A Charpy impact test, also known as the Charpy V-notch test, is a destructive method. It measures a material’s toughness, the ability to absorb energy, and resistance to brittle fracture.
What does impact strength tell you about a material?
Understanding the energy absorption properties of a material is essential to predict how the material will react to impact loading and is, therefore, a determining factor in the suitability of a designed material for a particular application. Designed to measure the amount of energy that a material can absorb as it fractures, processes such as Charpy impact testing or Izod testing is a vital part of many material characterization programs.
How is the Charpy impact test performed?
The test uses a pendulum hammer arm to strike a standard notched specimen. The hammer is dropped from a known height and the test specimen is broken. After impact, samples are analyzed for the amount of energy absorbed by the specimen during fracture and strength characteristics. The impact energy indicates the toughness of a material.
As a world leader in the provision of routine mechanical testing, Element provides the Charpy impact test services in accordance with multiple International standards such as NADCAP, ISO 148, and ASTM E23 for both metallic and polymeric materials. Our ISO 17025-accredited testing laboratories support quality design programs with accurate test results and competitive turnaround times.
Our Charpy impact test capabilities
Our impact testing labs can perform a range of services including:
- Ambient and low-temperature testing
- Cryogenic testing capabilities
- Ductile-brittle transition curves
- Plasticity and deformation
- U-notch, V-notch, and double notched
- Energy absorption characteristics
- Lateral expansion
- Percent shear
- Crystallinity and shear determination
- Use of state-of-the-art Charpy impact machines with a capacity of 450 Joules
We can also subject materials and products to dynamic Charpy impact, measuring cushioning, g-force, and impact failure mechanisms.
Element’s Charpy test reports
Charpy testing provides a wealth of material data with a single test. We help ensure that you get the most out of your materials by providing in-depth, detailed impact test reports.
The Element advantage
We assist in all stages of the process, from complex test procedure to interpreting test results and providing relevant report. With years of testing experience, we can assist with any project, no matter how complex.
To speak to an expert about our Charpy impact testing services, or to request a quote, contact us today.
Charpy vs. Izod: An Impact Testing Comparison
Both Charpy and Izod impact testing are popular methods of determining impact strength, or toughness, of a material. In other words, these tests measure the total amount of energy that a material is able to absorb. READ MOREImpact Testing: Performing the Charpy test to assess materials notch toughness and satisfy industry specifications
Impact strength tests are designed to determine the notch toughness of a material by measuring the amount of energy absorbed as it fractures. The Charpy impact test is one of the most popular techniques for determining material notch toughness. DOWNLOADMaterials Testing: Choosing the Right Material for your Application
Materials testing provides valuable insight into the material characteristics such as hardness, flexibility, strength, and chemical composition, which provides a better understanding of the behavior of a material when subjected to operating conditions, explore our case study.
Read MOREWhat is Destructive Testing?
Destructive testing, also known as mechanical testing, subjects a material to different loads and stresses to evaluate its strength and durability. Read the article to learn about the different methods used for destructive testing.
READ MOREMore from Element

Die Steel Qualification
In addition to hardness and microhardness testing, die steel qualification involves a variety of other Element capabilities including impact testing, heat treatment and metallography.

Mechanical Testing
Element's experts in materials testing labs across the US, UK, Netherlands, Germany, and Spain provide mechanical properties testing such as tensile, fatigue, fracture mechanics, and more.

Sign Up for Free Resources
Visit Element's email subscription center to receive the latest industry news, technical whitepapers, case studies, webinars, and upcoming events.

Element Locations
Learn more about our laboratories - where they are located; the unique capabilities they have and how they can help you solve your technical and commercial challenges.