Slow Crack Growth Test to ISO 13479

Ensure your PE and PEX pipes meet critical safety, certification, and performance standards with Element’s comprehensive Slow Crack Growth Test ISO 13479 services. Access one of the world's largest testing facilities with 5,000 test stations, and benefit from end-to-end support, technical guidance, and global expertise. Get reliable, independent data for lifetime validation, compliance, and classification.

Slow Crack Growth Test to ISO 13479
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What is Slow Crack Growth Testing at Element?

Slow Crack Growth (SCG) testing evaluates how plastic pipes resist crack formation and propagation under long-term stress conditions. It specifically assesses microscopic cracks that develop slowly over time due to environmental stress cracking (ESC) or mechanical fatigue, which can eventually lead to pipe failure. At Element, we conduct thorough ISO 13479 testing by subjecting PE and PEX pipes to controlled notching and hydrostatic pressure in tap water, measuring time to failure to determine crack growth resistance. This critical testing ensures your products maintain structural integrity under real-world conditions.

Element testing specialist standing among environmental test chambers in product testing lab

What can Element Offer You For Slow Crack Growth testing of plastic pipes?

Components and materials we test

We test all grades of PE and PEX pipes under specific pressure and temperature conditions tailored to your material type, using tap water at 80°C as the test medium. From PE 80/100 to PEX 80/100/125, each material undergoes precise testing with pressures ranging from 8.0 to 10.8 bar, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your specific pipe grade.  

Key tests offered

Our comprehensive testing program includes testing a minimum of three PE or PEX pipe samples, each with controlled notching at four predetermined strategic stress points, carefully designed to simulate long-term mechanical stress and installation conditions, helping verify the pipe’s durability in actual field applications. Following the notching process, the samples are exposed to continuous hydrostatic pressure in tap water at 80°C. We measure time to failure under specific pressure conditions, with requirements varying from 500 hours for PE materials to 5,000 hours for PEX materials.

Our tests include: 

  • Notching process testing
  • Hydrostatic pressure testing

Cutting-edge equipment we use

Access one of only a handful of facilities globally equipped with 5,000 test stations, ensuring reliable and reproducible test data for your product evaluation needs.

 

Which labs offer this service

At our specialized testing facility for plastic pipes in Sweden, we are here to support you with extensive testing capabilities. We assist resin manufacturers, pipe extruders, certification bodies, and utility companies globally by providing precise and reproducible test data tailored to your compliance and performance needs.

Standards we meet and the materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!
  • ISO 4427 and EN 12201 (PE pipes and fittings for water supply)
  • ISO 4437 and EN 1555 (PE pipes for gaseous fuels)
  • ISO 14531 (PEX pipe systems for gaseous fuels)
  • ISO 13479 (Primary testing standard)
  • Your Challenges, Our Solutions

    Validating Product Lifetime

    Get comprehensive testing data that validates your products' long-term performance through controlled stress testing and precise failure time measurements, giving you confidence in real-world applications.

    Meeting Independent Data Requirements

    Benefit from globally recognized methodologies and reproducible test data from one of the world's largest testing facilities, ensuring reliable product classification and certification.

    Complying with Complex Standards

    Navigate multiple material-specific standards with our expertise in testing to ISO 4427, EN 12201, ISO 4437, EN 1555, and ISO 14531 requirements.

    Verifying Real-World Performance

    Get detailed insights into your products' stress resistance through strategic notching and hydrostatic pressure testing that simulate actual operating conditions.

    Why Choose Element

    Element testing specialist standing among environmental test chambers in product testing lab

    Global Testing Leader

    One of only a handful of facilities worldwide with 5,000 test stations for reliable, high-volume, long-duration plastic pipe testing.

    Complete Testing Solutions

    SCG testing can be seamlessly combined with additional evaluations like hydrostatic pressure, chlorine resistance, and high-flow circulation, depending on requirements.

    Independent Verification

    Globally recognized methodologies ensure reliable, reproducible ISO 13479 test data for product certification.

    Material-Specific Expertise

    Tailored testing parameters, pressures and durations for different PE 80/100 and PEX 80/100/125 material specifications.
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    Frequently asked questions

    What are the specific pressure requirements for different materials?

    PE 80/100 materials are tested at 8.0/9.2 bar respectively, while PEX materials are tested at 8.0 (PEX 80), 9.2 (PEX 100), and 10.8 bar (PEX 125), all using tap water at 80°C.  

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    Speak to our team of experts

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