While using a durometer may appear simple, there is actually a technique required to get accurate and meaningful testáresults.áBefore attempting to test specimens with irregularásurfaces, it is recommended to practice on the flat surface of a known sample. For best results your specimen should be at least 1/4-inch thick with a room temperature of 70 degrees F. One technique to use for practice is holding your durometer on a flat glass or steel surface -- the durometer should indicate 100A.áIf you are unsure about your durometer’s
Place the specimen on a firm flat surface. Hold theá durometer vertically with the presser foot on edge.
Gently roll the durometer and stand it upright so the pressure foot rests flat on the specimen surface.
Apply only enough pressure to hold the presser flat on the surface (approximately 2-3 pounds). Excess pressure will result in a high reading, while insufficient pressure will result in a low reading. Read theádurometer within one second of the foot resting flat in the specimen.á
This unit has limited accuracy. For highest accuracy a “hands free” unit should be used.á
Durometers are accurate within +/- 1A and operator error and inconsistencies can raise this error to +/- 2A.áThe standard deviation for hand held units is 3A.