What is the Importance of Material and Tensile Testing?
Elite is equipped to evaluate material properties and performance for various types of metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. In addition to tension, compression, and bending of material samples, we also perform insertion and extraction force testing on electrical connectors and cable assemblies. Our universal test machines range in capability up to 55,000 lbs and can be operated for static testing or cyclic operation at high loads up to 100Hz.
Testing takes place in our ambient temperature- and humidity-controlled materials lab or we can configure a chamber into our load frames for thermal cycling or testing at temperature extremes (-73C to +310C).
We push the limits of your products to assess their performance in operations conditions and to verify compliance with your quality requirements. For instance, we test the tensile strength of mounting brackets, the flammability of wire insulation, and cyclic fatigue of actuator switches.
Elite’s trusted independent testing laboratory offers material testing that includes:
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Tensile/Compression – Destructive tests that measure a sample’s yield and tensile strength as well as its ductility. Our experienced engineers utilize the latest tensile testing machines, to perform tensile tests to meet your requirements:
- Most metals and polymers
- Small fasteners to large tubing and bolts
- Wedge & axial tension
- Full-size yield strength of fasteners
- Machined specimens
- Full-size tubing
- Full-size rebar
- Elevated temperature tensile testing for high performance materials
- Tensile testing of welds and castings
- Bending/Flexure – For structural and reinforcement components, flexure tests the performance of a samples to withstand stress without sagging, fracturing, or displacing
- Shear/Peel – Static and cyclic shear and peel strength testing helps to assess the fastening properties of adhesives and fasteners on finished products.
- Fatigue –With cycling capabilities up to 100Hz and the ability to apply loads up to 55,000 lb, Elite’s load frames provide cycle testing of various materials, printed circuit boards, and other finished products under real-world conditions to ensure they will meet their expected design life.
- Corrosion – Outdoor applications require resistance to corrosion from salt water and other factors. Elite is accredited to perform corrosion testing of material samples or products in accordance with ASTM B117, MIL-STD-810, RTCA DO-160 and other standards.
- Flammability – Resistance to combustion and flammability is an important safety consideration for panels, wiring, and other components in automotive and aerospace applications. Elite is accredited to perform flammability and burn rate tests in accordance with RTCA DO-160, MIL-STD-202, and FMVSS 302.
Our Industry Applications
We perform a diverse range of mechanical testing for many industries and apply our decades of testing experience to validate your products for their intended application.
- Automotive – Manufacturers of passenger cars, trucks, construction vehicles and heavy-duty agricultural equipment have strict quality requirements for every component. Elite’s experts verify the mechanical properties of your components, cables, and connectors and our results are accepted by automotive OEMs around the world.
- Aerospace –Elite is equipped to test mechanical components, cables, connectors, and wiring to ensure they withstand the high-stress environmental of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. Our extensive experience with RTCA DO-160 conformity testing ensures your hardware is proven and ready for flight.
- Military/Defense – Elite is approved by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for MIL-STD-202 and EIA-364 testing on electronic components, cables, and connectors. We are also ISO 17025 accredited for MIL-STD-810 environmental stress testing in the same location.
- Consumer Goods – Stress and corrosion are two factors that continually affect consumer materials. Elite helps to verify that the source materials used in your products meet your quality specifications and produce durable products.
Our Material, Tensile and Fatigue Testing Machines
For large static testing loads and for fatigue cycling, we use three (3) servo-hydraulic Universal Testing Machines (UTMs) equipped with hydraulic grips for securing test items. We can also design a fabricate customized plates and fixtures to support compression, bending, flexure, and peel tests for your products.
- 55,000 lbs (245 kN), 6 in. stroke, up to 100Hz cycling
- 10,000 lbs (44.5 kN), 6 in. stroke, up to 100Hz cycling
- 10,000 lbs (44.5 kN), 6 in. stroke, up to 100Hz cycling
- All UTMs can be configured for extreme temperatures (-73C to +310C).
For small force measurements, we can apply tensile and compression load with up to 1% accuracy for the following load cells and electro-mechanical load frames:
- 225 lbs (1000N)
- 22.5 lbs (100N)
- 12.0 lbs (50N)
- 2.25 lbs (10N)
Contact us today for more information and to get started on your next project with Elite’s experts.