Tensile Tests on Plastics: Made Simple with testXpert
The tensile test is one of the most frequently performed test types when it comes to mechanical testing of plastics and polymers. The test is specified in different standards, with the most common being ISO 527-1 and ASTM D638. Approximately 20 pages cover a detailed description of the standards. Find out how easy it is to perform the test with testXpert: 100% compliant—without having to read through every page.
Simple testing in 6 steps testXpert FAQs Demonstration appointment
Step 1: Loading predefined parameters
All relevant information contained in ISO 527-1 and ASTM D638 was integrated in standard test programs by our software developers. For mechanical-technological tests on plastics, ZwickRoell offers a total of 96 standard compliant test programs for 24 tensile tests, 15 flexure tests and 6 compression tests, as well as other test programs for melt flow and impact tests. This also means that as soon as new test requirements are released, you can acquire new standard test programs any time by simply accessing our customer portal.
Our standard test programs include:
- Standard compliant technology
- Standard compliant specifications such as test speed, result calculations, speed switching requirements
- Automatic detection of curve shapes and dynamic adjustment of the test sequence (material with or without yield point)
Eliminating the need to enter these parameters manually presents two advantages: it saves a significant amount of time and eliminates a critical source of error, increasing the reliability and accuracy of your test results.
Furthermore, pre-testing is no longer necessary, since the standard test program automatically assigns the required settings according to material behavior, continually ensuring standard compliance.
Examples of different terminology included in the standards:
| ISO 527-1 | ASTM D 638 | |
| Maximum stress | σm | σm |
| Elasticity module | ET | ET, Esec |
| Strain at break | εb, εtb | εb, εb(corr) |
Step 2: Rights management and user interface customization
With our comprehensive user management program, you can quickly and easily assign rights for different users. Therefore, machine operators for example, only see functions relevant to their job. They are only able to fill out specific fields or implement limited settings and then immediately start testing.
Step 3: Measuring the specimen
There are various options when integrating specimen dimensions in testXpert. You can decide whether to measure the specimen with a caliper and manually enter the parameters in testXpert, or you can choose the simpler, faster and safer option: automatically transfer all data to testXpert using a micrometer. In addition, you can connect a fully automatic cross-section measurement device. And if you have a separate measuring station, you can also transfer the data directly from your ERP system.
Step 4: Gripping the specimen and attaching the extensometer
After the specimen has been gripped and the test is started by clicking the start button, testXpert automatically applies a preload. As soon as this load is reached, testXpert prompts the user to attach the extensometer. If you have installed an automated extensometer, such as the makroXtens, it automatically attaches the sensor arms to the specimen and further improves the efficiency and time savings in your testing process. Even more importantly: your test results are precise, since it is for example, impossible to attach the extensometer incorrectly or at an angle.
Step 5: Run test
As soon as the extensometer is attached, the test starts automatically. After reaching the yield point, the extensometer also detaches automatically. As specified in the ISO 527-1 standard, from here on, measurements are taken via the moving crosshead until the specimen breaks and the results are thereby determined. You can rest assured, because you don’t have to worry about whether the strain at break εb or εtb has to be determined.
“With testXpert, even users without special prior knowledge or training can easily, quickly and safely perform a tensile test on plastics. Around the world, several thousand customers are using the ISO 527 and ASTM D638 standard test programs and taking advantage of the many benefits provided by testXpert.”
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testXpert FAQ – 10 answers to how the testing software facilitates your everyday tasks in the lab
testXpert knows all relevant standards. We use standard test programs that include all parameters and sequences you need for standard compliant testing. You simply select the applicable standard and testXpert loads it as your predefined test sequence. All you have to do is run the test—ZwickRoell guarantees standard compliance.
Yes. This is the only way to obtain reproducible results. But don’t worry. testXpert provides the necessary support, as explained by the next Q&A.
In testXpert, the machine settings are defined once as the appropriate configuration and linked to the respective test application. As a user, I no longer need to worry, because the respective machine configuration is automatically loaded.
testXpert includes an intelligent user management feature that only presents the user with the settings they need. Predefined test programs and machine configurations ensure standard compliant testing.
This reduces new employee training to a minimum and ensures consistently reliable test results.
testXpert features a number of standardized export interfaces applicable to all common formats. SAP and other ERP systems can read in data directly.
No. Many intelligent algorithms have been integrated in testXpert for this purpose, which for example, switch the testing speed on an event-driven basis or automatically determine the control parameters of the testing machine. All you have to do is load the corresponding test program; testXpert takes care of the rest.
testXpert provides the option to connect specimen measuring devices directly to the PC and automatically assume the measured values. This prevents incorrect entries and saves time otherwise spent on manual data entry.
testXpert provides the option to reevaluate a test series or determine additional results at any time. This can be done from any PC because testXpert offers a multi-user license.
The testXpert Analytics platform merges all test and machine data into one database. Here you can easily find all your data. With the test data management feature, simple queries can also be defined in a standard browser and the test data including the raw data can be displayed in graphic format and printed out.
Yes, of course. The user interface can be operated using either a mouse & a keyboard, or via touch screen. The touch screen monitor is mounted on the machine load frame offering ergonomic operation.
