Video Extensometer

Contact or non-contact? Compare clip-on, long-travel, 2D video and 3D DIC extensometers: ISO 9513 and ASTM E83 accuracy classes, which type each standard calls for, chamber testing, cost and setup videos.

A practical guide to ASTM D638 tensile testing of plastics: Type I, II, III, IV and V specimen dimensions, which type to use, test speeds, the right grips, extensometer requirements for modulus, cutting dies, common mistakes and D638 vs ISO 527.

A video extensometer retrofits to the testing machine you already own. How it connects to Instron, MTS, Shimadzu, Zwick and Tinius Olsen frames, which model fits your standards, setup steps, cost and FAQs.

This article provides a detailed, standards-driven guide to gauge length selection for video extensometers, with practical examples from ASTM D638, ASTM D412, ASTM E8, and ASTM D3039.

Whether performing routine tensile testing, measuring Poisson’s ratio, or conducting full-field strain analysis, correct sample marking is essential for reliable, repeatable strain data. This article provides a comprehensive guide to sample marking for video extensometers, explains how digital image correlation (DIC) works, and outlines best practices for achieving high-quality strain measurements across a wide range of materials.

If you’re trying to choose between a video (non-contact) extensometer and a clip-on (contact) extensometer, the best answer depends on what you test, how often you change specimen types, your accuracy needs, your risk tolerance for damaging samples, and—very often—budget.

Learn when to use an extensometer and why it is important for tensile testing on a universal testing machine.

What is a Video Extensometer and How Do They Work?