MET 264 – Materials Science

Experiment 2

TENSILE TESTING OF POLYMERS

PURPOSE

 Investigate the tensile strength of 3D printed plastics

 Study tensile testing
 Compare tensile measurements for different plastic structures
 Compare tensile measurements from different manufacturing processes

INTRODUCTION

The tensile properties of a material are obtained by pulling a specimen of known geometry apart
at a fixed strain rate until it breaks or stretches to the machines limit. Stress and strain are the
important parameters from which other

Material testers vary, but will have the same major purpose. They are designed to measure
force and displacement while materials are being subjected to a number of operations which include
stretching, compressing, bending, etc. Testers generally include a load cell and encoder. Software
programs will differ based on the tester and data acquisition system.

PROCEDURE

Tensile Testing – Part 1

Each lab group will be given two samples of ABS in each of three structural configurations. Your
three structural orientations will all be 3D prints. One will have fibers perpendicular to the axis being
tested, and two will have fibers parallel to the axis being tested. Two of the samples will have a solid
build and 1 will have a high density, sparse build. Comparisons will be made regarding tensile strength
and ultimate strength based on the structure of the materials.

1. Using calipers, measure and record the diameter to + .002 inches

2. Record the temperature of the material sample prior to testing
3. Make sure to record the specific structural orientation information regarding the sample
4. Place the sample into the tensile collets as instructed by the lab technician or instructor
5. Hook up the extensometer to the sample as instructed by the lab technician or instructor
6. Hook up load cell to the D4 data acquisition system
7. Start software program as directed
8. Record data points (load and change in length)
a. From these values, you’ll be able to later plot the stress strain curve and determine
relevant landmarks

Tensile Testing – Part 2

Each lab group will be given two samples of two nylon configurations. One configuration will be
3D printed with fibers parallel to the axis of testing. The other configuration will be extruded round
stock that has been machined into a tensile specimen. Comparisons will be made regarding tensile
strength and ultimate strength based on the manufacturing process of the materials.

1
 1. Using calipers, measure and record the diameter to + .002 inches
2. Record the temperature of the material sample prior to testing
3. Make sure to record the specific structural orientation information regarding the sample
4. Place the sample into the tensile collets as instructed by the lab technician or instructor
5. Hook up the extensometer to the sample as instructed by the lab technician or instructor
6. Hook up load cell to the D4 data acquisition system
7. Start software program as directed
8. Record data points (load and change in length)
a. From these values, you’ll be able to later plot the stress strain curve

ANALYSIS

1. Include stress/strain plot for strongest ABS and Nylon.

2. Which sample of ABS was stronger? Why?
3. Which sample of nylon was stronger? Why?
4. Compare the tensile strength values you measured for each plastic with those in the literature.
If there are any major deviations from the expected values, provide likely causes. How could
those be corrected?