OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The following procedures are based on ASTM Standard
D2240. This standard is recognized as being denive,
however, not all applicaons require such stringent
controls.
Readings below 10/D may be inexact and should be made
on a Type A durometer.
The surface of the sample to be tested shall be clean and
smooth. The sample should be at least 1/4” (6 mm) in
thickness unless it is known that idencal results are
obtained with a thinner specimen. Thinner materials can be
stacked to obtain the minimum thickness (DO NOT GLUE).
Such results may not agree with those of a solid specimen.
The sample should be large enough so that the indenter is
at least 1/2” (12 mm) from any edge unless it is known that
idencal results are obtained when measurements are
made closer to the edge. The surface of the specimen shall
be at over a sucient area to permit the presser foot to
contact the specimen over an area having a radius of at
least 1/4” from the indenter point. The temperature of the
specimen should be 73.4°F ±3.5°F (23°C ±2°C). The
specimen should be allowed to rest at this temperature for
at least 1 hour prior to tesng, as the properes of most
materials change with temperature.
Place the specimen on a hard, horizontal surface. With the
durometer held vercally, press and hold release the 'ON/
clr' buon to turn on the digital indicator.
If desired, press and release the 'HOLD' buon to enable
max-hold. Hold the durometer vercally with the point of
the indenter at least 1/2 " from any edge. Apply the presser
foot to the specimen as rapidly as possible, without shock,
keeping the foot parallel to the surface of the specimen.
Apply just sucient force to obtain rm contact between
the presser foot and the specimen. Hold for 1 or 2 seconds,
the maximum reading can be obtained by a seng on
the indicator (see above). When max-hold is enabled the
maximum value reached will automacally be displaced
and held unl reset. To disengage the maximum feature,
press and release 'HOLD' buon again. If other than a
maximum reading is needed, hold the durometer in place
without moon
and obtain the reading aer the required me interval.
Make 5 tests at least 1/4" apart and use the average value.
PTC® Instruments is the leading manufacturer of durometers and surface thermometers in the world. Our factory and calibraon lab is
located in Los Angeles, California U.S.A. Doc #2469
DIGITAL INSTRUCTIONS
Power On
Press and hold ON/CLR unl indicator turns on.
Power O
Press OFF/MODE
Auto-O Toggle
Press the 2ND buon unl 2ND appears on the display.
Press the OFF/MODE.
An hour glass appears at le side of display if AUTO OFF is
acve. If AUTO OFF is acve the indicator will power o in
10 minutes with no acvity (buon press or spindle
movement).
Hold Mode
Allows you to hold the value on the display according to
the specied mode.
Press HOLD to toggle hold mode on and o.
MAX - Holds and displays the highest reading aained.
MIN - Holds and displays the lowest reading aained.
FRZ - Holds and displays the reading displayed when HOLD
is engaged.
Note: Pressing ON/CLR buon resets indicator to spindle
posion except in FRZ; resets to zero.
Reset to Factory Default
This will set all features and funcons back to the factory
default sengs.
Press the 2ND buon (2ND icon should appear on the
display), followed by ON/CLR, then press IN/MM.
Note: Factory defaults cannot be reset if the LOCK feature
is on.
For a complete calibraon check of mainspring, and visual and
mechanical check of indenter, the instrument should be
returned to PTC Metrology ™
(See Guarantee & Calibraon Service) or refer to ASTM D2240
Specicaons. PTC® recommends the unit be returned at least
every 12 months for this check. For a quick eld check, follow
the guideline below. Under no circumstance should a test block
be used as a standard to calibrate a durometer.
1. The pointer should read zero when no force is applied to the
indenter of the durometer.
2. Hand hold the durometer and insert the indenter into the
hole of the calibrated test block. Apply enough force to make
rm contact between the top surface of the test block and the
base of the durometer. The dial reading should agree with the
value stamped on the check block (±1). Several tests should be
made and the results averaged.
3. The indenter must protrude 0.098 to 0.100 inches below the
base of the durometer.
4. When the indenter is fully displaced, the durometer should
read 100 points. Use care as to not damage the p of the
indenter.
CALIBRATION CHECK
