Impact Testing Laboratories & Methods
Impact testing measures the energy a notched specimen absorbs during rapid fracture, which characterises toughness and brittle behaviour, often as a function of temperature.
What does it measure?
- Absorbed energy
- Lateral expansion and percent shear (metals)
- Ductile-to-brittle transition behaviour
- Notched impact strength (plastics)
When is it used?
- Pressure equipment and structural steel qualification
- Weld procedure qualification
- Low-temperature service assessment
- Comparing polymer grades and impact modifiers
Sample considerations
- Notch type, orientation and specimen size are dictated by the method.
- Low-temperature testing requires a conditioning bath and controlled transfer time.
Laboratories with relevant capabilities
- Laboratory Testing Inc. (Hatfield, PA) — Materials Testing, Mechanical Testing, Chemical Analysis
- Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research Ltd (Banbury, Oxfordshire) — Mechanical Testing, Fatigue Testing, Fracture Testing
- Element Materials Technology (Aberdeen, Scotland) — Materials Testing, Mechanical Testing, Metallurgical Analysis
- IMR Test Labs (Ithaca, NY) — Materials Testing, Chemical Analysis, Metallurgical Analysis
- Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research (Youngstown, PA) — Mechanical Testing, Materials Testing, Fatigue & Fracture
- Touchstone Testing Lab (Triadelphia, WV) — Mechanical Testing, Fatigue & Fracture, Materials Testing
Frequently asked questions
- What is a transition curve?
- A set of impact tests run at several temperatures to show where a material changes from ductile to brittle behaviour.
- Can impact specimens be machined from my part?
- Often yes, if the section is large enough for the specimen size the method requires. Sub-size specimens are permitted by some standards with reduced acceptance values.
Confirm standard edition, jurisdiction and actual laboratory scope. Service references are not partnerships or endorsements.