ASTM D1623
Tensile and Tensile Adhesion Grips for Rigid Foam
ASTM D1623 Type A Tensile Grip – Universal Grip Data Sheet (PDF)
ASTM D1623 measures the tensile and tensile adhesion properties of rigid cellular plastics. Type A specimens are shaped foam pieces gripped at their enlarged ends, Type B specimens are bonded between loading blocks, and Type C specimens test the bond of foam to a facing or substrate. Universal Grip supplies Type A tensile grips and bonded-block fixtures with self-aligning linkages so the foam fails in tension, not by crushing or bending.
What ASTM D1623 Measures
The test reports tensile strength, and for Types B and C the tensile adhesion strength of the foam to its facings. Insulation panel and spray foam makers use it to check that foam holds to metal, paper or board facings and to measure core strength. Elongation and modulus can also be reported.
How the ASTM D1623 Test Works
Choose the specimen type: A for shaped specimens, B for small blocks bonded to loading plates, C for foam bonded to a substrate.
Machine Type A specimens to shape, or bond Type B and C specimens to the loading blocks and cure.
Seat the specimen in the holders or pin the blocks into the self-aligning linkages.
Pull at a constant rate until failure.
Record peak force, calculate tensile or adhesion strength and note where the specimen broke.
Specimens and Setup
Cut specimens in a known rise direction; foam strength varies with direction.
For bonded types, use an adhesive that is stronger than the foam and does not soak into it.
Keep bonded faces parallel so the load is not applied at an angle.
Failures at the bond line mean the result is a lower limit for the foam.
Confirm specimen dimensions and rate against your copy of the current standard.
Universal Grip ASTM D1623 Fixture
Holders shaped to seat Type A specimen ends
Bonded-block fixtures for Type B and C specimens
Self-aligning linkages minimize bending
Load transfer without crushing foam cells
2 kN standard capacity; lightweight for low foam forces
Aluminum and steel with corrosion-resistant finish
Applications
Rigid insulation foam testing
Structural core foam characterization
Spray foam product development
Foam QC laboratories
Related Standards and Products
Send us your specimen dimensions, required capacity and machine connection through our contact page and we will quote an ASTM D1623 foam tensile grip. Request a quote
ASTM D1623 FAQ
What are the D1623 specimen types?
Type A is a shaped specimen gripped at its ends. Type B is a smaller block bonded between loading plates. Type C measures the adhesion of foam to a substrate or facing.
Which type should I use?
Use Type A when you have enough material to machine the shape. Use Type B for smaller samples, and Type C when the bond between foam and facing is what matters.
Why self-aligning linkages?
Foam is weak and brittle in tension. Any bending puts extra stress on one edge and causes early failure, so self-aligning linkages keep the pull straight.
Do you supply loading blocks?
Yes. We supply loading blocks for Type B and C specimens sized to your specimen, along with the Type A grips.