Tensile Testing Laboratories & Methods
Tensile testing pulls a specimen in uniaxial tension until it deforms or fractures, producing a stress–strain curve that describes how a material behaves under load.
What does it measure?
- Ultimate tensile strength
- Yield strength / offset yield
- Elongation at break and at yield
- Modulus of elasticity
- Reduction of area (metals)
When is it used?
- Qualifying incoming material against a specification
- Design allowables and material selection
- Lot release and production conformance
- Investigating a fracture or unexpected deformation
- Comparing suppliers or resin grades
Sample considerations
- Specimen geometry is dictated by the method and the material form (bar, sheet, film, tube).
- Machined specimen orientation relative to rolling, extrusion or print direction should be stated.
- Polymers usually require conditioning at controlled temperature and humidity before testing.
Laboratories with relevant capabilities
- Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research Ltd (Banbury, Oxfordshire) — Mechanical Testing, Fatigue Testing, Fracture Testing
- Element Materials Technology (Aberdeen, Scotland) — Materials Testing, Mechanical Testing, Metallurgical Analysis
- Laboratory Testing Inc. (Hatfield, PA) — Materials Testing, Mechanical Testing, Chemical 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
- Which tensile standard applies to my material?
- Metals are usually tested to ASTM E8/E8M or ISO 6892; plastics to ASTM D638 or ISO 527. The controlling document is normally named in your drawing, purchase specification or customer requirement.
- Do I need a machined specimen?
- Most tensile methods require a specimen of defined geometry. Many laboratories machine specimens from supplied stock; state the material form and orientation when you request testing.
- Can tensile testing be run at elevated or low temperature?
- Yes, with an environmental chamber and the temperature control specified by the method. Laboratory capability for non-ambient testing varies, so include the required temperature in your request.
Confirm standard edition, jurisdiction and actual laboratory scope. Service references are not partnerships or endorsements.