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Certified Tests

ASTM C271 Standard Test Method for Density of Sandwich Core Materials - Scope: This test is for determining the density of a sandwich cored materials. Procedure: The specimen is first conditioned to the proper specifications, then is measured and weighed so as to characterize its density. Data: Density. Equipment Used: Dial caliper or micrometer, digital mass balance.
ASTM C273 Standard Test Method for Shear Properties of Sandwich Core Materials - Scope: This standard covers the evaluation of the shear properties of sandwich core materials.  It determines the shear strength in the plane parallel to the facing, and the shear modulus associated with the strains in the plane normal to the face.  Core material forms include those with continuous bonding surfaces such as balsa wood and foams, as well as discontinuous bonding surfaces such as those containing a honeycomb structure. Procedure: After conditioning and machining the specimen according to the appropriate ASTM standard, the specimen will be adhered to shear plates. Dimensional and material criteria is then enter into the software, the shear plates and specimen are attached to hinged fixtures and inserted into the test machine. Perform the test multiple times to evaluate variability. Data: Individual core shear modulus, ultimate shear strengths, 2% offset core shear strengths, failure mode, and location of failure. Equipment used: Test frame, sandwich panel shear test fixture, test method software.
ASTM C297 Standard Test Method for Flatwise Tensile Strength of Sandwich Constructions - Scope: This test is designed to test for bonding stability, load transfer, and flatwise tensile strength of sandwich core material. This test is applicable to continuously bonded surfaces or discontinuous surfaces such as a honeycomb material. Procedure: The specimen is prepared by bonding both faces to metallic blocks that can be fit to the tension fixtures by means of a pin, thus creating a universal joint.  The blocks are then pulled apart at the testing speed designated in the standard until rupture while. Data: Tensile strength and strain, modulus of elasticity, failure location, and failure mode. Equipment Used: Test frame, aluminum blocks and fixtures.
ASTM C364 Standard Test Method for Edgewise Compressive Strength of Sandwich Constructions - Scope: This test evaluates the compressive properties of structural sandwich construction in a direction parallel to the sandwich facing plane.  Allowable core materials include those with continuous bonding surfaces, as well as discontinuing bond surfaces such as the honeycomb pattern. Procedure: After conditioning and machining specimen according to the standard, place the specimen in the edge clamping fixtures as required.  The speed of testing is set to ensure the specimen fails within three to six minutes and a compressive is applied until rupture at this rate.  If axial strain is required, at least two strain gauges are to be used, otherwise, only force per deflection are recorded.  Record the location and mode of failure for each specimen. Data: Ultimate edgewise compressive strength, ultimate force prior to failure, compressive strain, and final geometry. Equipment used: Test frame, sandwich panel edgewise compression test fixture, two or more strain gauges, test method software.
ASTM C365 Standard Test Method for Flatwise Compressive Properties of Sandwich Cores - Scope: This test is for the determination of the compressive strength and modulus of sandwich core materials. Procedure: After conditioning and machining the specimen to appropriate specifications, the specimen is centered on the lower platen.  Proper centering is crucial to achieve uniform loading.  Preloading is required before proceeding with the test to ensure immediate load ramp during strain. Data: Compressive strength, strain, and modulus of elasticity. Equipment Used: Loading platens, Test frame.
ASTM C393 Standard Test Method for Core Shear Properties of Sandwich Constructions by Beam Flexure - Scope: This test is for the determination of the compressive strength and modulus of sandwich core materials. Procedure: After conditioning and machining the specimen to appropriate specifications, the specimen is centered on the lower platen.  Proper centering is crucial to achieve uniform loading.  Preloading is required before proceeding with the test. Data: Ultimate flatwise compressive strength, ultimate force prior to failure. Equipment Used: Loading platens, Instron test frame.
ASTM D1002 Standard Test Method for Apparent Shear Strength of Single Lap Joint Adhesively Bonded Metal Specimens by Tension Loading (Metal to Metal) - Scope: This test determines the shear strength of adhesives for metal-to-metal bonding surfaces. Procedure: The specimen is conditioned by bonding together two metal plates in a specific orientation and adhesion area as set forth by the standard.  They are then placed within the grips of the testing machine and pulled apart at a constant rate of extension. Data: Load at failure, shear strength at failure, and type of failure. Equipment Used: Test frame, tightening grips, and oven for curing.
ASTM D1781 Standard Test Method for Climbing Drum Peel for Adhesives - Scope: This test method covers the evaluation of the peel strength necessary to de-bond the flexible adherend from a rigid substrate. Procedure: The specimen is prepared either by a skilled technician onsite or by the manufacturer prior to delivery.  The climbing drum peel fixture is inserted into the universal testing machine and then a calibration test is performed to determine the torque necessary to bend the flexible adherend around the fixture. After the calibration torque value is inserted into the software calculations, a specimen is placed in the fixture and the dimensional and material criteria are entered into the software.  After testing, the client may require detailed photographs of the specimen to analyze the adhesive or cohesive failure modes.  Multiple tests will be performed to determine variability. Data: Maximum and minimum load, average peel strength, and average peel torque. Equipment used Test frame, climbing drum peel test fixture, test method software.
ASTM D2240 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness - Scope: This method is used to determine the hardness of a soft material, either rubber or plastic. Procedure: After placing a specimen on a flat surface, the indentor presses onto the specimen. Data: Hardness values. Equipment Used: Durometer.
ASTM D2344 Standard Test Method for Short-Beam Strength of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials and Their Laminates - Scope: This test is used for determining the interlaminar shear strength of parallel fibers.  Applicable for reinforced plastics and composites, the data is used for purposes concerned with interplay strength and comparing composite materials. Procedure: After conditioning and machining to appropriate specifications, the specimen is placed on a horizontal shear test fixture such that the longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the loading beam.  The support span is set to reflect a ratio of the thickness of the specimen. The nose applies load to the specimen until breakage. Data: Short-beam shear strength. Equipment used: Test frame, Short beam shear three-/four-point test fixture, test method software.
ASTM D3039 Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials - Scope: This test is designed for testing polymer matrix composite materials.  It is used to measure the force required to break the material, and the extent to which it elongates to the breaking point.   A stress-strain diagram is produced from the extracted data, and is used to determine the modulus, yield, and fracture point.  The material can be conditioned to be tested at varying temperatures and environmental conditions according to the client’s specifications. Procedure: The specimen is prepared by machining to a size specified in the ASTM standard and then conditioned according to the client's specifications. Prior to beginning the test, the machine is set to the starting gauge length, as per the standard, then inserted in the appropriate gripping fixture. The testing engineer then inputs relevant dimensional and material criteria into the software.  The specimen is finally pulled at a constant rate of extension, or load, and the software produces a stress-strain diagram.  Multiple specimens are usually tested to show material property consistency. Data: Tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, tensile strain, transition strain, Poisson’s ratio. Equipment: Test frame, extensometers, strain gauge, test method software.
ASTM D3330 Standard Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure Sensitive Tape (Test Methods A&F) - Scope: This method determines the peel adhesion of pressure-sensitive tapes, and includes 6 methods.  Method A measures adherence when peeled at a 180° angle to a standard steel panel or other surface of interest.  Method B measures the adherence to the backing of a single-coated tape. Method C measures the adherence of double-coated tape to a steel panel or any other surface of interest.  Method D measures the adherence of the release liner to the adhesive of either a single or double coated tape.  Method E measures adherence of a transfer tape to a steel panel or other surface.  Method F measures the adherence when peeled at a 90° angle to steel or another surface. Procedure: Specimens are prepared to standard on approved substrates and then tested using a constant extension test frame and appropriate load cell.  Depending on the method desired by the customer, a simple substrate and grips can be used or a specific fixture that employs rollers and cables to keep the peel at a specific angle from the substrate. Data: Peel strength, dwell time, and adhesive failure type. Equipment Used: Solvents for condition include Diactone alcohol, methanol, mehyl ethyl ketone, n-heptane, or acetone; test frame, wedge grips, 90° peel fixture.
ASTM D3165  Standard Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesives in Shear by Tension Loading of Single-Lap-Joint Laminated Assemblies Scope: This test method is designed for determining the shear strengths of adhesives in large joint areas by the standard single lap joint method. Procedure: Place bonded specimen vertically in wedge grip fixture.  Apply load until failure.   The failure of this test should be my shearing of the adhesive. Data: Adhesives bond strength at failure, failure type. Equipment Used: Wedge grips.
ASTM D3763 Standard Test Method for High speed Puncture Properties of Plastics Using Load and Displacement Sensors - Scope: This test utilizes an impact head and load cell to simulate an impact at high speeds. Procedure: A deflection curve is produced by the impact of a cross head released from height, impacting the sample at a specified speed.  Various properties and graphical analysis can be completed with this test. Data: Toughness, maximum force, and energy at maximum force. Equipment Used: Impact tester and specimen fixture.
ASTM D5379 Standard Test Method for Shear Properties of Composite Materials by the V-Notched Beam Method (Iosepescu) - Scope: This test is used to determine the shear properties of composite materials reinforced with high-modulus fibers.  This method is also particular to discontinuous and continuous fiber composites with only material forms that are specified in the standard. Procedure: After conditioning and machining the specimen according to the standard, strain gauges must be applied in a very specific fashion to ensure proper readings.  The two strain gauges also ensure that there is no specimen twisting through analysis of the test data.  The load is applied by the universal testing machine until failure occurs. Data: Shear stress, ultimate strength, shears strain, ultimate strain, and shear cord modulus of elasticity. Equipment: Test frame, IOSEPESCU Shear Test Fixture, two strain gauges, test method software.
ASTM D6484 Standard Test Method for Open-Hole Compressive Strength of Polymer Matrix Composite Laminates - Scope: This method is used for determining the compressive strength of polymer matrix composite laminates that are reinforced by high-modulus fibers.  The standard also limits the material types to those which employ continuous fiber, or discontinuous fiber reinforcement. The laminate must also be balanced and symmetric with the test direction. Procedure: After the appropriate conditioning and machining, the specimen is inserted in the fixture with the proper torque specifications met at the bolt interfaces. The fixture is placed between flat platens in the testing machine.  Extensometers can be adhered to determine strain.  The machine is put under load and the test proceeds until the force has dropped of approximately 30% from the maximum. Data: Ultimate open-hole compressive strength, maximum force prior to failure, open-hole compressive strain. Equipment Used: Extensometer, Test frame, open hole compressive strength fixture.
ASTM D6775 Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Webbing, Tape and Braided Materials - Scope:  This method determines the breaking strength and elongation of a textile webbing, tape, and braided materials using a split-drum type clamp. Procedure: The specimen is centered between the two halves of the split drum in the upper clamp to begin. Next it is wrapped down and around the back of the lower half of the drum and around the upper half so that it comes over the upper clamp front.  The opposite side is started at the back and loosely wrapped around both halves of the lower clamp.  From the back, the upper half is lifted off the drum and the specimen inserted centrally and completely between the two halves of the drum.  Remove the slack.  Begin testing. Data: Elongation at a specified force breaking force. Equipment Used: Test frame, strap grips.
ASTM D7264 Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials - Scope: This test is designed for testing of flexural properties of polymer matrix composites by using a coupon of a rectangular cross section supported by two parallel beams set to a specific support span and deflected at a constant rate from the center of the span. Procedure: This test contains two procedures.  Procedure A involves a three point loading system, while procedure B utilizes a four point loading system.  Each procedure requires different calculations for strain due to the different deflections per each system. Data: Flexural strength, maximum flexural stress, maximum strain, modulus of elasticity, failure mode, location of failure. Equipment Used: Test frame, four point flexural fixture, three point flexural fixture.
ASTM E8 Standard Test Method for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials - Scope: This method covers the tensile testing of metallic materials in any form at room temperature. Procedure: Machine the specimen to the appropriate geometry and apply strain gauges if desired.  Use constant extension universal testing machine and apply load until material failure. Data: Modulus of elasticity, percent elongation, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, breaking stress. Equipment Used: Test frame, strain gauge, wedge grips.
BSS-7273  Interlaminar Fracture Toughness by Double Cantilever Beam Method - Scope: This method determines the interlaminar fracture toughness of a material by applying a constant tensile force to a bond to induce a crack.  The surfaces are pulled apart without sliding or shearing. Procedure: After appropriately conditioning and machining the specimens, a specimen is placed into the fixture and the machine begins to separate the specimen by pulling apart at the crack opening to a pre-specified distance.  The machine then returns to the zero extension point so that a calculation can be performed for the area within the curve produced. Data: Interlaminar toughness. Equipment Used: Test frame, double cantilever beam test fixture.
ASTM D790 Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating materials - Scope: These methods are for specimens either injection molded, or cut from molded or extruded sheets, plates, or shapes.  The specimen rests on two supports and is loaded vertically down between the supports.  This method is used to determine the flexural properties of plastics and is applicable to both rigid and semi-rigid materials. Procedure: After material is conditioned and machined to the appropriate geometry, the specimen is placed on the two outer supports that have been set to a designated span apart.  Once the desired dimensional criteria is input into the software, the machine places a load in between the two supports to flex the specimen until rupture. Data: Flexural modulus, flexural strain, flexural stress, flexural strength. Equipment used: Test frame, custom flexural test fixture, test method software.
ASTM D1894 Standard Test Method for Static and Kinetic Coefficients of Friction of Plastic Film and Sheeting.
ASTM D2256 Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Yarns by the Single-Strand Method - Scope: This method covers the testing of tensile properties of monofilament, multifilament, and spun yarns. Procedure: After proper conditioning, the technician sets the machine to the appropriate starting gauge length as per the ASTM standard.  The specimen is fitted onto the grips, the fiber tex and/or diameter are entered and the testing begins.  The technician will remove the broken pieces, attach them to each other, and clearly indicate which end is the fractured end.  Multiple tests will be performed to determine variability. Data: Breaking force, breaking tenacity, elongation, initial modulus, chord modulus, breaking toughness. Equipment used: Test frame, pneumatic cord and yarn grips, pneumatic foot switch, test method software.
ASTM D3164 Standard Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesively Bonded Plastic lap-Shear Sandwich Joints in Shear by Tension Loading
ASTM D3418 Standard Test Method for Transition Temperatures and Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
ASTM D3528 Standard Test Method for Strength Properties of Double Lap Shear Adhesive Joints by Tension Loading
ASTM D3531 Standard Test Method for Resin Flow of Carbon Fiber-Epoxy Prepreg
ASTM D3532 Standard Test Method for Gel Time of Carbon fiber-Epoxy Prepreg
ASTM D4964 Standard Test Method for Tension and Elongation of Elastice Fabrics (CRE)
ASTM D5034 Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)
ASTM D5278 Standard Test Method for Elongation of narrow Elastic Fabrics (Static Load Testing)
ASTM D5467 Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties of Unidirectional Polymer Matrix Composite Materials Using a Sandwich Beam
ASTM D5528 Standard Test Method for Mode I Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites
ASTM D5766 Standard Test Method for Open-Hold Tensile Strength of Polymer Matrix Composite Laminates
ASTM D6272 Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials by Four-Point Bending
ASTM D6614 Standard Test Method for Stretch Properties of Textile Fabrics (CRE)
ASTM D6797 Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Fabrics Constant Rate of Extension (CRE) Ball Burst Test
ASTM D7028 Standard Test Method for Glass Transition Temperature (DMA Tg) of Polymer Matrix Composites by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)
ASTM D7136 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Damage Resistance of a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite to a Drop-Weight Impact Event
ASTM D7905 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Mode II Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites
ASTM E1640 Standard Test Method for Assignment of the Glass Transition Temperature By Dynamic Mechanical Analysis
ASTM E2602 Standard Test Method for the Assignment of the Glass Tranisition Tenperature by Modulated Temperature Differential Scanning Calorimetry
ISO 1183-1 Plastics - Methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics.
ISO 9073-2 Test Methods for Non-Wovens.
ASTM D3531 Standard Test Method for Resin Flow of Carbon Fiber-Epoxy Prepreg
ISO 178 Plastics - Determination of flexural properties.
ISO 527-1 Plastics - Determination of tensile properties.
ISO 527-2 Plastics - Determination of tensile properties.