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What Is Shore A Hardness?
Shore A hardness is the scale used to measure the hardness of elastomeric materials such as O-rings and seals. The higher the Shore A value, the harder the material.
Typical Shore A Hardness Guide
| Shore A | Description | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | Very Soft | Special low-pressure applications |
| 50 | Soft | Delicate sealing surfaces |
| 60 | Moderately Soft | Specialized applications |
| 70 | Most Common | General industrial applications |
| 80 | Hard | Higher-pressure applications with improved extrusion resistance |
| 90 | Very Hard | High-pressure and demanding operating conditions |
How Does Shore A Hardness Affect Performance?
Lower Shore A Hardness
- Better conformity to sealing surfaces
- Suitable for low-pressure applications
- Greater flexibility and elasticity
Higher Shore A Hardness
- Increased resistance to deformation
- Better performance under high pressure
- Improved resistance to seal extrusion
Which Shore A Hardness Is Most Common?
For most industrial sealing applications, 70 Shore A is the preferred choice because it provides an excellent balance of sealing performance, flexibility, and durability.
The correct hardness should always be selected based on the application's operating pressure, temperature, media compatibility, and overall service conditions.
