DIN 53505 – Shore A and Shore D hardness testing of rubber

DIN 53505 is a recognized standard for testing the hardness of rubber using either the Shore A or Shore D hardness testing method. This test has been retired and replaced by ISO 7619-1 and 7619-2. However, you may still often come across products or manuals which refer to this popular test, so it is well worth making sure you you’ve got to grips with the standard.  

DIN 53505 is an inactive standard – replaced by ISO 7619-1 and 7619-2 

DIN 53505 is now inactive and in its place, ISO 7619-1 and 7619-2 can be used. These alternative standards are also used to determine the relative hardness of plastics using the Shore scale.  

More about DIN 53505 

The hardness of rubber is determined by its viscoelastic properties and DIN 53505 is a well-established, although inactive, standard method for assessing these properties in a variety of plastics, using the Shore hardness method. Testing is carried out with a durometer.  Type A durometers can be used to test in the hardness range of 10 to 90 Shore A, while type D durometers are to be used in the high hardness range.  

Understanding ISO 7619-1 and 7619-2 

ISO 7619-1 and 7619-2 are the standard test methods that have been introduced in place of alternatives such as DIN 535050.  

• ISO 7619-1 - specifies a method for determining the indentation hardness (also known as Shore hardness) of vulcanized or thermoplastic rubber with the use of durometers. 

• ISO 7619-2 – specifies a method for determining the indentation hardness of vulcanized or thermoplastic rubber by means of a pocket hardness meter calibrated in IRH. These meter are typically used for control and not specification methods.  

What is the Shore hardness scale?

The Shore hardness scale is a popular method of determining the hardness or flexibility of a variety of materials, including plastic. It was invited by Albert Ferdinand Shore in the 1920s and has since been used as a functional point of reference for discussing the relative hardness of materials. There are a range of Shore hardness scales and DIN 53505 makes use of Scale A and Scale D. Get more details in our guide to the Shore hardness scale. 

Plastic hardness testing at Industrial Physics

TQC Sheen Shore Hardness Gauge 

This handy instrument can be used to measure the impression hardness of soft materials, such as plastic. It applies force to the material being tested via its standardized presser foot, then measures the depth of the indentation left in the sample. The TQC Sheen Shore Hardness Gauge is also compliant for ISO 868 and ASTM D 224 testing.  

Hardness testing tools and more

We know just how essential it is to choose testing equipment that will help you meet the standards of your industry. That’s why our talented engineers and specialized brands keep up to date with changing regulations and create testing machines able to meet them. From helping you select the right equipment for your QA process to ongoing training and maintenance, we can help you at every step of the way.  

Check out related DIN 53505 products and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.