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Tensile testing can determine the component's suitability for use and its performance over time. by james m. Clinton
Tensile testing is arguably the most common test method used in both force measurement and material testing. Tensile testing is used primarily to determine the mechanical behavior of a component, part or material under static, axial loading.
The test method for both material testing and force measurement is similar; however the measurement results are different. A tensile test is performed to determine the tensile properties of a material or component. The test sample's deformation is used to characterize its ductility or brittleness as well as important characteristics such as tensile strength, yield point, elastic limit, percent elongation, elastic modulus and toughness.
MATERIAL TESTING
Material testing is the science that measures the mechanical properties of materials. It involves methods that quantify and qualify the physical characterization of materials: their strength, their reaction to deformation, and their ability and inability to withstand an applied force for a period of time.
Material testing involves measurements for stress and strain, which requires knowing the original crosssectional area of the sample being tested. Common units of measure are N/mm2, MPa, PSI and percent. Test samples are often prepared to a specified size according to an international testing standard from ASTM, ISO, DIN or other organizations. During a tensile test, the sample's shape changes as load is applied. Understanding the change in the sample's dimension at various or specified forces helps determine the material's performance and suitability for a given application or product.
FORCE MEASUREMENT TESTING
Force measurement testing is used to test components and products and generally uses units of measure of force: Newtons, pounds-force and kilograms-force. The sample's crosssectional area isn't involved in the measurement result. The most common force measurement is the "peak force" or maximum force value. These tests may also report the associated distance result at the peak force. Force measurement is conducted in the engineering laboratory, in quality control and inspection and on the production floor. Force testing in production has increased substantially in recent years, as more manufacturers recognize the importance of in-situ quality testing as a way to improve productivity, yields and throughput.