Tensile testing is a fundamental type of mechanical testing performed by engineers and materials scientists in manufacturing and research facilities all over the world. A tensile test (or tension test) applies force to a material specimen in order to measure the material's response to tensile (or pulling) stress. This type of testing provides insight into the mechanical properties of a material and enables product designers to make informed decisions about when, where, and how to use a given material.

Why Perform a Tensile Test?

Tensile testing and material characterization are crucial for manufacturers and researchers in all industries. In order for a material to be selected for a new product or use, researchers must ensure that it can withstand the mechanical forces that it will encounter in its end-use application. For example, tire rubber must be elastic enough to absorb inconsistencies in road surfaces, while surgical sutures must be strong enough to hold living tissue together. Furthermore, materials and products might be exposed to mechanical forces for short or long periods of time, through cyclical or repeated use, and in a wide variety of different temperature and environmental conditions. Automotive tires are expected to last for a certain number of miles under a variety of weather conditions, while surgical sutures, though only used once, must maintain a consistent tensile strength for long enough for the body to heal. 

In addition to its importance to the R&D process, tensile testing is also used by quality assurance departments to ensure that batches of finished product are meeting the required specifications for tensile properties. This is important from both a safety and a business perspective, as defective products can be dangerous to the end user and can also cause significant harm to manufacturers in the form of product delays, lost revenue, and damaged reputations.

Tensile tests are performed on universal testing machines, also known as tensile machines or tensile testing machines. These machines consists of a single or dual column frame equipped with a load cell, testing software, and application-specific grips and accessories such as extensometers. Universal testing machines come in a wide variety of force capacities and can be configured with different fixtures to test any product, component, or material.

Measuring a material or product in tension allows manufacturers to obtain a complete profile of its tensile properties. When plotted on a graph, this data results in a stress/strain curve which shows how the material reacted to the forces being applied. While different standards require the measurement of different mechanical properties, the greatest points of interest are usually the point of break or failure, modulus of elasticity, yield strength, and strain.

Tensile testing machines are available in a variety of different sizes and force capacities ranging from 0.02 N to 2,000 kN. Most low force testing is performed on an electromechanical single-column or dual-column tabletop machine, while higher force applications require floor model frames. Instron's 6800 Series systems are available in capacity ranges up to 300 kN and can perform a wide range of different test types, including tensile, compression, bend, peel, tear, shear, friction, torsion, puncture, and more. Instron's Industrial Series servohydraulic systems are designed for even higher capacity testing of high strength metals, alloys, and advanced composites.

Universal Testing Systems up to 300 kN

Single and dual column table model and floor model testing systems with a force capacity range of 0.02 N (2 gf) to 300 kN.

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Industrial Universal Testing Systems up to 2000 kN

Instron’s Industrial Series includes frames with single or dual test spaces and range in force capacity from 300 kN to 2000 kN.

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The following is a listing of some of the most common international tensile testing standards.