ASTM A938 Torsion Testing of Wire
The torsion of a wire is determined by the standard testing method ASTM A938. Torsion of a wire is required for evaluating a material's shear properties. The values given in the U.S. customary units should be considered as standard.

TRUSTED BY




Precision-driven testing for dimensional accuracy and compliance
- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM A938 specifies a test method for evaluating the torsional properties of metallic wire by twisting it until failure or to a specified number of turns. The test determines the ductility and torsional resistance of wire, which is critical for applications involving twisting or cyclic loading.
This method is widely used in wire manufacturing, automotive, construction, and electrical industries. It ensures that wire products meet required performance standards for flexibility, strength, and durability.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM A938 evaluates the ability of metallic wire to withstand torsional deformation under rotational loading. The test measures the number of twists the wire can endure before fracture or damage.
The test evaluates:
- Torsional ductility of wire
- Resistance to twisting and cyclic stress
- Number of twists to failure
- Fracture behavior under torsion
- Material uniformity and quality
Applications
- Steel and alloy wires
- Automotive and mechanical springs
- Electrical and communication wires
- Fasteners and cable components
- Construction and reinforcement wires
- Quality control in wire production
Benefits
- Provides a reliable assessment of wire ductility
- Ensures performance under torsional loading
- Helps detect material defects and inconsistencies
- Supports product quality and durability
- Enables comparison between wire grades
Test Process
Sample Preparation
Wire specimens are cut to specified lengths and inspected.
1Mounting
Specimens are clamped in a torsion testing machine with proper alignment.
2Torsion Application
The wire is twisted at a controlled rate until failure or specified turns.
3Data Recording & Evaluation
Number of twists and fracture characteristics are recorded and analyzed.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Steel and alloy wires |
| Wire Diameter Range | ~0.5 mm to 10 mm |
| Gauge Length | ~100 mm to 300 mm |
| Twist Rate | ~10 to 60 rpm |
| Number of Turns | Up to 100+ turns (material dependent) |
| Measured Outputs | Turns to failure, torsional ductility |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Torsion testing machine
- Wire gripping fixtures
- Rotational speed control system
- Measurement and counting system
- Sample preparation tools
- Data acquisition system
Results and Deliverables
- Number of twists to failure
- Torsional ductility evaluation
- Fracture behavior analysis
- Material performance comparison
- Test condition summary
- ASTM compliance report
Partnering with Infinita Lab for Optimal Results
Infinita Lab addresses the most frustrating pain points in the ASTM A938 testing process: complexity, coordination, and confidentiality. Our platform is built for secure, simplified support, allowing engineering and R&D teams to focus on what matters most: innovation. From kickoff to final report, we orchestrate every detail—fast, seamlessly, and behind the scenes.
Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM A938 includes number of twists to failure, specimen length, wire diameter, twisting speed, and direction, evaluating torsional ductility and integrity of wire materials under controlled twisting conditions.
ASTM A938 determines number of torsional turns until fracture, indicating ductility, uniformity, and resistance of wire materials to twisting stresses.
ASTM A938 is commonly applied to metallic wires such as steel, copper, and alloy wires used in cables, springs, and industrial applications.
ASTM A938 requires a torsion testing machine capable of applying controlled rotational motion and counting twists until failure.
ASTM A938 evaluates torsional properties under controlled laboratory conditions and may not fully represent real service conditions involving combined stresses, environmental effects, or dynamic loading on wire materials.
Case Studies
In-depth examination of genuine material testing solutions
Dopant and Ultra-Low Concentration Elemental Analysis Using STEM…
Introduction to STEM-EELS for Elemental Analysis Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) combined with Electron Energy Loss...
Read Case StudyAnalysis of PVC Pipe Degradation Using FTIR Spectroscopy
PVC Pipe in Infrastructure — and Why Degradation Matters Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pressure pipe is one...
Read Case StudyNano-scale roughness measurement of Si-wafers by Atomic Force…
Nano-scale surface roughness is a critical parameter in fabricated thin-films that are used in optics, solar...
Read Case Study
Request a Quote
Submit your material details and receive testing procedures, pricing, and turnaround time within 24 hours.
Quick Turnaround and Hasslefree process

Confidentiality Guarantee

Free, No-obligation Consultation

100% Customer Satisfaction
