
The Izod impact strength test was introduced in 1903 by the English engineer Edwid Gilbert Izod. In a nutshell, Izod impact strength testing is a simple test in which a notched or unnotched specimen is struck by a pendulum arm to determine the impact strength of that specimen. The Izod impact energy absorbed in impacting a plastic specimen in an Izod test is assumed to be equal to the difference between the potential energy of the pendulum and the energy remaining in the pendulum after impacting the plastic specimen. Corrections accounting for friction and air-resistance losses must also be made to determine the true Izod impact resistance of the plastic. Izod Impact strength is an important design parameter to consider in plastic structures because it quantifies how a plastic material will withstand sudden shocks or large impulses. Plastics will absorb impulses impacts differently then static load impacts, often high strength plastics are also quite brittle, or having low impact strength. By testing plastics with the Izod test method the impact resistance of the plastic can be determined. Izod impact testing can also be used to determine the sensitivity of notched plastics specimens. Impact resistance of plastic notched specimens measures how will a cracked plastic specimen will withstand an impact. Measuring notch sensitivity of plastics with the Izod test can be applied to plastic designs. Izod testing results are a measure of energy per unit thickness, for example ft-lb/in, or J/cm. Izod testing results of notched specimens are measured in energy loss per unit cross-sectional area, for example J/m2 or ft-lb/in2. Toughness of a plastic describes how much energy the plastic material will absorb while plastic deformation is occurring, and can be determined with Izod impact resistance testing. ISO 180 and ASTM D256 serve as standard test methods for Izod impact resistance testing of plastics. These standard Izod test methods are used for quantifying the impact resistance of plastic materials cover testing of both notched and unnotched plastic specimens. Results of standardized Izod impact strength tests should be used for comparison between materials for quality assurance purposes. ISO13802 is the international standard for the verification of pendulum impact testing machines. TestResources 402D Series Izod impact strength test machine meets the requirements set by ISO 13802. The 402D Series test machine is also designed to meet the Izod impact strength testing requirements of ASTM 256. Email or call our staff with questions regarding Izod impact resistance testing equipment.
Applicable Testing Standards
- ISO 180 Izod Impact Strength of Plastic | Test Equipment
- ISO 13802 Pendulum Impact Test of Plastics | Machines
- ASTM D256 Izod Impact Resistance of Plastics
Recommended Test Machine
Energy capacities from 1 to 50 J (Izod) and 0.5 to 150 J (Charpy)
Convenient tabletop design
150° impact angle
Automatically calculates impact energy from the test
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
Rated to 220 N (50 lbf)
Designed in accordance to ASTM D882
Maximum specimen thickness of 8 mm (0.31 in)
Rated to 500 N (112 lbf)
Maximum specimen thickness of 6 mm (0.23 in)
Pneumatic design allows for quick specimen setup
Consistant clamping force between tests
Standard temperature range of -155°C to 620°C (-247°F to 1150°F)
Accompanied by a broad set of accessories that are capable of withstanding the heat or cold
PID controlled internal temperature
Mounts directly to the test frame
Stamps test specimens from soft rubber, leather, or similar stock materials
Consistant samples for consistant results
Force outputs of 900 kgf or 3,000 kgf (1 ton or 3 ton)
No need to press by hand
Forms plastic test specimens from plastic particles
Variable temperature and pressure to form samples to different specifications
Capable of cooling the newly formed specimen at a user-specified time
Outputs 9,100 kgf (10 ton) of force
Forms rubber or plastic test specimens from stock material or from individual particles
Variable temperature and pressure to form samples to different specifications
Capable of cooling the newly formed specimen at a user-specified time
Force outputs of 9,100 kgf, 27,000 kgf, or 45,000 kgf (10 ton, 30 ton, or 50 ton)