Tensile bars

Tensile bars can be in a number of profiles in accordance with a variety of test standards. Please consult the test standard to determine the proper test specimen for your test.

Common test specimens:

ASTM D638 Type I

Type I tensile bars are used for standard testing of metals, plastics (filled or unfilled), composites, and foams. These tensile bars are intended for quasi-static testing.

Drawing: ASTM D638 Type I tensile bar

ASTM D638 Type II

Drawing: ASTM D638 Type II tensile bar

ASTM D638 Type III

Drawing: ASTM D638 Type III tensile bar

ASTM D638 Type IV

Type IV tensile bars are used for standard testing of metals, unfilled plastics, composites, and foams. Type IV specimens are useful when measuring cross-flow properties, as they can be cut from a 4in x 12in plaque, 90° to the flow direction.

Drawing: ASTM D638 Type IV tensile bar

ASTM D638 Type V

Type V tensile bars are primarily used for testing of rate dependency in unfilled plastics and metals.

Drawing: ASTM D638 Type V tensile bar

Note: ASTM D638 Type V specimens are not appropriate for Tensile Creep (M-250), Creep Rupture (M-254), or Tensile Fatigue S-N Curve (M-508) tests.

Croop 1

Croop 1 specimens are primarily used for testing of rate dependency in filled plastics.

Drawing: Croop 1 tensile bar

Note: Croop 1 specimens are not appropriate for Tensile Creep (M-250), Creep Rupture (M-254), or Tensile Fatigue S-N Curve (M-508) tests.

ISO 8256 Type 3

ISO 8256 Type 3 specimens are primarily used for testing of rate dependency in filled plastics.

Drawing: ISO 8256 Type 3 tensile bar

Note: ISO 8256 Type 3 specimens are not appropriate for Tensile Creep (M-250), Creep Rupture (M-254), or Tensile Fatigue S-N Curve (M-508) tests.

ASTM D412 Type C

Type C tensile bars are used exclusively for tensile testing of elastomers and rubber materials.

Drawing: ASTM D412 Type C tensile bar

ISO 527 Type 1A

ISO tensile bars are used for standard testing of metals, plastics (filled or unfilled), composites, and foams. These tensile bars are intended for quasi-static testing.

Drawing: ISO 527 Type 1A tensile bar

ISO 527 Type 5B

Drawing: ISO 527 Type 5B tensile bar

Note: ISO 527 Type 5B specimens are not appropriate for Tensile Creep (M-250) or Creep Rupture (M-254) tests.

Specimens