Factors to review when specifying Shore A hardness for a custom silicone component.
Hardness is one input
The same nominal hardness can behave differently when wall thickness, shape and loading change. A working sample or functional target is often more useful than hardness alone.
Review these factors
- Compression and recovery
- Tactile feel or flexibility
- Insertion and assembly force
- Wall thickness and geometry
- Temperature and fluid exposure
Confirm with samples
Use representative samples in the actual assembly and document the approved material, hardness and color before production.