Element offers a full suite of mechanical testing services for metallic and nonmetallic materials, as well as components and specialty products. Whether testing to a standard method or developing a custom program, Element’s experts provide you with accurate, reliable, and fast results for your projects.

What is mechanical testing?

Mechanical testing refers to a set of methods used to evaluate the mechanical properties of materials under different loading conditions. These methods involve applying controlled mechanical forces or stresses to a material and measuring the deformation, strain, or stress.

 

Why mechanical testing is important? 

Mechanical testing is important because it provides valuable information about the mechanical properties of materials which is critical for designing and developing materials for specific applications and ensuring that materials are safe and reliable.

Mechanical testing allows engineers and scientists to determine the performance of materials under different loading conditions, such as tension, compression, bending and shear to determine properties such as strength, toughness, ductility, and stiffness.

 

Types of mechanical testing methods 

Designed to ensure that materials are suitable for their intended applications, mechanical testing includes methods such as tensile strength, compression strength, impact resistance, fracture toughness, and fatigue. By pushing materials to failure, we can collect data about their strength, flexibility, ductility, hardness, and more.

 

Our mechanical testing capabilities 

Element offers a wide range of mechanical tests, on both metallic and non-metallic. In addition to standardized methods, our laboratories can assist with custom or complex setups. Often these tests can be conducted in a wide range of environments to suit specific needs and requirements 

Some types of mechanical tests that we offer include: 

 

Mechanical testing of steel

Steel testing for use within concrete structures.

  • Metals & Metals Product
  • Reinforcing Steel
  • Welded Steel Fabric
  • Prestressing Steel
  • Mechanical Couplers
  • Structural Steel
  • Bolts & Nuts
 

The Element advantage 

With one of the most comprehensive ranges of materials testing services available in the TIC sector, Element is the world leader in the provision of high-volume routine mechanical testing services. 
We have expertise across some of the world’s most vital industries and can assist with even the most challenging projects, no matter what the material. 

For more information about our mechanical/destructive testing services, contact an expert today.

Element has extensive knowledge and experience with a wide variety of custom mechanical testing applications, including:

  • Multi-axial loading (static and dynamic, coupon level and component level)
  • Tension, compression, shear, and torsional loading (static and dynamic, coupon level and component level)
  • Cryogenic testing
  • High temperature testing up 1400°C
  • Customized fatigue testing and analysis
  • Rotating beam fatigue testing

Tribological (wear) properties:

  • Metal on Metal (MoM)
  • Metal on Plastic (MoP)
  • Fabrics 
  • Taber Abrasion
  • Finger touch wear simulation (RCA Abrasion) 

Oversized component testing:

  • High Displacement (up to 48”)
  • High Load (up to 300,000 lbs.)
  • Subzero and elevated temperature environments
  • Temperature/humidity chambers
  • Custom loading profiles/waveforms
  • Custom-generated NDE certification coupons

Non-metallic materials can be evaluated for strength, flexibility, fatigue, and many other physical properties that metals are tested for using mechanical testing methods. Understanding the limits of your material is vital in determining its integrity and useful lifespan.

Non-metallic materials often exhibit complex and time-dependent mechanical behavior, such as viscoelasticity and creep, which require specialized testing methods to fully characterize.

Non-metallic materials include:

  • Composites (CMC / PMC)
  • Polymers
  • Ceramics
  • Elastomers
  • Vinyls
  • Textiles
  • Organic compounds
  • Non-organic compounds
 
 

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What 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. 

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Element provides mechanical testing to many common industries standards, including those shown below, as well as custom specifications. 

Bend Testing:
  • API 1104
  • ASME Section IX
  • ASTM A370
  • ASTM A619
  • ASTM E190
  • ASTM E290
  • AWS D1.1
  • BS 4449
  • ISO 5173
  • ISO 7438
Charpy/Izod Impact:
  • ASTM A370
  • ASTM A923
  • ASTM D256
  • ASTM D746
  • ASTM D1822
  • ASTM D4812
  • ASTM E23
  • ISO 148
  • ISO 9016
Fatigue Testing:
  • ASTM D3479
  • ASTM D4482
  • ASTM D5528
  • ASTM D6873
  • ASTM D7905
  • ASTM E466
  • ASTM E606
  • ASTM E647
  • ASTM F1160
  • ASTM F1800
  • ISO 1143
Fracture Toughness: 
  • ASTM B645
  • ASTM B646
  • ASTM D5528
  • ASTM D7905
  • ASTM E370
  • ASTM E399
  • ASTM E1290
  • BS 7448
  • EN 6033
  • EN 6034
Shear Testing: 
  • ASTM A370
  • ASTM B769
  • ASTM C273
  • ASTM D3163
  • ASTM D3518
  • ASTM D5379
  • ASTM D5868
  • ASTM D7078
  • ASTM E23
  • ASTM F606
  • SACMA SRM 7 
  • SACMA SRM 8
Tensile Testing: 
  • ASTM A370
  • ASTM A615
  • ASTM C297
  • ASTM D638
  • ASTM D3039
  • ASTM E21
  • ASTM E345
  • ASTM E517
  • ASTM E646
  • ASTM E8
  • ASTM F606
  • BS EN 6892-1
  • ISO 6892
  • ISO 898
  • ISO 8496
  • NASM 1312
  • SAE J1216
  • SAE J429
Torque Testing: 
  • ASME B18
  • ASTM F606
  • IFI 101
  • MIL-DTL-18240
  • MIL-F-18240
  • NASM 1312
  • NASM 25027

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