A three step process Tensile testing is a common method used to measure the strength of plastics and polymer materials. Tensile or tension testing measures the extent of force required to stretch a plastic specimen until its breaking point. When deciding how to configure test equipment for tensile testing a plastic, you can follow a simple three step process: Step one The first step to your planning process is to gather background information on the types of plastic samples you plan to test. The type of material indicates strength which helps us establish the right size of test machine. Plastics are wide and varied and include abs, acrylic, biomaterials, bioresorbable plastics, ceramics, fabric strip polyolefin plastic, fiber reinforced polymer composite, flouroplastics, cellular foam, glass fibre fiber reinforced, HDPE, high density polymer, plastic adhesive, plastic coated, polybenzoxazole, polycarbonate, polyester thread, polyester tire, polymer clay, polypropylene rope, polypropylene tape, polystyrene, polyurea, polyurethane composite, polyurethane foam, PVC plastics, single carbon fiber composites, thermoplastics and more. Are you testing plastic components? It is important to plan for your test sample form because it establishes test fixture requirements. Plastic products include wood, tubing bonds, tubing, tubes, thin film, strip, strapping, strap weld, springs, spool, specimen, sheet, screw, ring, rigid foam, rectangular, rebar, plastic rod, plastic dog bone specimens, parallel strip, packages, orthodontic brackets, monofilament, molded, miniaturized, mesh, medical devices, laminate, foils, flatwise, fiber mesh, dumbbell, double sided notch, dogbone, crates, cord, chain, cable ties, bottles, bolts, bar, bandages, and bags. Step two After determining the type and form that you plan to test, the next step is to define the best test type or method for tensile testing your material or product.
This choice may vary depending on what type of plastic you are testing and what sort of results you are looking to receive. Testing variations include tensile adhesion, bending, torsion, tensile bond strength, tensile break strength, burst, elevated temperature, tension fatigue, friction, high speed, high strain rate, hysteresis, impact, low temperature mechanical properties, microtensile, polymer, polymer tensile peel yield, puncture, ratio, seal, shear stress, shear tensile, stretching, tear resistance, tensile shear, tensile strength, or tensile torsion. Step three The next step is to determine the information or test data that you want on your test report. This is important information for both you and a testing engineer to select test software. You may need a wide variety of data including youngs modulus, yield strength, ultimate, tensile stress, tensile strength, tensile modulus, stress-strain, strain rate, speed, shear, secant modulus, pull rate, protocol, property, MPA, modulus, load rate, load, KSC, hoop tensile, high tensile strength, gauge length, flexural strength, flex stress, flex modulus, elongation at break, elongation, elongation, dynamic, dimension, destructive, deformation, curve, compressive tensile stress, comparison, compare flexural and tensile, calculation, breaking polymer bond, biaxial, yield break, stress-strain, specimen dimension are all available with the correct test machine configuration. After determining the type of plastic, the type of test and the necessary data, you will have enough information to move forward to the process. Armed with these essential facts, you will be able to choose the proper testing equipment. Our applications engineers are awaiting your call today to help determine your further testing needs.
Applicable Testing Standards
- ISO 37 Tensile Rubber Test Equipment
- ISO 8256 Tensile Impact of Plastics Test Equipment
- ASTM D638 Tension Testing for Plastics
- ASTM D882 Tensile Testing for Thin Plastic Sheeting
- ASTM D1623 Tensile Adhesion of Rigid Cellular Plastic
- ASTM D1708 Tensile Testing for Plastics and Microtensile Specimens
- ASTM D3039 Tensile Testing for Advanced Composite Materials
- ASTM D4018 Tensile Carbon Graphite Yarns Rovings Tows Test Equipment
- ASTM D5179 Adhesion Tensile Testing Equipment for Organic Coatings to Plastic Substrates
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
Rated to 3.5 kN (790 lbf)
Clamping force up to 7.0 kN (1,600 lbf)
Consistent clamp force between tests
Quick and easy specimen setup for a wide variety of applications
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
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
Cuts test specimens from stock material
Available for a wide variety of ISO and ASTM standards
Consistent specimens for consistent results
Manufactured with tool steel to resist damage and wear over time