ISO 527-3 Tensile Properties of Films and Sheets

The challenges of testing to the standard are:

• Specimen gripping
• Accurate strain measurement
• Reporting calculations in compliance with the standard

• Specimen gripping – Rubber grip faces that match the width of the gripped or tabbed end of the specimen are commonly used for testing.  The most common face size for this type of material is 25 mm x 25 mm (1 in x 1 in). The matching width allows for ease of specimen alignment, which is critical for good breaks and accurate test results.  Pneumatic side action grips provide adjustable inlet air pressure to ensure the specimens can be clamped sufficiently throughout the test while preventing premature failure.
• Accurate strain measurement – For extensometry, non-contacting video extensometry is usually the best solution, as typical clip-on extensometers weigh down the specimen, while knife edges tear at the specimen - both affecting test results. Video extensometers, such as the Advanced Video Extensometer 2 (AVE 2), allow for ease of marking with paint pens and marking templates, which are provided with the instrument.
• Reporting calculations in compliance with the standard – Instron's Bluehill^® Universal testing software has advanced pre-built methods available with pre-configured plastic specific calculations helping to ensure compliance.  Using features such as an appropriate preload is critical for achieving accurate, repeatable results. A preload eliminates the compressive forces on a specimen that often occur when initially placed into grips.

It is important to review ISO 527-3:1995 in order to fully understand the test setup, procedure, and results requirements.