ASTM D903 is a standard test procedure to determine the comparative peel or stripping characteristics of adhesive bonds. ASTM D903 provides guidance on testing standard-sized specimens at precisely controlled test machine speed. Our engineers are familiar with the ASTM D903 test procedure and can guide you through the process and help you choose the best equipment. We also recommend that you purchase the ASTM D903 standard and follow it closely to achieve the best results.
Preparing the Specimen
In order to test in strict accordance with ASTM D903, first carefully prepare 10 specimens according to the “Test Specimen” section. This includes cutting your adhesive samples into specific sized strips and conditioning the samples. We offer an ASTM D903 sample cutter so that you can cut the strips easily to the exact size you need.
Now make sure you have your ten samples ready, alongside a rigid substrate that they can stick to. Depending on the product you are testing, this rigid substrate can be anything from metal to wood, glass and more.
ASTM D903 Test Procedure
- Make sure your substrate is clean and dry, and then adhere six inches of your sample onto the substrate.
- Place the specimen in the test machine by clamping one free end of the substrate in one grip. Now pull the free end of the specimen (such as a strip of tape) over the back, in a “U” shape, and clamp it in the other grip. The specimen should now be in a “U” shape, and when pulled, will peel at a 180 degree angle.
- Set the machine at a rate of six inches per minute and pull at least one half of the specimen to measure the adhesive bond strength. Peel force is measured in pounds per inch (where inch is the length of the peel line).
Advice From Our Engineers
A key issue that many people encounter when testing to ASTM D903, is that both sides of the adhesive specimen can accidentally touch each other after placing the specimen into the grips. If this occurs, the friction of that touching will cause errors in the peel force data. To avoid errors in your data, you must slightly offset the upper and lower grips to ensure the flexible adherent does not touch back on itself.
It is also important to align the specimens perpendicular in the grips so that the peel line is straight across. If the adherent is set on an angle, that will cause an error. A final key element of ASTM D903 to remember is that you need a substrate rigid enough such that it does not bend, or else the rubbing problem will occur.
Recommended Test Equipment for ASTM D903
AASTM D903 180 Degree Peel Test 100P250 Peel Tester is recommended for ASTM D903. The 100P250 consists of a vertical load frame, an electromechanical actuator, load cell, a tocuhpad test controller, XY test software and peel grips. For ASTM D903, we would configure a small capacity load cell (10 or 25 pound) for this low force peel test. Our load cells measure loads accurately (+/- 0.5% of reading) from full scale rating to 1% of FS. A 10 lb load cell can be calibrated to measure 0.1 lb (0.5N) to an accuracy of 0.0005 lb.
The peel plot will be an important aspect of data retrieval and therefore we highly recommend our XyPlot software. If you would rather see the data in real-time and study the peel interface at the same time, we would provide you with our XyLive Software.
ASTM D903 Peel Test Accessories
ASTM D903 requires vice grips to hold the sample in place. We can provide you with our specialized ASTM D903 Peel Test Adhesive Test Grips, designed to test exactly to ASTM D903. We also offer our G240k Mechanical Vice Grips for simple and effective testing. For faster testing results we offer our G229 Pneumatic Grips. These types pneumatic grips are also helpful in getting the specimen well-aligned in the grips (to avoid the rubbing issue highlighted above) due to the foot activator giving you both hands free to hold the specimen. It is not easy to hold the specimen exactly perpendicular in the grips while you are cranking a manual vice grip.
Give one of our engineers a call today and they can help guide you through the ASTM D903 test process with the best machine configuration for your requirements.
Recommended Test Machine
Forces up to 10 kN (2,250 lbf)
Low force tabletop systems
Modular series of five frame options with adjustable test space
Affordable testing option for tension, compression, bend, peel and much more
Forces up to 5 kN (1,125 lbf)
Low force tabletop systems
Tests at speeds up to 2,500 mm/min (100 in/min)
Best for high travel or high elongation test requirements
Recommended Testing Accessories
Designed in accordance to ASTM D903
Rated to 1 kN (225 lbf)
Maximum specimen thicknesses from 10 mm to 50 mm (0.39 in. to 2.0 in.)
Simple design can be used for a multitude of tensile applications
Inexpensive and reliable
Rated to 0.6 kN (135 lbf)
Maximum specimen thicknesses from 8 mm to 50 mm (0.3 in. to 2.0 in.)
Clamp force up to 1.2 kN (270 lbf)
Quick and simple specimen setup for a wide variety of applications
Rated to 500 N (112 lbf)
Maximum specimen thickness of 6 mm (0.23 in)
Pneumatic design allows for quick specimen setup
Consistent clamping force between tests
