Services

Tensile Testing Lab

People rely on structures daily to bear weight and hold shape under tension. An integral approval for the materials and products used in these structures are tension tests that ensure suitability at a particular loading. A tensile testing lab is necessary to characterize a wide swath of materials, both at low- and high-temperature extremes, to observe the effects on tensile and yield strength.

The Tensile Test Process

The tensile test involves applying an ever-increasing load up to the final failure of the test sample. The tensile strength is the maximum load divided by the original cross-sectional area of the test sample. The yield strength relates to the load at which plastic deformation or yielding begins. There are three criteria used to define the initiation of yielding. These properties are the elastic limit, the proportional limit, and the yield strength.

The top and bottom grips attached to the tensile tester secure the test sample. During the tension test, the grips are moved apart at a constant rate to pull and stretch the specimen. The force on the specimen and its displacement is continuously monitored and plotted on a stress-strain curve until failure. After the tensile test specimen has broken, the technician calculates the measurements, tensile strength, yield strength, and ductility. The fractured sample’s combined lengths are compared to the pre-test sample length to determine elongation. The original cross-section measurement is also compared to the final cross-section to obtain the reduction in area.

A Cyro Tank

Sub Ambient (LN2) and Elevated Temperature Tensile Testing

Elevated temperature tensile testing is a subset method of evaluating the behavior of materials under a combination of heat and tension. When performing an elevated temperature tensile test, the specimen is placed inside a furnace on our test carousel, capable of processing up to three specimens at a time. Our computer-controlled system heats the specimen to the required temperature, then allows it to soak. Next, the specimen loads into the test frame, where an extensometer in the latest design measures the strain on the specimen as the load increases. Similarly, cryogenic tensile testing on round and flat specimens is also an option to evaluate the properties exhibited by materials cooled in liquid nitrogen (LN2) to -320°F.
See the test in action.

We use an optical non-contact extensometer for our 60K tensile machine to provide more testing options. This machine is ideal for non-contact measurement of axial strain and displacement. Its high resolution and ISO 0,5 / ASTM B-1 accuracy classes make it suitable for non-contact measurement of a wide range of strain values, including tiny strains required to measure the modulus of metals. The non-contact extensometer is also ideal for testing brittle, porous, and additively manufactured materials.

Specimen Type
  • Wedge & axial tensile
  • Full-size yield strength of fasteners
  • Machined specimens
  • Full-size tubing
  • Full-size rebar
  • Welds and castings
Specifications
  • ASTM A370
  • ASTM B557
  • ASTM D638
  • ASTM E8
  • ASTM E21
  • EN 2002-1
  • EN 10002-1
  • ISO 527-1
  • ISO 6892-1
  • Fasteners: ASTM A962, ASTM F606, ASTM F835, ISO 898-1, ISO 898-2, NASM-1312-8 (Formerly MIL-STD-1312-8), SAE J429, SAE J995

Capabilities

  • Loading from 8 oz to 600,000 lb
  • Elevated temperature tensile testing up to 1800℉, cryogenic tensile testing down to -320℉
  • Plate materials: 18” x 8” x plate thickness
  • Sheet materials: 8” x 2” gauge length x sheet thickness
  • Round tensile: 0.113” to 0.5” in diameter (reduced) x gage length 0.450” to 2”

A Leading Materials Testing Lab in Greater Philadelphia

At LTI, we pride ourselves on providing a one-stop tensile testing lab. We present your data in easily digestible Certified Test Reports (accessed through our Customer Portal) for record-keeping that saves you time and ensures peace of mind.

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    Laboratory Testing Inc. has the capacity and capabilities to handle all your material testing needs in a single location. Since 1984, we’ve aided customers worldwide with accurate nondestructive testing and precise material lab services. Request a quote or contact us today to see how our industry-leading turnaround times can keep your mission-critical approvals moving forward.

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