When selecting polyurethane sheets for industrial or commercial use, one of the most important considerations is hardness. The hardness of polyurethane directly affects its performance in terms of flexibility, abrasion resistance, load-bearing capacity, and more. However, understanding the difference between Shore A and Shore D hardness scales can be confusing.
At PENGDE NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, we provide polyurethane sheets tailored to your exact specifications—including custom hardness levels. In this article, we explain the differences between Shore A and Shore D, and how to choose the right hardness for your application.
What Is Shore Hardness?
Shore hardness is a measure of a material’s resistance to indentation. It is commonly used to determine the hardness of elastomers, plastics, and rubbers.
There are multiple Shore scales, but the most relevant for polyurethane sheets are:
- Shore A – Measures the hardness of soft, flexible materials like rubber and soft polyurethane
- Shore D – Measures harder, more rigid polyurethane materials used for structural or high-load applications
Shore A vs. Shore D: What’s the Difference?
| Property | Shore A | Shore D |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Hardness Range | 30A to 95A | 50D to 80D |
| Material Type | Softer, more elastic polyurethane | Harder, more rigid polyurethane |
| Applications | Seals, gaskets, flexible liners | Structural parts, wheels, heavy-duty pads |
| Indentation Tool | Rounded tip | Pointed tip |
| Flexibility | High | Low to medium |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good | Excellent |
Examples:
- A 70A PU sheet feels like a car tire – firm but flexible
- A 60D PU sheet feels like hard plastic – suitable for impact-absorbing structural parts
How to Select the Right Hardness?
Choosing the correct hardness depends on the working environment and performance requirements.
Use Shore A if:
- You need flexible, elastic sheets
- The application involves sealing, cushioning, or vibration absorption
- Your sheet must conform to irregular surfaces or slight movements
Use Shore D if:
- You need rigid sheets that can resist deformation under pressure
- The sheet is used for wear strips, impact blocks, or load-bearing parts
- High chemical or abrasion resistance is essential
Custom Hardness Available at PENGDE NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
At PENGDE NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, we manufacture polyurethane rubber sheets in a wide range of Shore hardness levels:
- Shore A: From 40A (very soft) to 95A (very firm)
- Shore D: From 50D (medium hard) to 80D (very hard)
We offer OEM & ODM services, including color, thickness, and hardness customization to match your exact needs—whether for industrial machinery, automotive parts, mining equipment, or general engineering use.
Need Help Choosing?
If you’re unsure which hardness level is right for your application, our technical team is here to help.
Contact us today for expert guidance and a free quote.
Email: pengde2@pengde-pu.com
Company: PENGDE NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
We manufacture polyurethane sheets that deliver the perfect balance between flexibility and strength—built to perform in high-wear, high-load environments.
