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 fiberboard and particle board. Each standard has slightly different requirements for conducting flexural bend tests, which accommodate the specific wood material being tested. ASTM D143 static bend test calls for the use of bearing plates on articulating knife edge support rollers. The bearing plate reduces the risk of load concentrations that could deform and damage the specimen, while the articulating knife edge supports allow the plate to accommodate slight twisting in the wood specimen. It is required that the distance from the support point to the wood specimen mid-plane must not be greater than the specimen depth. Bending loads are applied to the wood beam specimens by a bearing block with 3 in. radius, for 2 x 2 x 30 in. primary specimens, or 1.5 in. radius, for 1 x 1 x 16 in. secondary specimens, at a constant crosshead displacement rate. Crosshead displacement rate is set at 0.10 in/min for primary specimens and 0.05 in/min for secondary specimens.
Applicable Testing Standards
Recommended Test Machine
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
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
