Summary of Test
ASTM D3163 describes a stress-controlled tensile test method to evaluate the shear strength of adhesive-bonded rigid plastic lap-shear test specimens. As adhesive-bonded plastics have increasingly been utilized in place of mechanically fastened joints, ASTM D3163 was developed to provide comparative evaluation on the shear properties of various plastic substrates and adhesive materials. Appropriate grips capable of accounting for the vertical offset caused by the lap-joint must be used to ensure accurate shear test results.
Before conducting ASTM D3163, it is important to read the entire specification in the relevant ASTM publication.
Recommended Equipment
Testing Procedure
- Prepare the surface of the plastic specimens, then cut the specimens as directed according to the standard.
- Apply adhesives to the specimens according to the manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Insert each end of the specimen into appropriate grips of a tensile testing machine, and tighten while ensuring the vertical offset is accounted for.
- Load the test specimen at the specified stress-rate to move the rigid plastic specimens in opposite directions until failure.
- Record the maximum stress and type of failure.
Just Ask!
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