Rex Durometer Test Stands

Q: Can one Durometer test stand be used for both Shore A and Shore D testing?

Yes. Stands such as the Rex OS-2 / OS-2H , Checkline OS-300-2 , Imada SY , and Imada YMS feature a 1 kg base arbor mass for Shore A testing and accept a removable 4 kg auxiliary weight (totaling 5 kg) whenever you swap in a Shore D Durometer.

Manual, Hydraulic-Dampened & Motorized Durometer Test Stands for ASTM D2240 Repeatability

Handheld durometer readings can vary by 3 to 5 Shore points between different operators due to inconsistencies in pressing force, downward approach velocity, and off-axis tilting. ABQ Industrial supplies laboratory-grade Durometer Test Stands from Checkline, Rex, Imada, and Asker engineered to eliminate operator influence. By holding the durometer strictly perpendicular to the specimen table and applying the exact dead-weight mass and descent speed mandated by ASTM D2240, DIN 53505, ISO 868, and ISO 7619, our operating stands guarantee repeatable quality control and laboratory R&R compliance

F.A.Q.

Hydraulic & Pneumatic Speed-Dampened Stands (ASTM D2240 3.2 mm/s Descent Control)

To overcome internal spring resistance and seat the Durometer presser foot flat against the test specimen without excessive crushing force, ASTM D2240 mandates three specific dead-weight masses:

400 grams: Required for low-force foam and gel scales (Shore OO, OOO, and OOO-S) using the Rex OS-4 Test Stand.
1.0 kilogram (1,000 g): Required for medium-force elastomer scales (Shore A, B, E, and O)—supplied as the standard base mass on most test stands.
5.0 kilograms (5,000 g): Required for high-force rigid polymer scales (Shore C, D, and DO)—achieved by adding an optional 4 kg auxiliary weight on top of a 1 kg stand arbor.

Why does descent speed affect Shore hardness readings on rubber and plastics?

If a Durometer is dropped too quickly onto an elastomer specimen, kinetic impact energy drives the indenter deeper into the surface than static spring force alone, causing artificially low hardness readings (or high transient spikes). Dampened stands like the Rex OS-2H and motorized stands like the Imada YMS regulate descent velocity below the ASTM D2240 limit of 3.2 mm/s for shock-free contact.

Can one Durometer test stand be used for both Shore A and Shore D testing?

Yes. Stands such as the Rex OS-2 / OS-2H, Checkline OS-300-2, Imada SY, and Imada YMS feature a 1 kg base arbor mass for Shore A testing and accept a removable 4 kg auxiliary weight (totaling 5 kg) whenever you swap in a Shore D Durometer.

Are Durometers included with the test stand?

No, Durometer operating stands are sold separately so you can pair them with your exact preferred analog or digital Durometer scale (Shore A, D, O, OO, or Type M). Always match the mounting thread of your Durometer brand (Checkline, Rex Gauge, or Imada) with the corresponding stand series.