How Shore Hardness Scales Evaluate and Define Polyurethane Characteristics

Polyurethane's true strength lies in its versatility, making it adaptable to a wide range of applications. Central to this adaptability is the Shore Hardness scale, which measures how resistant a material is to being indented. This metric plays a key role for engineers and designers when choosing the right material, as it helps them balance flexibility, durability, and resistance to wear.

Shore Hardness isn’t just a number—it's a window into understanding how polyurethane behaves, helping industries like automotive and consumer goods make informed decisions. By selecting the right hardness, companies ensure that their products not only perform well but also last under tough conditions.

To measure hardness, a device called a durometer gauge is used. It applies a standardized force to the material and gauges its resistance to indentation. The result is given as a numerical value that indicates the hardness level of the material.

Using the Durometer Scale allows for precise and reliable hardness measurements. This precision is important to ensure that the material meets the specific needs of its intended use, leading to better product performance and longer lifespan.

For example, polyurethane rods can be produced starting from a Shore A hardness of 60, typically ranging up to 90 Shore A. PU blocks are usually customized with hardness levels between Shore A 80 to 90. In Malaysia, Toyota series forklifts or reach trucks are commonly manufactured with a Shore A hardness of 90, while the BT series often uses a higher hardness of around 95 Shore A.