Bend Testing Fixtures
Products > Compression Fixtures > Bend
Quick Links:
- Overview
- Support Spans and Loading Noses
- Adjustable and Interchangeable Rollers
- Fully Articulated Bend Fixtures
- Gallery
Overview:
Flexural properties are analyzed by testing a material using a 3 or 4 point bend fixture. These jigs have 2 bottom support spans and one or two loading nose points on top. Most three point flex tests such as ASTM D790 require that the third loading point be centered on the sample. 4 point tests such as C1609 require that the 2 top loading points bisect the sample into thirds or fourths. Other tests include the guided bend test and the more obscure serpentine fixture for tensile bend testing .
3 Point Bend Fixtures:
Three point bend testing fixtures use center loading to flex the sample. Common 3 point bend tests include ASTM D790 for plastics, and ASTM D143 for wood. The 3rd point loading nose is attached directly to the top arm of the universal testing machine by use of a clevis pin adapter. The bottom two supports are adjustable and can accomodate samples of different length. The concentric gear crank custom bend fixture is a nice solution if you are changing between multiple specimen sizes.
4 Point Bend Fixtures:
Four point flexural testing fixtures have two base supports and two top loading points. There are two types of 4 point bend tests based on where the load contact points are on the sample. The first type divides the sample into three parts and the loading points are placed at 1/3(L) apart. The second test splits the sample into four parts and the two top points are at 1/4(L) and 3/4(L).
Support Spans and Loading Noses:
The radius of the contact points is important and this measurement is usually specified in the relevant ASTM test overview. The standard radius tends to be 5mm. The bottom spans on most of these jigs are reversible, so they actually have two usable radii. Universal Grip also offers self-adjusting roller spans which will automatically react to the normal force during the test.
Adjustable and Interchangeable Rollers:
Interchangeable Rollers allow the bend fixture to have much more versatility in terms of the contact radius. Small rubber O-rings are used to secure the roller into place. The rollers can also be specified to allow for extra wide samples or regular sizes.
Anti-Roll Technology:
The medium and larger size bend fixtures can be equipped with an anti-roll retaining bar which prevents the sample from rolling or buckling during compression. This is critical for the higher capacity tests where samples are subjected to high loads. The video at the top of the page shows a fixture with this anti-roll bar.
Bend testing and flexural analysis can get quite involved. Researchers will often use deflectometers or multiple contact transducers in order to understand the exact strain behavior during a procedure. Most tests are executed to failure, however materials like flexible polymers performing under ASTM D6272 will not typically snap.
Fully Articulated Bend Fixtures:
Articulating contact points are used for four point loading to ensure that each contact point receives an equal amount of force. This is critical for measuring Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and fracture toughness. These types of measurements are most commonly used when testing extremely brittle materials such as ceramics, glass, and composite materials. Common flexure tests for ceramics include ASTM C1161 and the most widely used test for glass bending is ASTM C158. Spring loaded ball bearings allow the rollers to adjust evenly as the load is applied. The picture below shows the 25mm rubber pad specified in ASTM C393.
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2K lb. - 3 Point Bend Fixture - 10kN
The standard aluminum 3 point bend fixture can be used up to 2.5kN for the aluminum verions and 10kN for steel. The bottom spans are adjustable from 4-150mm. This basic bend fixture can be used to perform ASTM D790.
500 lb. - Articulating Bend - 2.5kN
The articulating bend fixture is used to test ceramics, glass and other brittle materials. The most common testing procedure is ASTM C1161. A 10kN steel version is also available.
11K lb. - Medium Bend Fixtures - 50kN
The 50kN bend fixtures have adjustable span from 20 to 1,000mm or more. There are many different sizes for the contact radius, as well as the width of the contact points. Reversible bottom spans are available, as well as jigs with centric gear cranks to allow for even spacing.
22K lb. - Heavy Bend Fixture - 100kN
The Big Flex Jig can be designed to go up to 600kN. These types of fixtures are used for flexure testing steel and metal such as in ASTM E290 and ASTM E190.
2K lb. - 4 Point Bend Fixture - 10kN
The 4 point fixtures are similar to their three point counterparts and come in aluminum (2.5kN) or steel (10kN). The jig that is pictured uses the adjustable roller contact spans. These fixtures are used commonly in ASTM D6272 for plastics.
7.5K lb. - VDA 238-100 - 30kN
The VDA 238-100 is specifically designed to test standard sized 60x60mm samples. The fixture bends the sheet metal to 180 degrees using a fine radius loading nose. This package usually comes standard with loading noses of .2mm and .4mm. Other options available.
Guided Bend Fixture
This special type of bend fixture is guided by high strength ball bearing bushings. This apparatus allows for much more uniform testing and helps to prevent issues such as sample slippage and uneven loading.