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ASTM D1693 Cutting Die – Bent-Strip ESCR Specimen
Bent-Strip ESCR Specimen · Environmental stress cracking (ESCR) specimen — built to ASTM D1693. Hardened steel or economical ribbon steel.
Brand: Universal Grip | Model: UGC-CDH-D1693 / UGC-CDR-D1693 | ● Made to order
Cuts the ASTM D1693 bent-Strip ESCR Specimen profile: length 38 ± 2.5 mm, width 13 ± 0.8 mm
Two styles: hardened steel for 0–5 mm, ribbon steel for 0–3 mm
Integral ejector (hardened) or foam pad (ribbon) pushes each specimen free
Fits manual, pneumatic and hydraulic sample-cutting presses
Free test cuts on your material before you order
Custom profiles, multi-cavity dies and nick/notch features on request
Downloads: Ribbon Steel Die Data Sheet (PDF)
Standards: ASTM D1693
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Precision cutting die for ASTM D1693 bent-Strip ESCR Specimen specimens
This Universal Grip die cuts the bent-Strip ESCR Specimen (environmental stress cracking (ESCR) specimen) defined in ASTM D1693: Standard Test Method for Environmental Stress-Cracking of Ethylene Plastics. ASTM D1693 evaluates the susceptibility of polyethylene to stress cracking when bent, notched strips are immersed in a surface-active agent. Rectangular strips are notched, bent into a U-shaped holder and monitored for failure over time.
We make it in two styles so the die suits the material you cut. The one-piece hardened steel die is machined from a single piece of steel and holds its edge on rigid & semi-rigid plastics, filled compounds, rubber, sheet & film from 0 to 5 mm thick. The ribbon steel (steel-rule) die uses a precision-bent hardened rule in a laser-cut plywood base with a foam ejection pad, an economical choice for rubber, elastomers, TPE, foams, soft plastics & films up to 3 mm. Both cut the same ASTM D1693 profile.
ASTM D1693 specimen dimensions
The die is cut to the nominal profile in ASTM D1693: length 38 ± 2.5 mm, width 13 ± 0.8 mm, thickness (Cond. A, B) 3.00–3.30 mm, thickness (Cond. C) 1.84–1.97 mm, notch length 19 ± 0.5 mm and notch depth (Cond. A) 0.50–0.65 mm. Always check your current edition of the standard for tolerances and the test procedure.
Where it is used
Typical uses for ASTM D1693 specimens include PE bottles & containers, pipe & fittings, geomembranes and wire & cable jacketing.
Cutting specimens with the die
Put the die on an arbor press or a pneumatic press, set your sheet on a nylon cutting plate and press through in one stroke; the ejector pushes the specimen out ready to test. No press yet? An adapter lets the die run on your universal testing machine. Send us a sample of your material and we will make test cuts free of charge, so you can confirm the edge quality before you order. Hardened dies can be re-sharpened with our die sharpening tool.
ASTM D1693 Cutting Die Specifications
STANDARD
ASTM D1693
SPECIMEN
Bent-Strip ESCR Specimen
SPECIMEN TYPE
Environmental stress cracking (ESCR) specimen
LENGTH
38 ± 2.5 mm
WIDTH
13 ± 0.8 mm
THICKNESS (COND. A, B)
3.00–3.30 mm
THICKNESS (COND. C)
1.84–1.97 mm
NOTCH LENGTH
19 ± 0.5 mm
NOTCH DEPTH (COND. A)
0.50–0.65 mm
HARDENED STEEL DIE
One-piece machined steel, 0–5 mm material, integral ejector plate
RIBBON STEEL DIE
Steel rule in plywood base, 0–3 mm material, foam ejection pad
PRESS COMPATIBILITY
Manual, pneumatic & hydraulic sample-cutting presses
PART NUMBERS
UGC-CDH-D1693 (hardened) · UGC-CDR-D1693 (ribbon)
Models & Options
Hardened Steel Cutting Die — One-piece machined, hardened and precision-finished; rigid & semi-rigid plastics, filled compounds, rubber, sheet & film; 0–5 mm; integral ejector plate; re-sharpenable (UGC-CDH-D1693)
Ribbon Steel Cutting Die — Precision-bent hardened steel rule in a laser-cut plywood base with closed-cell foam ejection pad; rubber, elastomers, TPE, foams, soft plastics & films; 0–3 mm; economical, fast turnaround (UGC-CDR-D1693)
Press mounting — Matched to your press make and model, or an adapter for your universal testing machine (Specify at order)
Custom features — Custom profiles, multi-cavity dies and nick/notch features on request (Custom)
What's Included
ASTM D1693 cutting die in your chosen style (hardened or ribbon steel)
Specimen ejection: integral ejector plate (hardened) or foam ejection pad (ribbon)
Mounting to suit your press — tell us the make and model
Data sheet with the nominal profile dimensions
Supported Test Standards
ASTM D1693 — Standard Test Method for Environmental Stress-Cracking of Ethylene Plastics
Compatible Grips & Fixtures
Arbor press — Benchtop press for cutting bent-Strip ESCR Specimen specimens with this die
Sample die press — Specimen-preparation presses and tools
Die sharpening tool — Restore the cutting edge of a hardened steel die
Plastics testing — Grips and fixtures for plastic film, sheet and molded parts
“Customer quote”
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ASTM D1693 Cutting Die FAQ
What is the ASTM D1693 test used for?
ASTM D1693 evaluates the susceptibility of polyethylene to stress cracking when bent, notched strips are immersed in a surface-active agent. Rectangular strips are notched, bent into a U-shaped holder and monitored for failure over time.
What are the ASTM D1693 specimen dimensions?
The die cuts the nominal ASTM D1693 profile: length 38 ± 2.5 mm, width 13 ± 0.8 mm, thickness (Cond. A, B) 3.00–3.30 mm, thickness (Cond. C) 1.84–1.97 mm, notch length 19 ± 0.5 mm and notch depth (Cond. A) 0.50–0.65 mm. These values come from the standard; check your current edition for tolerances.
Hardened steel or ribbon steel: which ASTM D1693 die should I choose?
For rigid and semi-rigid plastics, filled compounds and sheet up to 5 mm, choose the hardened steel die. The ribbon steel die is the economical option for soft plastics and films up to 3 mm.
Which press do I need for the ASTM D1693 die?
The die fits manual, pneumatic and hydraulic sample-cutting presses. On our arbor press it mounts with a lateral screw, and an adapter lets it run on a universal testing machine. Tell us your press make and model and we will match the mounting.
Can you make test cuts on my material?
Yes. Send us a sample of your sheet and we will make test cuts free of charge, so you can see the edge quality and confirm the right die style before you order.
Can you make a custom or multi-cavity ASTM D1693 die?
Yes. We make custom profiles, multi-cavity dies and nick or notch features on request. Send the drawing or standard, your material and thickness, and your press model.