TEST METHOD TECHNOTE

COMPOSITES
ASTM D6272 Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced
Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials

T E ST M E T HOD SU M M A R Y

Four-point flexure testing of fiber-reinforced composites per ASTM D6272 is done to determine the relevant
property data for material screening or quality control.

The flexure test is performed by placing the rectangular specimen symmetrically on the support fixture that is
mounted either to a servohydraulic or an electromechanical testing machine. The load is applied to the specimen
equally on both loading members for four-point testing until rupture occurs in the outer fibers of the specimen or
it reaches 5% fiber strain. The specimen deflection should be measured at the common center of the loading span
with a deflection measuring device. Properties that are measured include flexural strength, flexural modulus and
other aspects of the flexural stress/strain relationship. This standard addresses unreinforced and reinforced plastics,
including high modulus composites and electrical insulating materials.

MTS Landmark® Testing solutions for ASTM D6272 typically include these types of components:
Servohydraulic Test Systems

L OAD F RAM E OPT I O N S *

The MTS Landmark® servohydraulic test systems and MTS Criterion® electromechanical test systems are ideal
for performing accurate and repeatable monotonic testing of unreinforced and reinforced plastics and electrical
insulating materials per ASTM D6272.

The innovative frame design of the MTS Landmark system exhibits superior stiffness and alignment capabilities. The
test system integrates the latest servohydraulic technology, including precision-machined columns for consistently
tight alignment; fatigue-rated MTS actuators with low friction bearings for long service life, and smooth-ramping
hydraulic service manifold for bumpless starts. With the addition of an energy-efficient MTS SilentFlo™ hydraulic
power unit, the MTS Landmark system can provide optimum performance and efficiency.

MTS Criterion® The MTS Criterion test system features high-resolution MTS digital controls, linear motion guides for superior
Electromechanical Universal Test Systems alignment, high-speed, low vibration MTS electromechanical drives, optional Dual Zone test space for maximizing
efficiency and anti-rotation grip/fixture mounting to minimize fixture misalignment.

CHAMBER OPTIONS * EXTENSOMETRY OPTIONS*

MTS Series 651 MTS Advantage™ MTS Advantage Video MTS Displacement Gage
Environmental Chamber Environmental Chamber Extensometer (AVX) (Model 632.06)
» Temperature range -150°C to 540°C » Temperature range of -129°C to » Delivers high quality non-contact » Versatile displacement gage designed for accurate measurement of
(-240°F to 1000°F) 315°C (-200°F to 600°F) deflection measurement small deformations
» Designed for MTS Landmark systems » Designed for MTS Criterion systems » Supports multiple measurement points » Easy installation via an adjustable mounting block
» Compatible with video extensometers » Compatible with video » Gage arm releases in either a positive or negative over-travel situation
extensometers to help prevent damage
» Temperature range of -100°C to 175°C (-150°F to 350°F)
FIX TURE OP TIONS*

Model 642 Three- & Four-Point Bend Fixtures

» Flexible configurations that provide either a line of maximum stress for the three-point setup or a
region of constant stress for the four-point setup
» 30 kN static force capacity
» Fixed loading noses and supports
» Precision-machined rollers are made from corrosion-resistant hardened steel for long service life
» Adjustable spans feature US Customary and metric scales
» Temperature range of -129°C to 177°C (-200°F to 350°F)

SOFTWAR E OPTION S*

ASTM D6272 Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and

Electrical Insulating Materials by Four-Point Bending
MTS has developed generic composite flexure TestSuite™ TW test templates that can easily be modified to be in compliance with
ASTM D6272 requirements. The templates can support the use of a displacement gage or video extensometer for deflection
measurement. Reports can display all of the required calculations including flexural strength, flexural modulus, and other aspects of
the flexural stress/strain relationship.

MTS consultants are also available to support your composite applications, test method set-up, data collection and system
integration requirements.

*NOTE: This technical note is intended to show some of the popular and more common solutions used for this particular application.
Most often, additional options are available and necessary to accomplish your more comprehensive test objectives.

A P PENDIX - TEST SPE CI M E N DE TAI L

Specimen and Fixture Dimension Thickness Width Support Span 4-Point Loading Span Support Radius Loading Radius
in mm in mm in mm in mm in mm in mm
Load Load
< 1.6 12.7
Loading Span Support Span-to-
≤ 3.2 12.7 1/3 or 1/4
Thickness Ratio 5 5
Loading Radius Support Span
16:1 ; 32:1, 40:1 or 60:1
> 3.2 < ¼ Support Span
Thickness
Flexural test specimens may be cut from sheets, plates, or molded shapes, or may be molded to the desired finished
dimensions. ASTM D6272 segments these materials and provides significant specimen size guidance according to
Support Radius following categories:
Support Span »» Laminated Thermosetting Materials and Sheet and Plate
»» Materials Used for Electrical Insulation
»» Molding Materials (Thermoplastics and Thermosets)
»» High-Strength Reinforced Composites, including Highly Orthotropic Laminates
»» Sheet Materials Not Listed Above

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