FAQ IRHD

What does the abbreviation IRHD mean?

IRHD is the abbreviation for "International Rubber Hardness Degree".

IRHD is a measuring device for technical hardness testing of rubber and plastic items.

What is hardship?

Hardness is understood to mean the resistance to the penetration of an indenter with a certain geometric shape and a defined force into the sample.

The penetration path is measured and displayed in analog or digital form.

What is IRHD?

The IRHD hardness is a material parameter for elastomers, foams and plastics.

Which parts can be measured with IRHD?

From silicones to elastomers to plastics. The material thickness and width are also decisive.

For which areas of application are the (variant) hardening processes used?

• IRHD M (MICRO): O-rings, soft rubber, elastomers, natural rubber ...
• IRHD N: Soft rubber, elastomers, natural rubber ...
• IRHD L: Foams
• IRHD H: Plastics

How big is the penetration path?

Depending on the hardening process.

• IRHD M (MICRO): 0.3 mm
• IRHD N: 1.8 mm
• IRHD L: 1.1 ... .0.099 mm
• IRHD H: 0.44 mm

What is the geometry of the indenter?

Depending on the hardening process.

• IRHD M (MICRO): Ball 0.395 mm
• IRHD N: Ball 2.5 mm
• IRHD L: Ball 5.0 mm
• IRHD H: Ball 1.0 mm

How high are the forces?

Depending on the hardening process.

• IRHD M (MICRO): Initial force 8.3 mN, main force 145 mN, total force 153.3 mN
• IRHD N: Initial force 0.3N, main force 5.4 N, total force 5.7 N.
• IRHD L: Initial force 0.3N, main force 5.4 N, total force 5.7 N.
• IRHD H: Initial force 0.3N, main force 5.4 N, total force 5.7 N.

IRHD devices have weights (no springs!). The weights produce the necessary forces. Each penetration path has an assigned hardness.

Which areas of application are there for IRHD processes?

• IRHD M (MICRO): 35…. 85 (95) IRHD
• IRHD N: 35 ... .85 (95) IRHD
• IRHD L: 10 ... 35 IRHD
• IRHD H: 85… 100 IRHD
• What material thickness is required?

Depending on the hardening process.

• IRHD M (MICRO): 1… 5 (from 0.6 mm)
• IRHD N: 8… 10 mm
• IRHD L: 10… 15 mm
• IRHD H: 8… 10 mm

What do I have to consider with the measurement time?

The measurement time of 30 s is specified in accordance with the ISO 48 standard.

How often should a calibration be performed?

The calibration of IRHD is described in the ISO 18898 standard. The minimum requirements of the measuring equipment are also described. During calibration, the geometry of the indenter, the measuring forces (weights) and the measuring path are checked.

We recommend an annual calibration.

How can I avoid mistakes when measuring?

• The workpiece must not be moved during the measurement. Otherwise the indenter could be damaged.
• Before the measurement, it must be checked whether the IRHD hardening process is suitable for the material of the workpiece to be tested.
• The ambient temperature, the temperature of the workpiece and the temperature of the IRHD test device are ideally 23 ° C.
• The specified material thickness must not be undercut.
• The surface of the test item must be clean and flat and have two parallel surfaces.
• For O-rings, it is essential to use the centering device for O-rings. Cord diameters from 0.6 to 8.0 mm can be centered exactly here.
• If several measurements are carried out on a test object, each measuring position may only be used once, ie after each measurement the workpiece is moved.
• If the IRHD test device was used improperly, it must be checked or recalibrated.

How do I ship an IRHD device?

Only send the device in the original packaging; you can reorder this if necessary. The intended transport lock must be installed.

Where can I find the serial number on the controller and on the device?

Controller:

Is on the back. Starting with CON ...

IRHD measuring head:

• MICRO: On the left
• MACRO: On the right side

Where can I find the software version?

In the IRHD software.

Where can I find the firmware version?

How do I install the cables?

MICRO IRHD:

What information is required for a fault diagnosis?

Serial number of the device

Serial number from the controller

Software version e.g. 2.51

IRHD controller I or II

Firmware version e.g. 1.12