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Importance of Tensile Testing Machines in the Plastic and Polymer Industry

Importance of Tensile Testing Machines in the Plastic and Polymer Industry

Importance of Tensile Testing Machines in the Plastic and Polymer Industry

After the whole industrial revolution, it was very important to understand how manufacturing needs to be done and what all the requirements are for better production. As time has passed by, industries have taken control of the whole manufacturing process in the most beautiful manner and developed machines that will make it easy for them to join the race with every developing country. Better machines help in maintaining better stability and longevity of the products, and this can only be achieved if the right equipment is used by the industries.

What is a Tensile Strength Test, and why were Tensile Testing Machines invented?

In simple words, the Tensile Strength Test is an engineering test method in which a material is pushed into too much tension or stress and tremendous pressure just to record its reaction to the pressure applied before it finally breaks or elongates.

Tensile Testing Machines help in analyzing the product and its reaction to such test methods, helping to understand and read the specimen and record stability, durability, and flexibility of the material that was tested. The whole idea of this pressure test is to develop a product or create better products for better manufacturing and for worldwide supply.

Industries that Use Tensile Testing Machines are:

1. Automotive and Aerospace Industries

2. Textiles Industries

3. Packaging Industries

4. Medical Equipment and Medical Devices Industries

5. Rubber and Plastic Industries

6. Construction Industries

How is Tensile Strength Testing important in the Plastics Industries?

Some Plastic products are rigid in nature, and some are soft. The strength of the material is determined by the Tensile Testing Method. Plastic granules like LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, and sometimes plastic molds are raw materials used to produce these industrial plastic materials. Plastic industries not only produce household items but also packaging items, stationery, automotive, laboratory items, footwear, and medical items used in Hospitals globally.

What are the Tensile Testing Standards for the Plastic Industry?

Texcare Instruments Limited understands that the industrial standards that are laid globally are important and necessary. These standards enable the production of improved quality items at affordable prices. Global Standards such as ASTM, ISO, and DIN are followed by Texcare Instruments Limited, which makes them the leading manufacturer, producer, exporter, and supplier of outstanding Tensile Testing Machines. Adherence to these regulatory compliances also builds global trust and mutual respect.

To maintain reliability and uniformity among industries, here are a few World-recognized standards for Tensile Strength Testing machines for the Plastic Industry:

1. ASTM D638 - This code or standard maintains the sample size and shape data, and the accuracy that is to be maintained. Used for Hard Plastics. This standard is used for determining the thickness of a sample specimen, which should be 1.0 to 14 mm (0.55 in).

2. ASTM D882 - This standard of Tensile Test is done on plastic films and plastic sheets with a thickness of less than 1 mm. Basically, this standard testing helps in reducing any plastic film or sheet above 14mm. Used for polymers as well.

3. ASTM D412 -The Tensile Test under this standard is used to test rubberized materials, polymers, and thermoplastic materials.

4. ASTM D1708 - This standard is used on specimens that are micro in nature, also known as Micro Mechanical products.

5. ASTM D3039 – This standard helps in determining the polymer matrix in the material.

6. ASTM D2290 - This standard helps to test plastic pipes under the Tensile Testing method.

7. ASTM D7205 – The Tensile Testing method under this standard helps to discover fiber polymers and their compositions.

8. ASTM D3916 – Plastic Rods, Glass fibers, and other materials are tested under this standard by the Tensile Testing Machine

How is the Tensile Test Procedure conducted in the case of plastic materials?

1. Sample or Specimen Preparation: Once the correct Tensile Testing machine has been switched on, a sample of the testing material needs to be cut to a specific size and appropriate weight in accordance with the international standards ASTM and ISO for accurate results.

2. Setting up the Measurement: Once the sample is ready in accordance with the standards, it is then placed on the machine and in the center so that uniform pressure can be applied and proper tension can be created, allowing pressure on the sample. This pressure will help to determine the durability of the product.

3. Application of Force: Once the pressure rises on the sample, certain responses are recorded to understand its capacity to undergo extreme pressure.

4. Response Record: Now, as the experiment has begun, the sensors in the machine start responding, and measurements start showing up. This continues until it starts breaking or elongating.

5. Analyses of the Result and Response: Once the sample has undergone the experiment, due to pressure, either the sample breaks or elongates. The results help to analyze the elongation speed, the elasticity, and the tensile strength of the sample.

What is the Mechanical Testing method of Polymers and plastic materials?

There are various methods that are undertaken to test a particular plastic specimen. The most efficient method to test the polymers and plastics is the mechanical method.

Mechanical Method Type

Purpose of the Mechanical Method

Tensile Testing Method for polymers - plasticsThe specimen is tested with extreme pressure, at which the specimen either breaks or turns elastic.
Flexural Testing Method for polymers - plasticsGlobal standards like ASTM D790 and ISO178 are used while testing the plastic specimen, especially thermoplastic material.
Compression Testing MethodASTM D695 and ISO 604 are applied to test polymer plastics. The specimen is placed on the compression plate, and the maximum load is applied to the specimen. Changes in stress and strain are recorded.
Shear Testing MethodThis method is used to test polypropylene items, homopolymers, and various other plastic composites. Adhesives and plastic sheets are also tested under this method. D5379 and D7078 are global standards used while testing in this method.

FAQs:  

Q1: Why is tensile testing important in the plastic and polymer industry?
A1: The Tensile Testing method helps to discover and measure the response of a plastic polymer specimen, which helps to produce durable and reliable plastic products.

Q2: Can a Tensile Testing Machine be used for both rigid and flexible plastics?
A2: The machine has been designed to test both flexible and rigid plastic specimens.

Q3: What type of plastics can be tested using a tensile testing machine?
A3: Plastics range from plastic films and sheets to polypropylene, polycarbonate, and various other polymers.

Q4: How to choose the right Tensile Testing Machine for plastic testing?
A4: Check for the material properties and load required to produce a response of the product, or opt for a versatile Tensile Testing machine.

Q5: How does tensile testing affect product design?
A5: The Tensile Testing method helps to study the product by exposing it to extreme pressure, and the result analysis then helps in creating a durable and reliable product in the future.