TianYuan TYLX-A/D Shore Hardness Tester
| Brand | TianYuan |
|---|---|
| Origin | Jiangsu, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | Domestic (China) |
| Model | TYLX-A/D |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
| Shore A Range | 10–90 HA |
| Shore D Range | 10–90 HD |
| Applied Force | 0.55–8.06 N (A-type), 0–44.5 N (D-type) |
| Indenter Tip Diameter | Φ0.79 mm (A), Φ0.1 mm (D) |
| Indenter Travel | 2.5 mm |
| Scale | 0–100 HA / 0–100 HD |
| Compatible Materials | Soft elastomers (A), rigid thermoplastics & duroplastics (D) |
| Net Weight | 12 kg |
Overview
The TianYuan TYLX-A/D Shore Hardness Tester is a dual-scale, manually operated indentation hardness instrument engineered for precise and repeatable measurement of elastomeric and rigid polymeric materials in accordance with internationally recognized standards including ISO 7619-1, ASTM D2240, GB/T 531.1, GB/T 2411, HG/T 2489, and JB 6148. It operates on the fundamental principle of measuring the depth of indentation produced by a standardized conical or spherical indenter under a defined static load. The device features two interchangeable hardness scales—Shore A and Shore D—each calibrated to distinct force ranges and indenter geometries to ensure metrological suitability across a broad spectrum of material stiffnesses. Shore A employs a truncated cone indenter with a 35° included angle and 0.79 mm tip radius, suitable for soft to medium-hard rubbers and elastomers; Shore D utilizes a sharper 30° conical indenter with a 0.1 mm tip radius and higher applied force, optimized for rigid plastics, acrylics, and thermosets. The instrument’s robust cast-iron base and precision-machined support frame minimize vibration-induced error and ensure long-term dimensional stability during both benchtop laboratory use and field deployment.
Key Features
- Dual-scale capability: Integrated mechanical switching between Shore A and Shore D configurations without recalibration.
- Modular design: Detachable analog hardness indicator head allows flexible operation—mounted on the rigid test stand for high-reproducibility lab measurements or handheld for in-line production floor verification.
- Standard-compliant loading system: Precisely engineered spring mechanism delivers nominal forces of 0.55–8.06 N (Shore A) and 0–44.5 N (Shore D), traceable to national metrological standards.
- High-contrast analog dial: 0–100 scale with 1 HA/HD graduation, enabling visual resolution of ±0.5 units under controlled lighting conditions.
- Fixed indenter travel limit: 2.5 mm mechanical stop ensures consistent penetration depth and eliminates overloading-induced plastic deformation artifacts.
- Stable platform construction: 12 kg mass and low center of gravity reduce resonance effects during manual actuation, enhancing measurement repeatability per ISO 14644-1 Class 8 cleanroom-compatible environments.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TYLX-A/D tester accommodates flat, smooth, and homogeneous specimens ≥6 mm thick with minimum lateral dimensions of 25 × 25 mm. Surface roughness shall not exceed Ra 0.8 µm to avoid spurious indentation scatter. For valid results, samples must be conditioned at 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5 % RH for ≥16 hours prior to testing (per ISO 291). The instrument supports full compliance with quality management frameworks: test records generated using optional digital adapters may be archived with audit trails meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements; routine calibration intervals align with ISO/IEC 17025 recommendations for hardness testing laboratories. Cross-reference validation against NIST-traceable reference blocks (e.g., NB-10 through NB-90 series) is recommended quarterly.
Software & Data Management
While the base TYLX-A/D model operates as a standalone analog instrument, optional USB-digital conversion kits enable real-time data capture via RS-232 or TTL interfaces. Compatible software modules support automated pass/fail evaluation against user-defined specification limits, statistical process control (SPC) charting (X̄–R, Cpk), and export to CSV, Excel, or LIMS-compatible XML formats. All digital workflows include timestamped operator ID logging, instrument serial number embedding, and GLP/GMP-compliant electronic signatures when paired with validated authentication protocols.
Applications
- Quality assurance of vulcanized rubber compounds in tire, sealant, and gasket manufacturing.
- In-process verification of injection-molded thermoplastic parts (e.g., ABS, PC, PP) for automotive interior trim.
- R&D screening of novel elastomer blends, silicone gels, and TPU formulations.
- Regulatory submission support for medical device polymer components (ISO 10993-12 compliant specimen preparation).
- Failure analysis of aged rubber insulation in electrical cable testing per IEC 60811-501.
FAQ
When should I switch from Shore A to Shore D testing?
Use Shore A for materials with expected hardness values between 10–90 HA. If the reading exceeds 90 HA, transition to Shore D; if the Shore D reading falls below 20 HD, revert to Shore A for improved sensitivity.
Is calibration required before each test session?
Daily verification using certified reference hardness blocks is recommended. Full recalibration by an accredited service provider is advised every 12 months or after 5,000 test cycles.
Can this instrument be used for curved surfaces?
No. The standard test method requires a flat, parallel surface. Curved or irregular geometries require specialized fixtures or alternative methods such as IRHD (International Rubber Hardness Degree).
What is the minimum sample thickness for valid measurement?
Specimens must be ≥6 mm thick to prevent substrate interference; thinner samples require backing support or alternative test methods per ASTM D2240 Annex A2.
Does the device meet CE or UKCA marking requirements?
As a non-electrical, manually operated mechanical instrument, it falls outside the scope of CE/UKCA directives but complies with EN ISO 7619-1:2018 mechanical safety and metrological performance criteria.
