Understanding ASTM D882: Film Tensile Testing
How to properly test thin plastic sheeting. Why 'Grip Separation' and 'Elongation' are the trickiest parameters.
The Thin Film Challenge
Testing thin plastic films (<1mm) is very different from rigid plastics (ASTM D638).
• The Issue: Films stretch... a lot. Some PE films elongate over 500% before breaking.
• The Equipment Need: You need a machine with Extra Long Travel. A standard 500mm column is often too short.
KHT XLW-PC Solution
• 900mm Stroke: The XLW-PC offers a massive 900mm crosshead travel, ensuring you capture the full stress-strain curve of even the stretchiest elastomers.
• Grip Selection: We recommend Pneumatic Grips or Rubber-Coated Manual Grips to prevent "Jaw Breaks" (where the sample breaks inside the grip, invalidating the test).
• Modulus Calculation: Our software automatically calculates the Secant Modulus (Stiffness), a critical parameter for packaging line runnability.
