Traction test

The tensile test is a reference method in materials mechanics , used to determine the mechanical strength, deformation, and fracture behavior of a sample subjected to tensile stress.
This test allows for the characterization of essential parameters such as:

• The constraint to rupture ,
• Elongation at break ,
• The modulus of elasticity (Young's) ,
• The elastic limit ,
• And the ductility of the material.

The test involves subjecting a standardized sample to increasing tensile force until it breaks, while recording the changes in stress and strain. The results are represented on a stress-strain curve that describes the mechanical behavior of the material (elastic, plastic, brittle, or ductile).

Methods and protocols

The tensile test is carried out in accordance with international standards such as:

• ISO 527 for plastics,
• ISO 37 / ASTM D412 for elastomers,
• ISO 6892 / ASTM E8 for metals,
• ISO 13934-1 for textiles.

The tests are carried out using instrumented tensile testing machines equipped with force sensors and extensometers, allowing for precise measurement of strength and deformation.
The test conditions (tensile speed, temperature, humidity) can be adjusted to simulate real-world operating or aging conditions.

Materials and sectors concerned

The tensile test is applicable to a wide variety of technical and industrial materials , including:

• Polymers and engineering plastics,
• Composites and laminates,
• Metals and alloys,
• Rubbers and elastomers,
• Fabrics, fibers and films,
• Bio-based materials.

In the packaging and polymers , this test is essential to validate the resistance of films, caps, bottles, seals and molded parts , in conjunction with other tests such as permeability validation (water vapor, O₂, CO₂, N₂) .

Industrial applications

A tensile test is essential for:

• Quality control of raw materials and finished products,
• The development of new materials (formulations, reinforcements, additives),
• The assessment of conformity to technical specifications ,
• Simulation of mechanical behavior in real-world use ,
• Failure analysis ( fractography, embrittlement, aging).

It is often combined with other mechanical tests such as:

• The bending test to measure resistance to bending,
• The Shore or Vickers hardness test,
• DMA (dynamic mechanical analysis) to characterize viscoelastic transitions.

Related analyses

For a complete understanding of material behavior, YesWeLab recommends combining:

• Study of chemical corrosion to evaluate the chemical resistance of metals.
• Morphological characterization (SEM) to observe fracture structures,
• Accelerated stability test to evaluate the aging of polymers,
• Validation of packaging permeability to link mechanical properties and barrier.

YesWeLab's expertise

Thanks to its network of partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC , YesWeLab supports manufacturers in the complete characterization of materials and packaging , from quality control to R&D.

The YesWeLab platform allows you to:

• Order your mechanical tests online ,
• Track your samples and results ,
• Centralize your analytical reports for your audits and certifications.