Elastomer is a shorthand for elastic polymer, meaning they are polymers that are having a viscosity as well as elasticity. Rubber and elastomer are words commonly used to mean any material exhibiting elastic or rubber-like properties such as Natural Rubber, Polyurethanes, Polybutadiene, Silicone, and Neoprene.
The measurement of the material’s resistance towards the deforming force for a defined length of time is done by measuring the hardness. It differs from material to material. The soft compounds deform easily and have high friction while the harder compounds have high resistance and low friction.
Durometer or Shore testing is a standardized way to measure the hardness of materials like rubber (elastomers) and plastics. The Shore durometer is a device for measuring the hardness of most rubber materials. The range of Shore measurement scale is from 0 to 100. A higher durometer elastomer is harder than a lower durometer elastomer.
Bareiss has been manufacturing Durometers since 1954 and sold more than 100,000 units worldwide. With the unique patent design, Bareiss Durometers are highly reliable and give the most repeatable results. This is one of the main reasons why Bareiss durometers are the first choice for many reputable manufacturers. The most recent electronic durometer made by Bareiss is called HPE III.
Digital Durometer HPE III series are high-end hardness testers for accurate and repeatable hardness measurement of rubber, plastics and other elastomers within the Shore A, A0, B, 0, C, D, D0, 00, 000, 000S, E, scales and much more.
HPE III, the new generation of HPE has many new features to offer. While the device is taking a hardness value from the specimen, an optional temperature sensor mounted on the bottom of the device is taking a temperature value. The device will have an indication of both values as well as the values of the ambient temperature and humidity. Historical measurements can be displayed for the hardness values and the date/time when each measurement was taken.
While the device is taking a hardness value from the specimen, a temperature sensor mounted on the bottom of the device is taking a temperature value. The device will have an indication of both values as well as the values of the ambient temperature and humidity. Historical measurements can be displayed for the hardness values and date/time when each measurement was taken. A Large LCD display for reading comfort, USB connection for data transfer and battery recharge, and a patented handgrip for achieving correct measuring angle and amount of force are all standard features on HPE III.
A considerable disadvantage of the current processes for determining the ripening stage of fruits and vegetables is the destruction of the specimen itself during the actual measurement. Major Fruit and Vegetable producers have long been concerned about the waste that occurs while regulating the hardness stages of saying avocados or tomatoes.
As part of the research for a process suitable for the development of a non-destructive firmness tester, the Penetrometer and the HPE III Fff from Bareiss were compared with regards to its process capability. All our current customers quickly realized that using our device would benefit their process, cause no destruction to the fruit, and embrace their vision of minimizing waste. The sensitivity in the edible range is way better and therefore the discriminability is better. In addition, the HPE III Fff offers the option of recording the ambient temperature and the relative humidity, showing all the data on a large, illuminated display.
Thanks to the internal memory, which can store up to 300 measured values, this data can be transmitted on the spot via Bluetooth, or via the supplied interface cable subsequently to a laboratory system, for a detailed assessment. While other companies continue to develop better ways to store and transport their product post-harvest, Bareiss looks forward to providing them the same firmness tester with exchangeable pressure plates suitable for measuring those items from harvest to home.
Geneq is an authorized Canadian distributor
