Phase-II PHT-980 Digital Shore Hardness Tester
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | PHT-980 |
| Price Range | USD 1–9,999 |
| Instrument Type | Shore A / Shore D Hardness Tester |
| Shore A Probe (P/N 54103-07) | 0–100 HSA |
| Shore D Probe (P/N 54103-09) | 0–100 HSD |
| Resolution | 0.5 HS (both scales) |
| Accuracy | ±1 HS (per ASTM D2240) |
| Power Source | SR44 Button Cell Battery |
Overview
The Phase-II PHT-980 Digital Shore Hardness Tester is a precision-engineered, portable instrument designed for rapid, repeatable measurement of indentation hardness in elastomers, thermoplastics, and rigid polymers according to the principles defined in ASTM D2240. It operates on the Shore scleroscope principle—applying a standardized spring-loaded indenter under controlled force to quantify material resistance to localized plastic deformation. Unlike analog durometers, the PHT-980 integrates a digital transducer system with real-time signal processing, eliminating parallax error and operator-dependent interpretation. Its dual-probe architecture supports both Shore A (for soft to medium-hard elastomers) and Shore D (for harder plastics and composites), enabling seamless transition between material classes without recalibration or mechanical adjustment. The device is optimized for field use, laboratory QA/QC workflows, and production line verification where traceability, portability, and compliance with international hardness standards are non-negotiable.
Key Features
- Dual-scale capability: Pre-configured support for Shore A (P/N 54103-07) and Shore D (P/N 54103-09) probes—each calibrated independently to meet ASTM D2240 Class 1 tolerances.
- Digital readout with 0.5 HS resolution and ±1 HS accuracy across full scale (0–100), verified against NIST-traceable reference standards.
- Compact, ergonomic housing engineered for one-handed operation and stable contact angle control during indentation—critical for minimizing measurement variability on curved or irregular surfaces.
- Low-power SR44 button cell battery design ensures >10,000 measurements per set (typical usage), with auto-shutdown after 60 seconds of inactivity to preserve calibration stability.
- Integrated memory function stores up to 99 sequential readings per session for immediate review; no external software required for basic data capture.
- Compliant with ISO 868 and DIN 53505 for comparative hardness assessment in quality audits and supplier qualification protocols.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PHT-980 is validated for use across a broad spectrum of polymeric materials within defined thickness and surface geometry constraints. Shore A probe application is appropriate for vulcanized rubber (e.g., tire treads, natural rubber compounds), synthetic elastomers (chloroprene, Thiokol® polysulfide, acrylics, and reactive acrylics), and low-modulus thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). Shore D probe deployment covers rigid thermoplastics (e.g., polystyrene, ABS, PVC), thermoset laminates (including Formica®), acrylic sheeting, and fiber-reinforced composites—provided specimen thickness exceeds 6 mm and surface flatness deviation remains below ±0.02 mm over the 6-mm indenter footprint. All measurements require conditioning per ASTM D618 (23 °C, 50% RH, ≥40 h) unless otherwise specified by material specification. The instrument conforms to ASTM D2240 Annex A1 for apparatus verification and supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with the optional NIST-traceable calibration certificate (P/N 17080-18).
Software & Data Management
While the PHT-980 operates as a standalone instrument, its digital output interface (via optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapter) enables direct integration with LIMS, MES, or custom QA databases. Raw hardness values are transmitted as ASCII strings with timestamp and probe identification tags, supporting automated parsing into structured CSV or XML formats. Firmware supports configurable data logging intervals and batch ID tagging—essential for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned environments requiring audit trails, electronic signatures, and version-controlled calibration records. All calibration events—including date, technician ID, standard used, and deviation logs—are retained internally and exportable upon request.
Applications
- Quality control of incoming elastomer batches in automotive and aerospace supply chains.
- In-process hardness verification during extrusion, molding, and vulcanization cycles.
- Material characterization in R&D labs evaluating polymer formulation effects on crosslink density and filler dispersion.
- Field inspection of rubber seals, gaskets, and vibration-damping components in industrial maintenance programs.
- Third-party testing laboratories performing accredited hardness assessments per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
- Academic research involving structure–property relationships in soft matter physics and polymer science.
FAQ
What standards does the PHT-980 comply with?
ASTM D2240 (Shore hardness), ISO 868, and DIN 53505—verified through independent third-party testing and documented in the NIST-traceable calibration report.
Can the same unit be used for both Shore A and Shore D measurements?
Yes—by swapping the dedicated probe (54103-07 for Shore A, 54103-09 for Shore D); no internal recalibration is required between probes.
Is the NIST-traceable calibration certificate included by default?
No—the certificate (P/N 17080-18) is an optional accessory shipped separately and must be ordered at time of purchase to ensure synchronized calibration validity.
How often should the instrument be recalibrated?
Annual recalibration is recommended for routine QC use; more frequent verification (e.g., daily with certified reference blocks) is advised in regulated manufacturing environments.
Does the PHT-980 support statistical process control (SPC) outputs?
Yes—when connected via serial interface, it transmits mean, min, max, and standard deviation for user-defined sample sets directly to SPC software platforms.
