There are two types of plastic tear strength test:
  • Elmendorf Tear (high speed pendulum test)
  • Trouser Tear (low speed using standard tensile test apparatus).

Elmendorf tear

The test piece is clamped and a cut introduced such that when the pendulum is released, a tear is propagated from the cut at high speed. The tear resistance is measured as the average force in mN propagating the tear to the edge of the test piece.

We are UKAS accredited for testing to British standard BS 2782:3 method 360A.

Smithers also test to International standard ISO 6383-2 and ASTM D1922.

Trouser tear

A straight cut is introduced into a rectangular sample, parallel to the long edge. The sample is then mounted in the jaws of a tensile test apparatus, one 'leg' clamped in the lower jaw and one 'leg' clamped in the upper jaw. The average force required to tear the sample is then measured.

Smithers can test in accordance with BS EN ISO 6383-1.

Trapezoidal method

This trouser tear method is commonly associated with the testing of non-woven plastics.

A test sample is masked with an isosceles trapezoid, either side of a preliminary cut. The sample is clamped along the marked trapezoid and then pulled apart in tension.

Smithers performs this testing with reference to DIN 53363.

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