Polymer materials are subjected to rapid strain loading or impact loads. The most widely used methods for measuring how well materials withstand these loads are the Izod and Charpy pendulum impact tests. In the pendulum impact test, a pendulum of a given height and weight strikes the center of a specimen held in the fixture, and the energy required to break it is measured.
- Charpy, Izod, Tensile and Dynstat tests all in one instrument
- Fully digital operation, PC control and Coesfeld WIN software
- Optional touchscreen for real-time measurement monitoring
- Impact energy is displayed and recorded instantly after each test
- Optional motorized pendulum return and automatic specimen feed
Operating Principle
The Izod pendulum impact test is described in ASTM D256; at least five, preferably ten or more specimens should be measured to determine a material's impact resistance. The energy required to break the specimen is calculated as the difference between the pendulum's potential energy before and after impact:
Efrac = m · g · (hS − hE)
Where m is the pendulum weight, h is the pendulum height and g is gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²). Results are expressed in units of absorbed energy / notch thickness (J/m) or absorbed energy / notched area (J/m²).
Machine Components
Advantages
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Modular Design | Adjustable to international standards; application-based configuration, easy and precise accessory changes, optional optical hammer recognition system. |
| Rugged Steel Frame | Impact energies up to 50 Joules; low vibration, high stability. |
| Electric Brake System | Safe operation; programmable stop angle (rise, rotation, safe stop); flexible starting angle; no compressed-air requirement. |
| Windows Software | Included free with the instrument; intuitive interface; data export and LIMS connectivity. |
Test Methods & Standards
| Test | Standards |
|---|---|
| Charpy | ISO 179-1 · ASTM D6110 |
| Izod | ISO 180 · ASTM D256 |
| Tensile Impact | ISO 8256 · ASTM D1822 |
| Dynstat | DIN 53435 · ASTM D4508 |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Izod | Charpy |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Speed | 3,5 m/s · 3,46 m/s | 2,9 m/s · 3,46 m/s · 3,8 m/s |
| Energy | 0,5 – 50 J | 0,5 – 50 J |
| Control | Touchscreen / Computer software | |
| Automatic Hammer Release | Included | |
| Automatic Brake System | Included | |
| Computer Software | Included | |
| Automatic Hammer Recognition System | Optional | |
| Motorized Hammer Lifting System | Optional | |
| Automatic Specimen Feed | Optional | |
| Dimensions | 431 × 1070 × 1078 mm | |
| Weight | 350 kg | |
| Power Requirement | 230 V 50/60 Hz | |
Safety Guard Options
- Partial safety guard — basic protection for open benchtop operation
- Full safety guard — fully enclosing protective housing