Mechanical Testing of Composites

Unlock the full potential of your composites with fast, hands-on mechanical testing. Our experts guide you at every stage – from R&D through production and failure analysis – tailoring solutions for tensile, shear, compression, and fatigue. When no single standard applies, we develop custom methods to ensure accurate, reliable data. Elevate performance with Element’s comprehensive composite materials testing.

What is Mechanical Testing of Composites at Element?

Mechanical testing of composites evaluates strength, durability, and performance characteristics of lightweight, high-strength materials. At Element, we offer comprehensive testing services to validate material properties in R&D, ongoing production, or failure investigations—ensuring your composites meet demanding specs. Because composite testing often spans multiple methods (tensile, shear, compression, fatigue), we tailor solutions to each application’s needs, even when a standard method may not exist for certain compression tests.

Element testing specialist examining precision measurement equipment for materials analysis

What Can Element Offer You For Mechanical Testing of Composites?

Materials we test

From aerospace to automotive structures, we cover a broad range of composite materials—simple coupons to complex assemblies. By focusing on mechanical behavior, we help confirm that each composite retains its lightweight advantage and robust mechanical properties, essential for modern industries seeking stronger, more efficient designs.

Polymer matrix composites (PMCs)

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs)

Composite sandwich structures

Laminated materials

Fiber-reinforced composites (carbon, glass, aramid, etc.)

Key Tests Offered

Element provides a full suite of mechanical tests to characterize composites. We work with you to determine the ideal approach—recognizing, for instance, that “no single standard” exists for certain compressive tests, requiring customized solutions.

Compression testing (various industry-standard & custom methods)

Tensile testing (e.g., ASTM D3039)

Shear testing (interlaminar, in-plane, v-notch)

Fatigue testing (long-term performance)

Open hole compression & tensile testing (practical design insights)

Damage tolerance testing (resilience to real-world flaws)

Sandwich structure tests (flatwise tensile, core shear, bending)

Methods And Solutions Offered

Our experts employ industry-standard and custom methodologies to meet your exact testing requirements. Whether for R&D (early material selection), production QA (batch consistency), or failure analysis (root cause investigations), we tailor each approach. We also guide you in selecting the most suitable test method, especially for compression strength where recognized standards can be limited or incomplete.

Customized programs for unique composite architectures

R&D support from initial selection to final validation

Quality control to ensure consistent production runs

Failure analysis for root cause and prevention

Complete characterization for mechanical properties under varied conditions

Regulatory compliance with relevant industry or OEM standards

Expert consultation and custom solutions

Beyond standard test methods, we collaborate closely with your engineering teams. Some composite materials or assemblies require bespoke test protocols. Our hands-on technical guidance ensures you get the precise data you need, even for novel composites or advanced manufacturing processes.

Cutting-Edge Equipment We Use

Our labs feature specialized load frames, environmental chambers, and high-precision measurement systems designed specifically for composite materials testing. We can replicate operating environments (e.g., temperature, humidity) to gauge performance under real-world conditions.

Load frames for precise force control

Custom fixtures for non-standard sample geometries

Environmental chambers (temperature/humidity)

Data acquisition for accurate measurements

High-resolution imaging for failure analysis

Which Labs Offer This Service

Our team operates from specialized composites testing labs across the world, providing global access to our expert capabilities. Find your nearest Materials Testing hub on our Locations Page.

Standards we test to and materials we test

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ASTM Specifications (e.g., ASTM D3039).
We also address industry-specific or OEM standards.(Note: compression methods can vary due to no single universal standard in some cases.)

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Clearly understanding complex properties

Composites have unique, multi-directional properties. Our specialized testing ensures you fully capture tensile, shear, compression, and fatigue behaviors, enabling confident design decisions.

Quality consistency throughout production

Regular testing on production batches helps identify any variations or defects early, ensuring consistent material performance and preventing field failures.

Correctly applying industry standards expertly applied

We guide you through ASTM and other standards—even customizing methods where compressive tests lack a single universal approach—so you achieve compliance with minimal hassle.

Cost-effective, timely performance validation with confidence

From R&D to final product sign-off, our mechanical test data confirms your composites will perform as expected in real-world applications, reducing risk and time-to-market.