The nature of wood fiber and wood particle based materials gives them many of the desired material properties of wood, with a more uniform structure and more consistent properties. ASTM has published a number of standards, containing collections of test methods for clear wood and wood based materials, including fiber board and particle board. Each standard has slightly different requirements for conducting flexural bend tests, which accommodate the specific wood material being tested. The ASTM D1037 static bend test requires a rounded loading block, having a radius approximately 1.5 times the specimen thickness. Bend fixture supports can be either rounded, with the same specifications as the loading block, or be a plate with knife-edge supports. The use of articulating supports or adjustable knife edges are useful when compensation for warped specimens is necessary. Bending loads are applied to the wood beam specimens at a constant cross head displacement rate, calculated to ensure a constant strain rate of the outer wood fibers at 0.005/min. Wood based materials can exhibit a wide range of strengths, so specific material properties will determine the need for a low or medium force capacity and tabletop or floor standing test machine. Contact a TestResources application engineer to discuss your wood flexural bend testing requirements and develop the best test solution for your needs.
Applicable Testing Standards
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
Force range of 5 kN to 600 kN (1,125 lbf to 135,000 lbf)
Adjustable test space
The most popular choice for static tension and compression tests
These dual column testers are available in both tabletop and floor standing models
Recommended Testing Accessories
Designed in accordance to ASTM D1037
Allows the user to adjust the span to anywhere between 140 mm and 965 mm (5.5 in. and 38 in.)
Load ratings up to 250 kN (56,250 lbf)
Base lengths up to 1200 mm (48 in)
Various roller sizes available
Available in 3-point and 4-point configurations
Load ratings up to 500 kN (112,500 lbf)
Adjustable span with built-in ruler for accurate spacing
Available in 3-point and 4-point configurations
