Test Summary
This standard is designed to measure the force to initiate tearing in plastic films generally having a thickness less than 0.25 mm. Specimens are cut to a closely defined shape, ideally using a die cutter. The specimen geometry has been chosen to produce a stress concentration in a small area of the specimen. The cut specimens are put under tension in a test stand set at a constant rate of movement while the resultant tensile force is recorded. The maximum force in newtons and amount of elongation in mm are reported.
Test Procedure
Samples are pre-conditioned if necessary and cut to a closely defined shape. A tensile tester with a constant rate of separation of the grips holding the specimen measures the maximum force and extension required to rupture the specimen.
Test Apparatus
- Die cutter
- Micrometer reading to 0.0025 mm
- Force testing stand
- Suitable range loadcell compatible with the force testing stand
Preparation
Where conditioning is required, test specimens are stored at 23 ± 2° C, 50 ± 5 % RH for 40 hours.
Method
- If required, pre-condition the samples at 23 ± 2° C, 50 ± 5 % RH for 40 hours.
- At least five samples are required. They may be cut perpendicular to the machine direction, or transvers to the machine direction of the sample material.
- Specimens are cut, ideally using a die cutter, which is kept in good condition to ensure the cut specimens do not deviate by more than 0.5 % from the dimensions specified.
- The thickness of the specimen is accurately measured in several points in the notched area and an average value calculated.
- Specimens are clamped between the fixed (usually lower) grip, and the moving (usually upper) grip of the force testing stand.
- The test stand is set in motion at a fixed crosshead speed of 51 mm/min.
- After complete rupture of the specimen the maximum tensile load is measured, together with the maximum extension.
- Calculate the mean maximum load and extension for all valid specimens tested in each principle direction of orientation.
Report
The test report shall contain:
- All the information necessary for the complete identification of the sample
- The average thickness of each specimen, and the average thickness of all test specimens
- The average value of tear resistance calculated in newtons, and the maximum extension in mm, plus standard deviations of these averaged values.
Mecmesin Test Equipment Required for ASTM D 1004
Please refer to the latest official ASTM D1004 standard for more detailed information. This overview is intended to provide a basic understanding of the test procedure and suitable equipment to meet the standard.
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