October 2012

Albright Technologies Monthly Insider


 How is the "softness" (durometer) of medical grade silicone measured?

 

This is a question that comes up almost every day when discussing new project ideas with perspective clients. The softness or durometer of all polymers/elastomers/rubbers is measured essentially the same way and the term while commonly used to describe the material hardness, actually originated from the device used to take the measurement a duro-meter. There are lots of different designs for this device, click here to compare pricing and options and get a general feel for what they look like and how they work.

 

A material's softness is described by its resistance to deformation when exposed to a known, measurable force. When the needle of the durometer tester (as they are often referred to nowadays) is pushed into an elastomer (like medical grade silicone) the material pushes back with a certain amount of force that will read out on the dial in the form of a "durometer." A certain amount of skill and experience are required to receive accurate readings. You must also make sure to have a large enough sample of material to measure, otherwise you end up taking a durometer reading on the table underneath your silicone part.

 

Since there are such drastic differences from one material to the next in terms of hardness (compare a gel insole for a shoe to a hockey puck) there were different scales or "Shores" for the durometers to be measured in. While there are about a dozen different shores, the commonly used ones in our industry are Shore A, Shore D, and Shore OO. These Shore scales do overlap, and the image below does an excellent job of providing real world examples that people are exposed to throughout everyday life.

   

 

The reason these different scales are referred to as Shores is due to the scientist Albert F. Shore who is credited with the development of this measurement system. Click here for more information on durometer.

 

If you have further questions on durometer, we would love to help. Email Kevin Franzino at [email protected].  

 Last Chance to Win a 3D Motion Controller!

 

There is one week left to send your silicone related questions for a chance to win a 3D motion controller! 
 

  3D Controller

 

Click here to send us your questions about medical silicone design, prototyping, manufacturing, liquid silicone molding, quality control or anything silicone related. The contest deadline has been extended and the winning name will be drawn on November 1, 2012, so send your questions now!  

Issue: 12

Albright Logo


Like us on Facebook  View our profile on LinkedIn  Follow us on Twitter

Visit our blog


Free Silicone Design Manual 

 

"Like" our Facebook page and download the Silicone Molding Design Manual for FREE! 

 

Don't forget to share with your friends and colleagues! 




Connect with Us

 

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on LinkedIn, to join the online discussion about the silicone industry and how Albright Technologies can help with your project needs. 

 

We'd love to answer your questions on Silicone.pro and don't forget to visit www.albright1.com, where you can find detailed information on our products and services.