CS-0 (S-32) Wheel Hardness

Working in conjunction with ISO TC 219, Taber Industries assisted the laminate floor industry in establishing a procedure for measuring wheel hardness for the CS-0 (S-32) rubber wheels.  This procedure clearly defines how to take hardness measurements on the wheels, which are commonly used for conducting abrasion tests on laminate flooring (e.g. EN 13329, ISO 24338).

For Shore A test measurements, the apparatus used shall be a Shore type A durometer with a 12.7mm presser foot diameter; operating stand with a mechanically controlled rate of decent; and 1kg mass centered on the axis of the indenter.  The wheel to be tested shall be firmly located with its major axis horizontal and with the area in which the hardness is to be measured uppermost and positioned directly under the durometer indenter by means of a fixture or V-block.  The hardness measurements are to be taken vertically on the apex of the wheel with the indenter normal to the wheel tread surface and in the middle of the wheel tread.  The presser foot shall be applied to the wheel tread at a controlled rate of decent, without shock until the full force of the 1kg mass is applied to the wheel tread surface.  The reading shall be taken 5 seconds after the presser foot is in firm contact with the wheel surface.  Four points shall be measured at equally spaced intervals around the diameter of the wheel and the average of these measurements shall be calculated for wheel hardness.  The specified hardness of the CS-0 (S-32) wheel is 65 ±3 Shore A.

Starting in November 2011, Taber Industries is utilizing the procedure for evaluating wheel hardness.  As a result, there may be some discrepancies with wheels that were evaluated using a different hardness procedure.  Prior to this update, Taber utilized a fixture that aligned the side of the wheel under the indenter pin and presser foot, and readings were taken after 10 seconds.

For additional information, please contact Taber Industries.