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Puncture testing, performed to determine the penetration or the puncture strength of materials used in packaging, food, textiles, and medical industries, measures properties such as maximum force, breaking strength, and the penetration distance. In order to calculate the specimen puncture resistance, the specimen is first stretched and placed on the ring clamp mechanism of the puncture fixture. Load is then applied by the puncture probe until specimen rupture.
Material response to penetration varies with numerous factors including material thickness, elastic modulus, rate of penetration, temperature, shape and type of probe. Consequently, puncture testing methods are governed by standardized test procedures that specify the test set up including the rate, the specimen size, as well as the puncture probe geometry. This blog post will cover puncture testing, recommended equipment, and the test methods that outline test setups to test certain materials at the optimal test conditions.
Depending on the industry, puncture testing can be crucial to the quality of the end product. Packaged goods are used by consumers as well as businesses in other industries such as the medical field. Products used in packaging often need to be tested in puncture to ensure the package will not burst prior to use. If the integrity of a barrier wrap is destroyed, gases, odors, and unwanted contaminates will cause potential harm to the product and reduce shelf life. By running puncture testing, quality control professionals are able to determine the deformation in the material and the stress concentrations in its different areas to ensure the end product will have adequate strength.
In the medical field, furthermore, researchers run puncture testing to test the resistance of biomaterials such as tissue engineered or synthetic skin to ensure properties match the native tissue and that, when implanted, problems won&#;t arise.
Note that puncture testing does not always have to be carried out in the compressive direction. Specimens can also be tested in the tensile direction by specific puncture testing fixtures where the puncture probe is mounted on the bottom instead of the top.
A universal testing machine equipped with a puncture fixture with the top probe mounted on the moving crosshead is recommended for puncture testing. The recommended constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) type universal testing machine will have puncture speeds of 0.001&#; per minute up to 40&#; per minute.
Most puncture testing is run at low rates, a universal testing machine with closed-loop control and constant-rate-of-extension will ensure the required rates are kept constant throughout the testing.
ADMET recommends the modular eXpert or eXpert single column testing machines for lower force applications and the eXpert dual column testing machines for high-force capacity applications.
The eXpert series feature modular single and dual column frame components for a wide range of applications. Static systems include the eXpert , eXpert , and eXpert . The eXpert systems are used for applications up to 1 kN (100 lbf) capacity, the eXpert up to 2.2 kN (225 lbf), and the eXpert up to 5 kN (500 lbf).
eXpert series are single column testing machines that can go up to 5kN. Similar to the eXpert , three models include the eXpert for 1 kN (100 lbf) force capacity applications, the eXpert for 2.5 kN (250 lbf) force capacity, and the eXpert for 5 kN (500 lbf) capacity.
eXpert series are available in table top or floor standing configurations from 2kN to 300kN. Other than the puncture test set up, the versatile design of eXpert machines allows testing in tension, compression, flexure, shear, peel, adhesion, and more with a variety of grips and fixtures.
All ADMET machines are closed-loop servo control systems, ensuring the speed is kept constant during testing. In addition, they are equipped with the eP2 controller and GaugeSafe software or the MTESTQuattro controller and software, which provide the automation and accuracy required for the standardized tests listed in this post.
Read our Puncture Testing with a Universal Testing Machine blog here.
Puncture fixtures include the probe and the specimen holder. On a typical puncture test setup, the upper part includes the puncture probe secured to the load cell that is attached to the system&#;s crosshead, which moves down to create the puncture force. The probe comes in different diameters and heights and may also be called a plunger, needle, or ball, depending on the required dimensions. The bottom part of the fixture, or the specimen clamping mechanism, is designed to hold the specimen being punctured. Most test standards specify the required dimensions of both the plunger and the clamping mechanism to test each type of specimen. Picture to the right shows one version of a puncture fixture. The diameter of the plunger is based on the actual scenario a certain material is used for. The test standard examples below include further information on different puncture fixture specifications.
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Universal testing machines can be purchased with puncture fixtures, or, if a puncture test requirement arises after the machine purchase, the fixture can be added to the setup later on. It is important to take into account the available spacing in the testing area of the testing machine prior to purchasing a puncture fixture. For single-column machines, the throat depth will determine whether the clamping mechanism of a puncture fixture will fit.
Throat depth, shown on the right, is the distance between the grip adapter and the column.
If, your machine does not have adequate spacing, we offer the single column version of the puncture fixture holder where the edges of the holder diameter are cut.
See standard and customized puncture fixture options here.
Puncture fixtures are not always required for all puncture test methods. The testing procedure per ASTM F outlines the measurement of the puncture resistance of materials used in containers for discarded medical needles where the blunt end of the needle is held between tensile grip jaws. The bottom fixture holds a stretched material designed to replicate the tissue. Similar to a puncture test in the compressive direction, the top grip holding the needle moves towards the bottom fixture that remains stationary. This tests the sharpness of the needle point and the uniformity of the needle tube. Measurements include the amount of force needed to puncture the tissue and to extract the needle from the tissue. For further information, read our Medical Needle Puncture & Bend Testing blog here.
ASTM F is a specification regarding the slow rate penetration resistance properties of flexible barrier films and laminates. Thin, flexible specimens must be of uniform thickness at 0. mm or 0. in. The maximum force, force at break, penetration distance, and energy at failure are measured. For further information, click here.
Recommended Specifications:
The ASTM D test method determines the index value of the puncture resistance of geomembranes, geotextiles, and related materials. For further information, click here.
Recommended Specifications:
ASTM D
&#;Protrusion Puncture Resistance of Stretch Wrap Film
ASTM D test method determines the resistance of stretch wrap film to the penetration of a probe at a standard low rate, a single test speed. Biaxial stress, which is representative of the type of stress encountered in product end-use applications, is applied to the specimen until rupture. This method measures the maximum force, force at break, penetration distance, and energy at failure. Click here for further information.
Recommended Specifications:
The ASTM D test method is a test used to determine the puncture resistance of geotextiles and similar products. The method is very similar to ASTM D, where a test specimen is secured into a ring clamp and a force is exerted against the center of the material by a steel rod (probe) until rupture occurs. In the case of ASTM D, a much larger probe diameter of 50 mm is used. Average puncture resistance is calculated at the end of the test. Click here for further information.
Recommended Specifications:
Federal Aviation Administration TSO-C69c is a standard for ensuring the safety and puncture resistance of inflatable emergency evacuation slides, rafts and ramps used for airplane passengers. The materials used must be tested to show quality and applicability for emergency evacuation. The puncture force measured by this method should exceed 67 lbf for the material to pass the desired criteria.
There are a number of strength and adhesion tests specified in TSO-C69c. Click here for further information on the puncture strength test per TSO-C69c.
Recommended Specifications:
Puncture testing is performed by various industries, for various industries. ADMET testing equipment is capable of determining the puncture resistance of materials such as plastics, films, fabrics, geomembranes, and related products. ADMET offers a selection of puncture fixtures with varying probe and clamp sizes designed according to many ASTM and ISO test standards.
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