Determining how to flexural bend test plastics and polymers involves a three step process. The first step is to gather information on the types of samples you plan to test. What type of plastic do you plan to test in flexural mode? Such as composite steel polymer, expanded polystyrene, fiber reinforced pultruded plastic rods, glass, mdpe, natural fiber, plasticized cement, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polymer foam, polymer matrix composite materials, polymeric fibre reinforced concrete, polymeric materials, polypropylene, polyurea, polyurethane foam, rubber and polymer, soft, thermoplastic, or wood plastic composites? Are you testing plastic components in tensile mode? Plastic products such as welding, tubing, tubes, thin films, stents, sheets, samples, polymer rods, plate, pipe, pavement, lumber, laminates, insulator polymer, cards, and beam are common samples in flexural test setups. What variation of a standard flexural test are you planning to perform? Physical flex, fracture, four point bending test, four point bend, flexural fatigue, fatigue, cyclic flexural, cold flex, cantilever beam bend, adhesion and cohesion, 3 point, or mechanical bending? What information or test data do you need to report?
This is important to the selection of test software. Information such as flexural behaviour, flexural bending modulus, flexural bending strength, formula, burst rupture, calculation, dimensions, flexural ductility, dynamic bending, flexibility, force and deflection, flexural properties, sample preparation, flexural stiffness, strain rate, stress strain, tensile strength, yield strength, and youngs modulus. The second step involves standard test methods. Do you have an established test method? ASTM and ISO test standards helps define test equipment details and confirm equipment selection. Industry standard test methods provide structure if you are new to testing. They also guide equipment requirements. They are available from organizations such as ASTM, ISO and CEN.
Applicable Testing Standards
- ISO 178 3 Point Bend of Plastics | Flexural Test Machines & Equipment
- ISO 1209 Flexural Strength and Flexural Modulus - Rigid Cellular Plastics
- ISO 14125 Plastic Composites Flexure Bend Test Machine
- ASTM C1674 Ceramic Flexural Strength Test Equipment
- ASTM D790 Testing for Flexural Properties of Plastics and Insulating Materials
- ASTM D6272 Four Point Flexural Bend Test Machine for Plastics and Insulating Materials
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
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
Load ratings up to 10 kN (2,250 lbf)
Interchangeable roller diameters from 1 mm to 12.7 mm (0.04 in to 0.5 in)
Easily adjustable span
Base lengths of 150 mm (6 in) and 300 mm (12 in)
Available from a 1 mm (0.04 in) measurement range to a 25 mm (1.0 in) measurement range
May be used in a wide variety of tests
Includes a magnetic and adjustable mounting base
Standard units meet Class B-1 of ASTM E83, Class 0,5 of ISO 9513
