Quality Made in Germany
In our quality assurance laboratory, we test elastomers and engineering materials using standardized testing procedures in accordance with DIN and ISO standards. This ensures consistently high material quality, traceable test results, and reliable approval for production and application. Our standard tests include hardness testing, abrasion testing, tensile testing, rebound elasticity testing, and density determination.
ISO Standards
Shore A Hardness Test – DIN ISO 48-4
We use the durometer method to determine the indentation hardness of vulcanized and thermoplastic elastomers. The Shore A value is an important parameter for material selection, functionality, and consistent product quality.
Abrasion Test – DIN ISO 4649
In the abrasion test, we measure abrasion resistance under defined conditions using a rotating cylindrical drum. This method is particularly suitable for quality comparisons, approvals, and the evaluation of material wear during subsequent use.
Tensile Test – DIN 53504
In the tensile test, we determine the stress values at 100% and 300% elongation, as well as tensile strength and elongation at break. These parameters indicate how resilient, elastic, and process-reliable a material is during subsequent use.
Rebound Elasticity – ISO 4662
Rebound elasticity describes how well a material returns energy after brief mechanical stress. This test value supports the evaluation of damping and recovery properties.
Density Determination – Material-Dependent According to ISO 2781 or DIN EN ISO 1183-1
The density test is used to verify the formulation, material homogeneity, and product approval. Depending on the material, the appropriate standard-compliant method is selected, for example, for elastomers or non-foamed plastics.
Additional testing with accredited partners (PFI, DIK)
Our quality assurance laboratory collaborates with various accredited testing institutes, such as PFI and DIK. This enables us to offer additional, material-specific tests in accordance with applicable DIN and ISO standards. These include, for example, accelerated aging, ozone resistance, low-temperature flexibility, and resistance and behavior when exposed to liquids.
Our Elastomers and Their Key Properties
We process a wide variety of high-quality elastomers, each optimized for specific applications.
Chloroprene Rubber, Neoprene (CR)
Chloroprene rubber (CR), also known as neoprene, is a synthetic rubber that stands out for its excellent resistance to weathering, ozone, and aging. CR also possesses natural flame retardancy and high elasticity, making it a versatile material for technical applications such as hoses, seals, and cable sheaths. In the footwear industry, CR is used for specialized shoes that must be resistant to environmental influences and mechanical stress.
Epichlorohydrin Rubber (ECO)
Epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO) is a specialty elastomer characterized by its excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and weathering. Due to its chemical structure, ECO has high gas impermeability as well as good temperature and ozone resistance. This makes it a preferred material for applications in the automotive industry, such as seals and fuel hoses. It is also suitable for technical footwear that must withstand severe environmental and chemical stresses.
Ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM)
EPDM is a terpolymer rubber characterized by excellent resistance to weathering, ozone, UV radiation, and numerous chemicals. Due to its molecular structure, EPDM remains flexible and durable even at extreme temperatures. It is therefore frequently used for seals, hoses, and technical footwear intended for use in extreme weather conditions.
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is a copolymer characterized by its light weight, flexibility, and excellent shock-absorbing properties. In the footwear industry, EVA is used primarily for midsoles and insoles, as it provides outstanding cushioning and significantly improves comfort. In addition, EVA has good resistance to UV radiation and aging, making it suitable for outdoor applications as well.
Natural rubber (NR)
Natural rubber (NR) is a naturally occurring polymer extracted from the latex of the rubber tree. NR is notable for its outstanding physical properties, including excellent elasticity, high tensile strength and exceptional abrasion resistance. These properties make natural rubber ideal for seals, vibration-damping components and heavily stressed rubber soles in the footwear industry. Its exceptional flexibility at low temperatures and good dynamic load-bearing capacity make NR the first choice for applications where high load-bearing capacity and durability are required.
Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
Nitrile rubber (NBR) is a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene that offers outstanding resistance to oils, greases, and fuels. This chemical structure gives NBR excellent resistance to oils and chemicals, which is why it is frequently used in technical applications such as hoses, seals, and membranes. In the footwear industry, NBR is ideal for specialty footwear that must be used under extreme conditions, such as those involving contact with oil or chemicals.
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
SBR is a synthetic rubber that, due to its chemical composition, exhibits excellent abrasion and heat resistance. These properties make SBR particularly suitable for applications that require high wear resistance, such as conveyor belts, seals, and durable shoe soles. Its good processability and cost-effective production further contribute to its widespread use in the rubber industry.