Written by Dan Caesar

 

Due to the flexible, delicate nature of thin film specimens, specimen gripping can be a challenge. Pneumatic side action grips are an ideal solution because they provide an adjustable inlet air pressure to ensure that specimens can be clamped sufficiently throughout the test. When using pneumatic grips with the Smart-Close Air Kit, operators can define the inlet clamping pressure in the Bluehill Universal test method, replacing the need to manually change the pressure at the air supply’s regulator. The Smart-Close Air Kit not only promotes a safer use of pneumatic grips, but it can make testing more efficient and repeatable.

For those looking for a non-pneumatic solution for ISO 527-3 testing, Instron recommends self-tightening roller grips. Manually-tightened screw grips are not recommended for thin film testing, because the variability they add to the clamping pressure can negatively impact the repeatability of results and cause a higher frequency of improper gripping (jaw breaks or slippage). 

While ISO 527-3 does not require extensometry, the use of an extensometer always results in the most accurate strain measurement. Non-contacting video extensometry is the best solution for thin film testing, as typical clip-on extensometers weigh down the specimen causing premature failure. Instron's Advanced Video Extensometer (AVE2) can measure strain as accurately as a clip-on extensometer without physically contacting the specimen.

Instron's Bluehill® Universal testing software makes it easy to report calculations in compliance with the standard. Customers who choose the Plastics method suite will receive a pre-configured test method for ISO 527-3 testing, complete with specific test parameters and calculations to help ensure compliance.

For labs with high-volume testing needs, several modifications to the tensile machine setup can be made to speed up the testing process and increase throughput, up to and including fully automated test systems. Fully automated systems such as Instron's AT3 are designed to incorporate specimen measurement, specimen loading, testing, and removal, and are able to run for hours without operator interaction. These systems help to reduce variability due to human error and can be left running after a shift ends to continue getting results when operators go home.