Barcol Hardness measures the penetration resistance of a material to a sharp point using a Barcol Impressor. The higher the Barcol Hardness value, the harder the material. At Exova, Barcol hardness can be used to determine the degree of cure of thermosetting materials.

Durometer Hardness measures resistance to indentation of elastomers or soft plastic materials such a plasticized PVC using a conical indentor. The higher the Durometer Hardness value, the harder the material. Shore A and Shore D Durometer Hardness are commonly measured for polymers.

Please contact us to find out how Exova’s Barcol Hardness laboratory test method can meet your specific requirements.