Nabl 122 15 PDF

NABL 122-15
NATIONAL ACCREDITATION BOARD FOR

TESTING AND CALIBRATION
LABORATORIES
SPECIFIC CRITERIA
for CALIBRATION LABORATORIES
IN MECHANICAL DISCIPLINE :
Durometer (Rubber Hardness
Testers)
MASTER COPY
Reviewed by
Approved by
Quality Officer
Director, NABL
ISSUE No.
: 05
ISSUE DATE: 12.08.2014
AMENDMENT No.
: 00
AMENDMENT DATE:
AMENDMENT SHEET
Sl No. Page
No.
Clause
No.
Date of
Amendment
Amendment
made
Reasons
Signature
QO
Signature
Director
10
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

Doc. No: NABL 122-15
Specific Criteria for Calibration Laboratories in Mechanical Discipline - Durometer (Rubber Hardness Tester)
Issue No: 05
Issue Date: 12.08.2014
Amend No: 00
Amend Date: Page No: 1 of 14
Sl. No.
1
Contents
Page No
General Requirements
1.1
Scope
1.2
Calibration Measurement Capability(CMC)
1.3
Personnel, Qualification and Training
3-4
1.4
Accommodation and Environmental Conditions
4-5
1.5
Special Requirements of Laboratory
1.6
Safety Precautions
1.7
Other important Points
1.8
Proficiency testing
5-6
6
Specific Requirements Calibration of Durometer (Rubber Hardness Testers)
2.1
Scope
2.2
National/ International Standards, References and Guidelines
2.3
Metrological Requirements
2.4
Terms and Definitions
2.5
Selection of Reference Standard
2.6
Calibration Interval
2.7
Accommodation and Environment
2.8
Calibration Procedure
2.9
Measurement Uncertainty
11
2.10
Evaluation of CMC
11
2.11
Sample scope
12
2.12
Key Points
12
7-8
8
8-9
10-11

Issue No: 05
Amend No: 00
1. General Requirement
The purpose of this document is to specify requirements with which a laboratory has to operate and
demonstrate its competency to carry out calibration in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
To achieve uniformity between the laboratories, assessors and assessment process in terms of
maximum permissible error, CMC, measurement uncertainty etc in line with National/International
standards.
To achieve uniformity in selection of equipments, calibration methods, maintaining required
environmental conditions, personnel with relevant qualification and experience.
1.1. Scope
This specific criteria lays down those specific requirements for calibration of Durometers (Rubber
Hardness Testers) under mechanical discipline. This part of the document thus amplifies the specific
requirements for calibration of Durometers (Rubber Hardness Testers) and supplements the
requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
1.2. Calibration and Measurement Capability (CMC)
1.2.1. CMC is one the parameters that is used by NABL to define the scope of an accredited
calibration laboratory, the others being parameter/quantity measured, standard/master used,
calibration method used and measurement range. The CMC is expressed as the smallest
uncertainty that a laboratory can achieve when calibrating the best existing device. It is an
expanded uncertainty estimated at a confidence level of approximately 95% corresponding to a
coverage factor k=2.
1.2.2
For evaluation of CMC laboratories should follow NABL 143 - Policy on Calibration and
Measurement Capability (CMC) and Uncertainty in Calibration.
1.3. Personnel, Qualification and Training

1.3.1. Technical Personnel:
1.3.1.1. Qualification required for carrying out calibration activity:
The following are only guidelines. However, qualification and experience will not be
the only criteria for the required activity. They have to prove their skill, knowledge
and competency in their specific field of calibration activity.
a) B.E / B.Tech or M.Sc. (having Physics as one of the subject) degree with 3 months
experience in Basics of Force & Hardness Metrology.
b) B.Sc. (with Physics as one of the subject) or Diploma with 6 months experience in
Basics of Force & Hardness Metrology.
c) ITI with 1 year of experience in Basics of Force & Hardness Metrology.
1.3.2. Training and experience required:
a) Training may be external / internal depending on the expertise available in the field.
b) Training in Force & Hardness Metrology and in Uncertainty Measurements, CMC including
statistical analysis for Technical Manager.
Issue No: 05
Amend No: 00
c) Experience and competence in Force & Hardness Metrology.

d) Sufficient knowledge about handling of reference equipment, maintenance, traceability,
calibration procedure and effect of environmental conditions on the results of calibration.
e) During training calibration activity should be done under supervision.
1.3.3. Authorised Signatory
1.3.3.1. Qualification required for interpretation of results and signing the calibration
certificates:
The following are only guidelines. However, qualification and experience will not be
the only criteria for the required activity. They have to prove their skill, knowledge
and competency in analysis and interpretation of calibration results.
a) B.E / B.Tech or M.Sc. (with having Physics as one of the subject) degree with 6
months experience in Force & Hardness metrology.
b) B.Sc. (with Physics as one of the subject) or Diploma with 1 year experience in
Force & Hardness metrology.
1.3.3.2. Training and experience required:
a) Training may be external/ internal depending on the expertise available in the field.
b) Training, Experience and Competence in Force & Hardness Metrology and
Training in Uncertainty Measurements, CMC including statistical analysis for
Technical Manager.
c) Sufficient knowledge and competence in effective implementation of ISO/IEC
17025, specific criteria and NABL guidelines.
d) Competency in reviewing of results, giving opinion and interpretations.
e) During training the relevant activity has to be done under supervision.
1.4. Accommodation and Environmental Conditions
Accommodation and environmental conditions adversely affect the results of calibration and
measurement accuracy unless they are controlled and monitored. Hence, they play a very important role.
The influencing parameters may be one or more of the following i. e. temperature, relative humidity,
atmospheric pressure, vibration, acoustic noise, dust, air currents/draft, illumination (wherever
applicable), voltage fluctuations, electrical earthing and direct sunlight etc., depending on the nature of
calibration services provided. The variables described above can play a major factor on calibration
results.
The laboratories are advised to follow the requirement of accommodation and environment depending
on the types of services provided as recommended
By the manufacturers of the reference equipment
By the manufacturers of the Unit under calibration
As specified in the National/ International Standards or guidelines followed for the calibration
Issue No: 05
Amend No: 00
The environmental monitoring equipments used should also meet the requirement of manufacturers
recommendations and specifications as per the relevant standards followed.
If, accommodation and environmental conditions are not specified either by manufacturer or by
National/ International standards/ guidelines, the laboratory shall follow the below recommendations.
1.4.1. Vibration
The calibration area shall be free from vibrations generated by central air-conditioning plants,
vehicular traffic and other sources to ensure consistent and uniform operational conditions. The
laboratory shall take all special/ protective precautions like mounting of sensitive apparatus on
vibration free tables and pillars etc., isolated from the floor, if necessary.
1.4.2. Acoustic Noise
Acoustic noise level in the laboratory shall be maintained to facilitate proper performance of
calibration work. Noise level shall be maintained less than 60 dBA, wherever it affects
adversely the required accuracy of measurement.
1.4.3. Illumination
The calibration area shall have adequate level of illumination. Where permissible, fluorescent
lighting is preferred to avoid localized heating and temperature drift. The recommended level
of illumination is 250-500 lux on the working table.
1.4.4. Environmental Conditions and Monitoring
The environmental conditions for the activity of the laboratory shall be such as not to
adversely affect the required accuracy of measurement. Facilities shall be provided whenever
necessary for recording temperature, pressure and humidity values prevailing during
calibration. The atmospheric conditions maintained in the laboratory during calibration shall
be reported in the calibration report/ certificate.
1.5. Special Requirements of laboratory
The calibration laboratory shall make arrangements for regulated and uninterrupted power supply of
proper rating. The recommended voltage regulation level is 2% or better, and Frequency variation
2.5 Hz or better on the calibration bench.
1.5.1. The reference standards shall be maintained at temperatures specified for their maintenance on
order to ensure their conformance to the required level of operation.
1.5.2. The laboratory shall take adequate measures against dust and external air pressure.
1.6. Safety Precautions
Relevant fire extinguishing equipment for possible fire hazards, shall be available in the corridors or
convenient places in the laboratory. Adequate safety measures against electrical, chemical fire hazards
must be available at the work place. Laboratory rooms / areas where highly inflammable.
1.7. Other Important Points
1.7.1. Entry to the Calibration Area: As possible, only the staff engaged in the calibration activity
may be permitted entry inside the calibration area.
Issue No: 05
Amend No: 00
1.7.2. Space in Calibration Area: The calibration Laboratory shall ensure adequate space for
calibration activity without adversely affecting the results.
1.8. Proficiency Testing
To give further assurance to the accuracy or Uncertainty of measurements, a laboratory will be required
to participate, from time to time, in Proficiency Testing Program. The laboratory shall remain prepared
to participate in the Proficiency Testing Program through inter-laboratory, inter-comparison schemes
wherever it is technically feasible. (Ref. NABL 162, 163 and 164 for further details)

Issue No: 05
Amend No: 00
2. Specific Requirements Calibration of Durometer - Rubber Hardness Tester

2.1 Scope: Calibration of Durometer - Rubber Hardness Tester:
Accreditation can be sought for verification of indentation depth or for force verification or for both
depending on the laboratories capability.
Sl. No
1
Rubber Hardness Testing Machine

Rubber - Calibration and Verification
of Hardness Testers - Durometers
Relevant Standard,
Guidelines
Permanent
facility
On-site
calibration
ISO 18898-2006
Important Note: This technical requirement is based on the above mentioned standard, taking into
account only the salient features required during calibration. Lab may follow any relevant standard,
however care shall be taken to follow the requirements in totality.
2.2 National/ International Standard, References and Guidelines
ISO 18898 Rubber Calibrations and Verification of Hardness Tester
ISO 18899 Rubber Guide to the Calibration of Test Equipment
ASTM-D-2240-05 Standard test method for Rubber Property Durometer Hardness
OIML R111-1-2004 Metrological and technical requirement of weights Classes E 1 , E 2 , F 1 , F 2 , M 1 ,
M2, M3
OIML D28 2004: Conventional value of the result of weighing in air
2.3 Metrological Requirements
The measurands of indenter and pressure foot for the instruments to be calibrated are depicted in figures
1 to 6 of ISO 18898 (table 1 to 9 of the standard ISO 18898 consolidated as below).
Sl. No.
Type of
Durometer
AO
AM
Force on Indenter
Force in mN,
F= 550+75H A , F= 37.5
where H A = hardness reading on type A
durometer
Force in mN,
F= 445H D , F= 222.5
where H D = hardness reading on type D
durometer
Force in mN,
F= 550+75H AO , F= 37.5
where H AO = hardness reading on type
AO durometer
Force in mN,
F= 324+4.4H AM , F= 8.8
where H AO = hardness reading on type
AM durometer
Depth of indentation
in mm
Duration of force
application
0 to 2.5 , L = 0.02
3 or 15 s
0 to 2.5 , L = 0.02
3 or 15 s
0 to 2.5 , L = 0.02
3 or 15 s
0 to 1.25, L = 0.01
3 or 15 s

Issue No: 05
Amend No: 00
IRHD
Dead load
tester
Method-N
IRHD
Dead load
tester
Method-H
IRHD
Dead load
tester
Method-L
IRHD
Dead load
tester
Method-M
a. Contact force on indenter

0.3N 0.02N,
b. Total force on indenter
5.7N 0.03N
0.3N 0.02N,
5.7N 0.03N
0.3N 0.02N,
5.7N 0.03N
8.3mN 0.5mN,
153.3mN 1 mN
IRHD
2.65 N 0.15 N,
Pocket Meter
5.7N 0.03N
Incremental indentation
depth L=f(IRHD)
L = 0.01
Contact force-5 s
Total force -30 s
depth L=f(IRHD)
L = 0.01
Contact force-5 s
Total force -30 s
depth L=f(IRHD)
L = 0.01
Contact force-5 s
Total force -30 s
depth L=f(IRHD)
L = 0.002
Contact force-5 s
Total force -30 s
Depth of indentation
L=f(IRHD)
L = 0.02
Contact force-5 s
Total force -30 s
Note-1: If indication is magnified by a factor of 6 (by mechanical means) before the measurement is
made then (L = 0.01mm).
Note-2: Care should be taken that the force from the hardness tester is applied vertically to the force
measuring device and a hinged support may be used to aid force application.
Note-3: Duration time for force application: A tolerance on the time of application of the force is only
given for the case of a durometer in a stand with an automatic timing device. The tolerance is
then 0.3 s. The device shall be calibrated in accordance with ISO 18899.
2.4 Terms and Definitions
Shore A
Durometer of type A finds application in Soft rubber, elastomers, natural rubber products,
neoprene, casting resins, polyesters, soft PVC, leather etc., thickness of the test piece atleast 6mm.
Shore D
Durometer of type D finds application in Hard rubber, hard plastic materials, glass polystyrol, rigid
thermoplastics, resopal, printing rolls, vinyl-plates, cellulose acetone etc., thickness of the test piece
atleast 6 mm.
Shore AO
Durometer of type AO finds application in Soft elastic materials, printing rolls, medium fast
textiles, nylon, orlon, perlon, rayon. Thickness of the test piece atleast 6 mm.
Shore AM
Durometer of type AM finds application in Thin samples thickness of the test piece less than 6mm,
atleast 1.5 mm.
2.5 Selection of Reference Standards
2.5.1
Calibration of Durometer by measuring depth of Indentation:

Issue No: 05
Amend No: 00
Gauge Blocks or any other depth measuring device:

The accuracy of the depth measuring device used for calibration of various types of
Durometers shall be 1/3 of the tolerance specified in the standard.
A rigid suitable fixture for mounting the Durometer force measuring device shall be used.
The measuring axes of gauge blocks or depth measuring device and the Durometer to be
calibrated shall be in alignment and disposed vertically.
2.5.2
Calibration of Durometer by verification of Spring Force:

The accuracy of the force measuring device (either dead weight or force transducer) used for
calibration of various types of Durometers shall be 1/3 of the tolerance specified in the
standard.
The durometer should be supported in a vertical position and calibrated by applying a
measureable force to the indentor tip. Force measuring device and the Durometer to be
calibrated shall be in alignment and care should be taken to ensure that the force is applied
vertically to the indentor tip, as side loads will cause errors in calibration.
The set of force weights required for Durometer calibration are as follows:
a) For type A & AO: 0.55N-1no. and 0.75N-10 nos
b) For Shore D type: 0.445N -10nos.
c) For Shore AM type: 0.324N 1no. and 0.044 N 10Nos.
d) For IRHD pocket meter: 0.795 N -1no. and 0.265 N 8nos.
Force can also be applied gradually by sliding a known weight through the graduated
fulcrum for creating the known force.
2.6 Calibration Interval for Reference Standard Equipment

Reference Equipment
Force measuring Instruments
Force weights
Depth Measuring Instruments
Interval
1 year
3 Years
1 Year
2.7 Accommodation and Environment

Ambient temperature of the room in which the calibration is carried out shall be 18C to 25C. The
temperature shall not vary more than 1C throughout a measurement series. The relative humidity is
preferable to be maintained at 50% RH 10% RH.
2.7.1
Environment monitoring equipments at calibration laboratory:
Temperature with a resolution of 0.1C
Humidity with a resolution of 1% RH
Barometer with 0.1 mbar
However, laboratory should evaluate the requirement of accuracy, resolution and uncertainty
depending on the CMC aimed at.
Issue No: 05
Amend No: 00
2.8 Calibration Procedure

2.8.1
Calibration of Durometer by measuring depth of Indentation:

The permissible calibration values along with errorsL)
( are as given below for verification
depth of indentation in different types of durometers:
Shore A
Shore Value of indentation
value
depth L in mm
(L = 0.02mm)
0
2.500
10
2.250
20
2.000
30
1.750
40
1.500
50
1.250
60
1.000
70
0.750
80
0.500
90
0.250
100
0.000
Shore value
IRHD Pocket Meter

Value of indentation depth L in mm
(L = 0.01mm)
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
0
0.191
0.323
0.473
0.653
0.884
1.195
1.650
Shore
value
100.0
98.8
95.4
91.1
84.8
2.8.2
Shore D
Value of indentation
depth L in mm
(L = 0.02mm)
2.500
2.250
2.000
1.750
1.500
1.250
1.000
0.750
0.500
0.250
0.000
IRHD Method H
depth L in mm
(L = 0.01mm)
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
Shore AO
depth L in mm
(L = 0.02mm)
2.500
2.250
2.000
1.750
1.500
1.250
1.000
0.750
0.500
0.250
0.000
IRHD Method N
Value of indentation depth L
Shore value
in mm
(L = 0.01mm)
100.0
0
80.2
0.350
70.4
0.510
60.1
0.710
50.2
0.960
40.1
1.300
30.0
1.800
IRHD Method L
depth L in mm
(L = 0.01mm)
34.9
1.1
21.3
1.8
14.1
2.5
9.9
3.18
Shore
value
Shore AM
depth L in mm
(L = 0.01mm)
1.250
1.125
1.000
0.875
0.750
0.625
0.500
0.375
0.250
0.125
0.250
IRHD Method M
depth L in mm
(L = 0.002mm)
100.0
0
80.2
0.058
70.4
0.085
60.1
0.118
Shore
value
50.2
40.1
30.0
0.160
0.217
0.300
Force Verification Method:

The permissible calibration values along with errors ( F) are as given below for verification of
spring Force in different types of durometers:

Issue No: 05
Amend No: 00
Shore value
IRHD Pocket
Shore A
Shore D
Shore AO
Shore AM
(A, D, AO or
Meter
AM as per Value of spring Value of spring Value of spring Value of spring Value of spring
the selected force F, in mN force F, in mN force F, in mN force F, in mN
force F, in N
durometer) F = 37.5 mN F = 222.5 mN F = 37.5 mN F = 8.8 mN F = 0.15 N
0
550
550
324
10
1300
4450
1300
368
20
2050
8900
2050
412
30
2800
13350
2800
456
0.795
40
3550
17800
3550
500
1.060
50
4300
22250
4300
544
1.325
60
5050
26700
5050
588
1.590
70
5800
31150
5800
632
1.855
80
6550
35600
6550
676
2.120
90
7300
40050
7300
720
2.385
100
8050
4450
8050
764
2.65
IRHD Methods N, H, L
Value of spring force F, in N
IRHD (Method M)
Value of spring force F, in N
Apply the contact force
F c = 0.3 0.02N
F c = 8.3 0.5mN
Apply the indenting force

F i =F t -F c
F i = 5.4 0.01N
F i = 145.0 0.5mN
Total force F t
F t = 5.7 0.01N
F t = 153.3 1mN
2.9 Measurement Uncertainty

2.9.1
2.9.2
Uncertainty components for Indentation Depth:
Uncertainty of depth measuring device
Standard deviation of depth measurements
Uncertainty components for Force Verification:
Uncertainty of applied force
Standard deviation of force measurements.
2.10 Evaluation of CMC

2.10.1 Refer NABL 143 for CMC evaluation.
2.10.2 CMC value is not the same as expanded uncertainty reported in the calibration
Certificate/Report. CMC values exclude the uncertainties which are attributed to the UUT (Unit
under test/calibration).
2.10.3 For the purpose of CMC evaluation the following components should be considered.
Uncertainty of the applied force
Repeatability of the artifact

Issue No: 05
Amend No: 00
2.11 Sample Scope

Sample Recommended Scope: An illustrative example
Laboratory: XYZ
Sl
Date(s) of Visit:
Discipline: Mechanical
Master
Parameter*/
equipment
Device under
used
calibration
Range(s) of Calibration and Measurement Capability ** Remarks+/

Method used
measurement
Claimed by Observed by Recommended
Laboratory
Assessor
by Assessor
Correct presentation of scope of accreditation

1
Shore A ,
Shore AO,
Shore D Shore
AM IRHD
pocket type
Durometers
Newton
weights
with
holding
fixture
0 to 100 Shore
0.2% rdg
0.3% rdg
0.3% rdg
Force
verification
as per
ISO 188982006
Shore A ,
Shore AO,
Shore D Shore
AM IRHD
pocket type
Durometers
Indentation 0 to 100 Shore

depth
measuring
device and
holding
fixture
0.2% rdg
0.3% rdg
0.3% rdg
Depth
measurement
as per
ISO 188982006
* Only for Electro-technical discipline; scope shall be recommended parameter wise (where applicable) and the
ranges may be mentioned frequency wise.
** NABL 143 shall be referred for the recommendation of CMC
+
Remarks shall also include whether the same scope is applicable for site calibration as well. NABL 130 shall be
referred while recommending the scope for site calibration.
Signature, Date & Name Signature, Date & Name of Assessor(s)

of Lab Representative
Signature, Date & Name of Lead Assessor
2.12 Key Points

2.12.1 1/3rd of the accuracy of measurement of deflection or Force as specified the respective standards
including uncertainty.
2.12.2 Laboratory has to demonstrate proper holding fixture for holding the DUC and the application
of load vertically without cosine error. Since force is a vector quantity it plays very important
role.
2.12.3 Demonstration of any CMC values doesn't automatically qualify for granting accreditation until
the lab satisfies the stipulated requirement given in this document.

Issue No: 05
Amend No: 00

NABL House
Plot No. 45, Sector- 44,
Gurgaon 122002, Haryana
Tel.: +91-124 4679700
Fax: +91-124 4679799
Website: www.nabl-india.org

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NABL 122-15

NATIONAL ACCREDITATION BOARD FOR

ISSUE DATE: 12.08.2014

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

Calibration Measurement Capability(CMC)

Personnel, Qualification and Training

Accommodation and Environmental Conditions

Special Requirements of Laboratory

Other important Points

Specific Requirements Calibration of Durometer (Rubber Hardness Testers)

National/ International Standards, References and Guidelines

Terms and Definitions

Selection of Reference Standard

Accommodation and Environment

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

1.3. Personnel, Qualification and Training

c) Experience and competence in Force & Hardness Metrology.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

2. Specific Requirements Calibration of Durometer - Rubber Hardness Tester

Rubber Hardness Testing Machine

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

a. Contact force on indenter

Calibration of Durometer by measuring depth of Indentation:

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

Gauge Blocks or any other depth measuring device:

Calibration of Durometer by verification of Spring Force:

2.6 Calibration Interval for Reference Standard Equipment

2.7 Accommodation and Environment

Environment monitoring equipments at calibration laboratory:

Temperature with a resolution of 0.1C

Humidity with a resolution of 1% RH

Barometer with 0.1 mbar

2.8 Calibration Procedure

Calibration of Durometer by measuring depth of Indentation:

IRHD Pocket Meter

Force Verification Method:

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

Apply the contact force

Apply the indenting force

2.9 Measurement Uncertainty

Uncertainty components for Indentation Depth:

Uncertainty of depth measuring device

Standard deviation of depth measurements

Uncertainty components for Force Verification:

Uncertainty of applied force

Standard deviation of force measurements.

2.10 Evaluation of CMC

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

2.11 Sample Scope

Range(s) of Calibration and Measurement Capability ** Remarks+/

Correct presentation of scope of accreditation

Indentation 0 to 100 Shore

Signature, Date & Name Signature, Date & Name of Assessor(s)

Signature, Date & Name of Lead Assessor

2.12 Key Points

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

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