The Definitive Guide to ASTM D412 Tensile Testing of Elastomers
ASTM D412 is the most common standard for determining the tensile properties of vulcanized (thermoset) rubber and thermoplastic elastomers. Compounds in this family are used to create a vast array of consumer goods such as tires, footballs, and rubber bands. This family also produces highly specialized materials, such as O-rings on space shuttles, which must perform reliably under extreme environmental conditions.
This guide is designed to introduce you to the basic elements of an ASTM D412 tensile test, and will provide an overview of the materials testing equipment, software, and samples needed.
WHAT DOES IT MEASURE?
ASTM D412 measures the elasticity of a material while under tensile strain, as well as its behavior after testing when the material is no longer being stressed. ASTM D412 is conducted on a Universal Testing Machine (also called a tensile testing machine) at a rate of 500 ± 50 mm/min until the specimen fails. Though ASTM D412 measures many different tensile properties, the following are the most common:
Tensile strength – the maximum tensile stress applied in stretching a specimen to rupture.
Tensile stress at a given elongation – the stress required to stretch the uniform cross-section of a test specimen to a given elongation.
Ultimate elongation – the elongation at which rupture occurs in the application of continued tensile stress.
Tensile set – the extension remaining after a specimen has been stretched and allowed to retract in a specified manner, expressed as a percentage of the original length.
Please note that ASTM D412 does not apply to testing hard, low-elongation elastomers such as ebonite. Those needing to test ebonite and hard plastics should refer to ASTM D638.
Tensile Testing System
Most ASTM D412 testing is performed on a tabletop universal testing machine with a variety of accessories that can be configured to properly perform an ASTM D412 tension strength test for elastomers and rubber.
A standard package would include a WDW Series test system, a long travel extensometer, and a pair of manual roller grips. This system is excellent for small-to-midsize elastomer manufacturing companies, or for those buying their first D412 system. A more advanced and efficient system is the WDW-E Series test system with non-contacting video Extensometer and a pair of pneumatic side action grips with an advanced air kit. This system is the world standard for tire manufacturers and large multinational elastomer manufacturers. For customers that demand high throughput, hst's multi-station testing systems are the answer and can test as many as five samples simultaneously. A sample ASTM D412 test setup is pictured below.
This guide is designed to introduce you to the basic elements of an ASTM D412 tensile test, and will provide an overview of the materials testing equipment, software, and samples needed.
WHAT DOES IT MEASURE?
ASTM D412 measures the elasticity of a material while under tensile strain, as well as its behavior after testing when the material is no longer being stressed. ASTM D412 is conducted on a Universal Testing Machine (also called a tensile testing machine) at a rate of 500 ± 50 mm/min until the specimen fails. Though ASTM D412 measures many different tensile properties, the following are the most common:
Tensile strength – the maximum tensile stress applied in stretching a specimen to rupture.
Tensile stress at a given elongation – the stress required to stretch the uniform cross-section of a test specimen to a given elongation.
Ultimate elongation – the elongation at which rupture occurs in the application of continued tensile stress.
Tensile set – the extension remaining after a specimen has been stretched and allowed to retract in a specified manner, expressed as a percentage of the original length.
Please note that ASTM D412 does not apply to testing hard, low-elongation elastomers such as ebonite. Those needing to test ebonite and hard plastics should refer to ASTM D638.
Tensile Testing System
Most ASTM D412 testing is performed on a tabletop universal testing machine with a variety of accessories that can be configured to properly perform an ASTM D412 tension strength test for elastomers and rubber.
A standard package would include a WDW Series test system, a long travel extensometer, and a pair of manual roller grips. This system is excellent for small-to-midsize elastomer manufacturing companies, or for those buying their first D412 system. A more advanced and efficient system is the WDW-E Series test system with non-contacting video Extensometer and a pair of pneumatic side action grips with an advanced air kit. This system is the world standard for tire manufacturers and large multinational elastomer manufacturers. For customers that demand high throughput, hst's multi-station testing systems are the answer and can test as many as five samples simultaneously. A sample ASTM D412 test setup is pictured below.
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