Durometer

A durometer is a device used to measure the hardness of materials like rubber, plastics, and polymers. It works by pressing an indenter into the material and recording how much the material resists indentation. The measurement, expressed as a durometer number, indicates the material’s firmness—higher numbers mean harder materials, lower numbers indicate softer ones. This helps manufacturers and engineers select the right materials for specific applications, ensuring durability, flexibility, or softness as needed. Durometers are standardized, so measurements are consistent and comparable across different testing environments.