ISO 527-3

To properly identify and characterize plastic films and thin sheeting materials for both quality control and specification purposes, ISO 527-3 is one of the more widely used test methods in the industry. This tensile test is similar to ISO 527-2 but is specifically for materials that are less than 1mm (0.04”) thick. These tensile tests are used to measure factors such as tensile and yield strength, tensile strength at break, and occasionally Young’s modulus. This important test is used in many ways, from specifying a new material for a packaging application, to designing a new part that will withstand a known application force, to performing routine quality control checks of incoming raw materials. Knowing that the physical properties of many of these materials are quite sensitive to varying temperatures, it may be necessary to test the materials at the temperatures that simulate their intended use conditions.

 

In this procedure, place specimen in the grips of the universal test machine and pull until failure. Proper gripping of these fragile specimens is often the biggest challenge to collecting reliable data. The grips must secure the specimen enough to prevent slipping but at the same time not induce local stresses that cause tearing and premature failure. This test method is similar to ASTM D882, but technically not equivalent since ISO 527-3 allows for additional specimen configurations, specifies different test speeds, and requires an extensometer or guage marks on the specimen. This test method is also not suitable for cellular materials or fiber reinforced plastics.

 

Solutions for ISO 527-3 typically include these types of components:

 

Both the premium MTS Criterion® and the economical MTS Exceed® universal testing machines are ideal for testing of plastic films and sheets per ISO 527-3. They both come in a variety of force capacities and frame styles, ranging from 1-column tabletops to larger 2-column floor-standing models. The 30kN and 100kN models also have dual-zone test spaces to reduce set-up times if you frequently change test requirements. And as an alternative to a new load frame, you can modernize the software and controls of your old test system with an MTS ReNew™ Upgrade.