Element’s tensile testing labs provide conditions for exposing materials to a static or slowly applied force, determining their ultimate tensile strength. We perform industry-leading tensile tests for many metallic or non-metallic materials.
What is tensile testing?
Tensile testing is a destructive mechanical testing method that subjects a sample to uniaxial tension until failure. Our testing services allow us to deliver critical information relating to the strength, stiffness, and ductility of materials.
Why is tensile testing important?
Designers must achieve acceptable levels of performance and economy whilst assuring the item is both safe and durable. One of the most basic design concerns to avoid structural failure is that the stress in a component does not exceed the strength of the material.
Tensile strength testing method
The force and extension are measured as the sample is stretched at a constant speed. Engineering stress is calculated from the ratio of force response to the cross-sectional area of the sample; the strain, often presented as percentage strain is calculated from the extension. The data is analyzed to obtain the yield strength and percent elongation; the highest stress recorded before fracture is the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS). Materials with a high UTS and percent elongation are said to be tough, generally, a desirable quality is a design.
Tensile testing of metals
ASTM composite tensile test
ASTM polymer tensile test
Rubber and elastomer tensile test
Weld tensile testing
Our tensile testing capabilities
- Cryogenic Testing
- Open Hole Compression & Tensile Testing of Composites
- Elevated Temperature Testing
- Fastener Testing
- Slow Strain Rate Tensile Testing
- High Strain Rate Tensile Testing
- Tensile Adhesion Strength
- Tensile Resistance
- High-Force Testing
- Medical Device Testing
- Rebar And Tubular Product Testing
- Ring Testing
- Ductility Testing
- Elongation Testing
- Digital Image Correlation
- True Stress and Strain Measurements
The Element advantage
By working with Element, you benefit from fast, precise test results from our global network of laboratories. We make certain that the materials we test are safe, quality, compliant, and fit for purpose.
For more information about our tensile testing and tensile strength services, contact our experts today.
Gripping Medical Devices for Tensile Testing
Medical devices such as leads and sutures are typically subject to tensile testing to characterize their mechanical properties under tension. Gripping these devices during testing provides additional challenges and can require custom fixturing to obtain meaningful data. READ MORETensile Testing of Metal Products
ASTM E8/E8M describes the methods of determination of mechanical properties that define the quality of a material: yield strength, yield point elongation, tensile strength, elongation, and reduction of area. Download a free guide to understanding the test procedure, the test specimens, and the test data. READ MOREASTM D3039 Testing Considerations
Although it is a popular composite tensile testing method, there are a few considerations that must be made prior to performing ASTM D3039 testing. Read our article to learn more about 5 considerations for ASTM D3039 composite tensile testing.
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

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Learn about ASTM E8/E8M and tensile testing of metallic materials. Download our free guide to understand the test procedure, the test specimens, and the test data.

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