JIS B 7731 (Shore hardness test — Calibration of reference blocks)

JIS B 7731: Shore hardness test — Calibration of reference blocks

JIS B 7731 focuses on the calibration of reference blocks used for Shore hardness. In practice, these blocks support ongoing control of Shore hardness measurements by providing a known, calibrated reference for indirect verification activities.

This document is typically used by testing laboratories, quality organizations, and production sites that operate Shore hardness testing machines and need calibrated reference artifacts to support verification and ongoing measurement confidence.

Quick definition

What it is: A calibration standard for Shore hardness reference blocks.

What it supports: Indirect verification of Shore hardness testing machines (commonly referenced alongside JIS B 7727 for machine verification).

What it is not: A product material specification or a standalone “how to test” method for determining Shore hardness of a part.

What this standard covers

JIS B 7731 defines the calibration approach for Shore hardness reference blocks intended for use in indirect verification of Shore hardness testing machines. The emphasis is on the reference block as the calibrated artifact and how it is established/maintained as a reference.

Because reference blocks are central to verification activities, practical implementation usually involves controlling block handling, storage, and usage so the calibrated reference remains meaningful over time.

Why this standard matters in testing

Shore hardness systems are often used where fast hardness checks are needed, but measurement results can drift if the tester condition changes or if the reference artifacts are not controlled.

By using reference blocks calibrated under a defined procedure, labs and plants can support consistent indirect verification routines and improve comparability of results between machines, sites, or time periods.

Common materials, product types, or applications covered

JIS B 7731 is applied wherever Shore hardness testing is performed and a calibrated reference block is required to support machine verification and routine checks.

Common use cases: QA/QC verification routines, incoming inspection support, production monitoring, and lab control checks for Shore hardness equipment.

Common test or verification workflow

JIS B 7731 is commonly used as part of a verification and control workflow rather than a one-time test method on a customer specimen.

Typical workflow: (1) calibrate Shore hardness reference blocks per JIS B 7731, (2) use those calibrated blocks during indirect verification activities for Shore hardness testing machines (commonly addressed under JIS B 7727), and (3) use the verification results to decide whether a tester remains suitable for continued measurement use.

Equipment commonly used for this standard

Because JIS B 7731 is centered on calibration of reference blocks, equipment selection is mainly about having the correct Shore hardness reference blocks and a verification-ready Shore hardness testing setup.

Common equipment families: Shore hardness testing machines intended to be confirmed using reference blocks; Shore hardness reference blocks used for indirect verification; and supporting accessories needed to run repeatable checks (such as stable mounting and controlled handling of the reference blocks).

When you are specifying a system, the highest-risk purchasing mistake is ordering a tester without a clear plan for the reference blocks, the verification interval, and how the indirect verification will be documented to the edition of the standard you must follow.

How to read this designation or revision

JIS standards are commonly cited with a lettered division and number (here, “B 7731”), and often include a year suffix (for example, “JIS B 7731:2000”) to identify the edition.

For purchasing, calibration documentation, and audits, the cited edition matters. Always align your internal procedures, calibration records for reference blocks, and any machine verification instructions to the exact edition required by your customer, regulator, or quality system.

Related standards, methods, or frameworks

JIS B 7731 is closely associated with the indirect verification of Shore hardness testing machines, commonly referenced in connection with JIS B 7727 (verification of Shore hardness testing machines).

In broader hardness-testing programs, organizations may also manage other hardness reference block standards (for example, Vickers reference blocks) depending on the hardness methods used in the lab.

Get help selecting a Shore hardness setup that fits JIS B 7731

If you are equipping a lab or production area and need a Shore hardness tester plus the right reference block strategy for indirect verification, you can request a detailed quote with the configuration and documentation options matched to your requirements.