ASTM D6395 Flatwise Flexural Impact Resistance Testing
ASTM D6395 is used to determine the resistance of rigid plastic specimens to breakage or permanent deformation by flexural shock. One end of the specimen is subjected to impact on its wide face side and the other end is firmly clamped.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D6395 is a standardized test method that determines the relative impact resistance of rigid plastic materials under flexural shock. This test method measures a material’s ability to resist sudden bending loads that may cause fracture or deformation.
This technique is invaluable for comparing multiple samples of similar thickness to determine changes resulting from treatments such as weathering. It is a good indicator of brittle surface development.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D6395 evaluates:
- Flexural impact resistance of rigid plastics
- Effect of surface cracks and brittleness
- Changes in impact strength after environmental exposure
- Relative performance of similar thickness samples
- Fracture behavior (brittle vs ductile)
- Resistance to permanent deformation
The method primarily applies to non-elastomeric and rigid plastic materials in which fracture or yielding occurs during flexural impact.
Applications
- Plastic material qualification
- Automotive interior and exterior components
- Electrical enclosures
- Consumer products
- Building and construction plastics
- Research and development
- Quality control testing
- Weathering and aging studies
Benefits
- Quantitative measurement of impact resistance
- Detects brittle surface formation
- Sensitive to microcrack development
- Enables performance comparison
- Supports material selection
- Evaluates the effects of environmental degradation effects
- Standardized and repeatable method
Test Process
Specimen Preparation
Specimens are prepared with a milled notch and controlled thickness.
1Mounting & Pendulum Impact
Specimens are secured and struck with a calibrated pendulum hammer.
2Fracture Observation & Energy Measurement
Fracture mode is observed, and absorbed energy is recorded.
3Data Calculation
Impact strength is calculated per unit width or cross-sectional area.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Rigid plastics, non-elastomers |
| Specimen Thickness | 1.6 mm (standard) |
| Thickness Ratio Requirement | Clamp distance to thickness = 2.5 ± 0.1 |
| Specimen Type | Notched specimen |
| Impact Mode | Single pendulum swing |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Pendulum impact tester
- Calibrated impact hammers
- Specimen clamping fixture
- Notching machine
- Thickness gauge
- Data recording system
Results and Deliverables
- Energy absorbed per unit width
- Impact strength values
- Fracture behaviour classification
- Comparative performance reports
- Quality control documentation
- Material durability assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
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