Correlation Between Durometer (A)

and P&J Hardness Scales

Urethane
Prepolymers

TELETECH

Correlation between Durometer (Shore) A

and P & J Plastometer Hardness Scales
Although the Durometer (Shore) A and D hardness scales are the most
widely used in the polyurethane elastomer industry, the P & J (Pusey and
Jones) Plastometer is commonly used in the roll industry. In certain
applications, such as paper mill rolls, the P & J scale is used almost
exclusively.
The attached chart shows a correlation between the Durometer A and P &
J Plastometer scales. This correlation has been shown to hold well for a
variety of Adiprene, Vibrathane and Ribbon Flow compounds used
in the roll industry and is meant to be used as an approximate guide in
translating from one scale to the other.
Note the inverse relationship between the two scales: For example, zero P
& J equals 100 A and 200 P & J equals about 39 A. Above about 95 A
(about 12 P & J) the A durometer scale becomes inaccurate, and one
should switch to the D scale. For practical purposes, 5 P & J equals about
75 Durometer D and 7 P & J equals about 60 D.
For more information on P & J hardness, call Adiprene/Vibrathane
Technical Services at 800-243-2650.

DUROMETER (A) vs. P&J HARDNESS SCALES

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10

Durometer A
0

50

100

150

200

250

P & J Plastometer Hardness

300

350

400

DUROMETER (A) vs. P&J HARDNESS SCALES

Correlation Between Durometer A and P & J Hardness Scales

100

95

90

85
D u r o m e te r A

80

75
0

10

20

30

40

50

P & J Ha rdne s s

REV: 3.03dd

Although there are Durometer B and C gauges that can be used to measure hardnesses between
the A and D scales, they are not in common use in the polyurethane industry.

Care should be taken in using a D gauge on the face of a finished part, since its sharp indentor
may puncture the material, causing a pinhole defect.

T7

02/14/2001