ASTM D3163: Lap-Shear Testing of Bonded Rigid Plastics

Written by Meredith Bernstein

System capacity will depend on the strength of the adhesive, however most tests to this standard will fall in the capacity range between 1 kN and 5 kN, making this application perfect for a single column frame (34SC or 68SC). If the adhesive requires a higher capacity system, Instron’s dual column table model frames are available up to 50 kN.

Both pneumatic side-action grips and advanced screw side-action grips are excellent fixture choices for this standard. Both types of grips are adjustable in order to offset the jaw faces and ensure that the lap joint remains centered in the grips, and both feature quick-change jaw faces that can be easily changed to accommodate different materials.

Bluehill Universal is provided with one free application module upon purchase. Each module contains pre-configured test methods and supporting documentation to assist with testing to various standards, including ASTM D3163 which is part of the Adhesives module.

• It is critical when testing lap joints that the centerline of the grips be directly aligned with the plane of the adhesive bond. This ensures a true shear force application to the adhesive. Offset jaw faces are necessary to achieve this test setup.
• The standard requires reporting the breaking force or strength, however it’s important to remember that the shear strength is calculated by dividing the breaking force by the adhesive bond area.