IRHD Hardness Testers – Standard and Micro Models for Rubber and Elastomers
Qualitest offers a comprehensive and competitively priced range of IRHD Hardness Testers, including both Standard IRHD and Micro IRHD Hardness Testers, designed for precise hardness measurement of rubber, elastomers, and soft polymers. These instruments provide highly repeatable results in accordance with international standards, making them ideal for quality control, R&D, and compliance testing across various industries.
What is IRHD Hardness Testing?
IRHD (International Rubber Hardness Degrees) is a non-destructive method for determining the hardness of rubber and elastomeric materials. Unlike Shore hardness methods, IRHD testing applies a constant minor and major load, measuring the depth of indentation with higher precision and less surface distortion. This is especially important for small or thin rubber components.
Standards Compliance
Qualitest IRHD Hardness Testers fully comply with the following international standards:
- ISO 48-2: Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of hardness — Part 2: IRHD methods
- ISO 48-4: Specifies the Micro IRHD method for testing small or thin rubber specimens
- DIN ISO 48 / ASTM D1415: Widely recognized equivalents for IRHD testing in the European and North American markets
These standards ensure consistency, traceability, and global acceptance of test results, particularly for industries like automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and rubber component manufacturing.
Types of IRHD Testers Offered
Standard IRHD Hardness Testers
Ideal for flat rubber samples or components with larger surface areas and thicknesses (typically ≥6 mm). These testers use a spherical indenter and a fixed loading sequence, offering high repeatability and long-term reliability.
Micro IRHD Hardness Testers
Specially designed for small, thin, or O-ring specimens with limited testing area or thickness (as low as 1 mm). These testers use a smaller indenter and lighter loads in accordance with ISO 48-4, ensuring accurate readings without damaging delicate samples.
Applications
- Rubber and elastomer quality assurance
- Testing O-rings, gaskets, seals, and molded rubber parts
- Automotive, aerospace, defense, electronics, and medical manufacturing
- Research and development of new rubber formulations
With over 25 years of experience in materials testing solutions, Qualitest provides one of the most competitive and reliable selections of IRHD and Micro IRHD Hardness Testers on the market. Our solutions are backed by technical expertise, global support, and a commitment to precision.
Contact us today to learn more about our IRHD hardness testing solutions or to request a quote tailored to your application needs.
