ASTM D1708 Micro-Tensile Testing for Plastics
The ASTM D1708 test method is used for Tensile Testing of Plastics using Microtensile Specimens. The data obtained is used for quality control and acceptance or rejection of material under specifications. Read more about ASTM D1708 Micro Tensile below.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
ASTM D1708 Micro Tensile Testing Overview
ASTM D1708 is a standardized test method for determining the tensile properties of small plastic specimens, particularly when material availability is limited. It is widely used for thin sections, molded parts, and research samples.
The method uses miniature dog-bone specimens and is especially useful when standard tensile specimens (ASTM D638) cannot be prepared. It provides reliable data on tensile strength, modulus, and elongation for small-scale materials.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D1708 applies to microtensile plastic specimens that are die-cut, machined, or molded. The test is conducted in a controlled environment with controlled temperature and humidity, and can be performed at ambient, elevated, or reduced temperatures to determine the material’s response.
ASTM D1708 evaluates:
- Tensile strength of small plastic specimens
- Tensile modulus and elongation at break
- Mechanical behavior of thin or limited materials
- Material performance for micro-scale samples
- Comparative evaluation of polymer materials
Applications
- Material specification and qualification
- Quality control of plastic components
- Evaluation of molded parts
- Testing of thin polymer sections
- Product development and R&D
- Failure analysis
- Comparison of plastic material grades
- Components designed to withstand application forces
Benefits
- Requires small sample size
- Suitable for limited or thin materials
- Provides comparative tensile data
- Determines elongation at yield and break
- Supports product design validation
- Enables temperature-dependent testing
ASTM D1708 Micro Tensile Test Process
Specimen Preparation & Conditioning
Prepare die-cut, machined, or molded specimens and condition at specified temperature and humidity.
1Mounting
Place specimen in the universal testing machine with defined grip separation.
2Tensile Loading
Apply controlled tensile speed until failure (no extensometer used); perform thermal chamber testing if required.
3Data Calculation
Determine tensile strength and elongation from load and extension data.
4ASTM D1708 Micro Tensile Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Specimen Shape | Dog-bone |
| Overall Dimensions | 38 mm × 15 mm |
| Gauge Area Dimensions | 5 mm × 22 mm |
| Crosshead Speed | ~5 mm/min (typical standard rate) |
| Number of Specimens | Minimum 5 per test condition |
| Specimen Size | ~38 mm length, ~15 mm width (miniature dog-bone) |
| Conditioning Standard | ASTM D618 (23°C ± 2°C, 50% ± 5% RH) |
| Conditioning Time | Minimum 40 hours before testing |
| Test Speed | As specified in material standard |
| Temperature Conditions | Ambient, elevated, or reduced (thermal chamber) |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
- Microtensile grips
- Thermal chamber (for elevated/reduced temperature testing)
- Load cell
- Data acquisition system
- Environmental monitoring devices
Results and Deliverables
- Tensile strength at yield
- Tensile strength at break
- Elongation at yield
- Elongation at break
- Percent elongation values
- Stress–strain data
- Comparative material performance report
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D1708 is a standard test method used to determine the tensile properties of plastics using small, micro-sized dog-bone specimens, especially when material availability is limited.
The method applies to rigid and semi-rigid plastics, including molded, extruded, or machined polymer specimens where only small sample sizes are available for testing.
Micro tensile testing is useful for evaluating small molded parts, research samples, thin sections, or localized material properties without requiring large standard specimens.
The test measures tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, yield strength, and complete stress–strain behavior under uniaxial loading.
Results depend on specimen preparation, alignment, gripping method, strain measurement accuracy, temperature, humidity, and loading rate during testing.
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