Sauter HB0 100-0 analogue Shore hardness tester Shore A0, 100 HA0 / 1 HA0

With the analogue Shore hardness testers of the Sauter HB, you test the hardness of rubber, elastomers and plastics by indentation measurement, without power and without a battery. The series comprises three models in metal housings: the HBA 100-0 measures on the Shore A scale, the HB0 100-0 on the Shore A0 scale and the HBD 100-0 on the Shore D scale. All instruments have a measuring range of 100 with a readability of 1 and display the measured value on an analogue scale.

Drag pointer and max mode

All instruments have a drag pointer. It holds the peak value reached by the measuring tip when pressed in, and the value stays on the scale after lifting off. Kern calls this max mode. A device without a display or electronics has no interface and no memory; the reading is taken directly from the scale.

Shore A, Shore A0 or Shore D

The scale determines which materials a device is intended for. Kern intends the HBA 100-0 with Shore A for rubber, elastomers, neoprene, silicone, vinyl, soft plastics, felt and leather. The HB0 100-0 with Shore A0 is intended for soft materials such as foam and sponges. The HBD 100-0 measures on the Shore D scale, which is used for harder plastics. The scale applicable to a test object is usually specified by the material specification or internal test procedure. Anyone testing several material classes will need several instruments. The instruments differ in the scale and in the weight: the HBA 100-0 weighs approx. 0.15 kg, the other two approx. 0.20 kg. The housing, dimensions, measurement accuracy and minimum thickness of the test object are the same.

Comparison measurements and test stand

Kern recommends the HB series primarily for internal comparison measurements. According to Kern, calibrations according to standard are not possible because of very tight standard tolerances. The measurement accuracy is 3 % of the final value; the test object must be at least 6 mm thick. Without the test stand, the device is held against the sample by hand. All three devices can be screwed onto a Shore test stand using an M7 fine-pitch thread. The HBA 100-0 and the HB0 100-0 fit onto the TI-AC test stand, whilst the HBD 100-0 fits onto the TI-D. The test stand holds the device in a suspended position and presses the measuring tip into the test object using a fixed test weight. According to Kern, the accuracy of the measurement result on the test stand is around 25 % higher than with a manual measurement.

Typical applications

• Plastics engineering: comparing the hardness of plastic components and elastomers
• Medical technology: hardness testing of elastomer components
• Automotive industry: hardness testing of seals and rubber components
• Packaging industry: testing the hardness of film and foam materials
• Food industry: hardness testing of seals and plastic components

The HBA 100-0 is suitable for rubber and soft plastics, the HB0 100-0 for foam and sponges, whilst the HBD 100-0 is suitable for harder plastics. Measurements taken with the same instrument can be compared across batches and deliveries, for example during goods receipt or in production control. For measurements with a display, memory or data transmission, the Sauter HD and HE digital hardness testers are available; these series are also available.

Models at a glance

Technical details

These values apply to all models. Deviating values are given in the model table.

Scope of delivery

• Sauter HB Shore hardness tester (HBA 100-0, HB0 100-0 or HBD 100-0, depending on the model)
• Plastic box

Warranty

According to Kern & Sohn, these devices come with a 2-year warranty. Kern grants 3 years on products with a list price of €500 or more and 2 years on products below that and on components; wear parts such as batteries and rechargeable batteries are excluded. Warranty repairs are carried out by Kern or by a Kern dealer.

Downloads

• Operating instructions HB0 100-0 (PDF)
• Operating instructions HBD 100-0 (PDF)

Individual requirements and procurement service

The TI-AC (Shore A, 10 N) and TI-D (Shore D, 50 N) Shore test stands, the AHBD-01 hardness reference plates for Shore D, and the HD and HE series digital Shore hardness testers are also available. Enquiries are handled via our procurement service.