Additional Mechanical Testing
Bend Test, Hydrogen Embrittlement, Proof Load Testing and More
Laboratory Testing Inc. provides destructive testing, which includes a complete line of mechanical testing services and test specimen machining. The lab’s wide array of mechanical testing will help you verify the properties and characteristics of your materials. In addition to fracture toughness, hardness, charpy, stress rupture and tensile testing, the following mechanical testing services are also offered:
- Bend Test
- Flaring/Expansion
- Flattening/Flanging Test
- Cone Strip
- Proof Load Testing
- Conductivity
- Magnetic Permeability
- Hydrogen Embrittlement Testing
- Stress Durability
- Welder and Procedure Qualification including macro, bend, charpy and tensile testing.
A bend test measures the ductility of a material by bending it over a given radius. Material specifications applicable to the bend test sometimes require that a specimen be bent to a specified inside diameter. The test is commonly performed on pipe, plates and component products. For a bend test of welds, results are stated as fiber elongation. Flaring, flattening and cone strip testing are all tests to measure strength and ductility under various conditions.
Proof load testing measures material strength and is often used interchangeably with yield strength. Tension and load are applied to the test sample to determine if any sign of deformation occurs. Test methods include tension testing or compression testing to standards. Proof load testing can be performed on nuts, bolts, components, assembled products and other load-bearing materials.
Metals generally have a high level of electrical conductivity. The conductivity test measures the resistance of a sample to the flow of electrical current. A magnetic permeability test measures a material’s relative magnetism when a magnetic field is applied. Materials more conductive to the magnetic field have a higher permeability.
Hydrogen embrittlement is the reduction in ductility when hydrogen becomes trapped below the surface of material during physical or chemical changes such as corrosion or treatments. The buildup of hydrogen within a given steel material can cause a crack or break. Hydrogen embrittlement testing is performed by applying a particular torque or load to a specimen or fastener and letting it sit for a stated amount of time. Afterwards, the test piece is retightened. If a break occurs before or during retightening, hydrogen embrittlement is in effect.
Stress durability is used to test parts that have been subjected to any processing operation or treatment that may have an embrittling effect. It requires loading the parts to a value higher than the expected service load and maintaining that load for a specified period of time. When the load is removed, the specimen or fastener is examined for breakage or the presence of cracks.
Test Specimens for Mechanical Testing
For convenience and quick turnaround, our machinists can prepare your specimens for all types of mechanical testing. Our test specimen machining is performed according to ASTM standards A370, E8, E23 and customer specifications and LTI is PRI/Nadcap accredited for specimen preparation.