied to the pliability or rigidity of the materials used. For this reason, anyone specifying materials must have a firm grasp of the difference between Shore A and Shore D hardness.