What is Tensile Properties Testing?

Characterizing the mechanical properties of materials is a critical aspect of the design and verification process for engineers in many industries.  Assured Testing Services has the ability to test for a variety of mechanical properties tests, including yield strength, break strength, percent elongation, modulus, reduction of area, peel (adhesion) strength, tear, and shear.   These tests are performed with a UTM (universal testing machine.)  The most basic testing involves loading test specimens between two sets of grips and stretching the specimen at a constant speed.

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Materials and Products We Test

​​​We offer tensile testing services on a wide variety of materials, components, and finished goods.  Some common examples are as follows:

 

Standard Test Specimens:

• Polymer "dog bones" (ASTM D638 or ISO 527)

• Metal "dog bones" (ASTM E8/E8M)

• Rubber dumbbell or straight samples (ASTM 412)

• Lap shear assemblies (ASTM D1002, ASTM D3164, ASTM D5868, ISO 4587)

• T-peel specimens (ASTM D3330)

• 90° and 180° peel specimens (ASTM D3330, ASTM D903, ASTM D1876)

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Adhesives and Films:

• Single and double sided adhesive labels

• Single and double sided adhesive tape

• Waterproof Membranes

• Packaging materials and seams

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Textiles and Flexible Materials

• Upholstery

• Foams

• Outdoor apparel and gear (tents, awnings, pool covers)

• Carpet

• Seat belts and safety harnesses

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Finished Products and Components

• Wire and cables

• Tubing and pipe

• Crimped terminals and electrical connections

• O-rings, seals, and gaskets

• Fasteners

• Automotive trim and body components

• Electrical enclosures

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Packaging and Paper

• Paper and paperboard

• Retail and industrial packaging materials

• Construction related sheeting and wraps​

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​​Why is Tensile Testing Used?

Tensile and compression testing can serve many purposes, from verifying product quality, supporting vendor selection, uncovering design weaknesses, or evaluating cost saving alternatives.  It can also play a key role in ensuring compliance with quality assurance protocols or safety and regulatory standards.  

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These tests are often performed before and after environmental conditioning to assess durability and susceptibility to end-use conditions over time.  For example, outdoor fabrics may be tested for strength before and after an accelerated weathering test (UV or xenon arc), or an enclosure material may undergo thermal/humidity cycling to evaluate long-term performance in high heat, high humidity environments.​

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Click here to learn more about the exposure testing offered by Assured Testing Services.

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