Shear Testing Fixtures

Products > Compression Fixtures > Shear Fixtures

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Shear Testing Fixtures — Accurate, Standards-Certified Fixtures for Repeatable Shear Results

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Shear Testing Fixtures — Accurate, Standards-Certified Fixtures for Repeatable Shear Results

When shear strength, interlaminar bonding, or adhesive performance determines pass/fail, specimen fixturing must be exact. Our shear testing fixtures are engineered for precision alignment, repeatable shear planes, and compatibility with the full range of materials testing frames — so laboratories, QA teams, and R&D groups get defensible shear results every time.

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We supply a complete portfolio of shear fixtures — from lap shear and Iosipescu shear to short-beam/composite shear, flatwise plane shear (C273/C394), fastener shear (single/double), wood shear, and Amsler shear — all manufactured for repeatability and long service life. 

Why fixture selection matters for shear testing

• Correct shear plane = accurate stress calculations. Fixtures that position and maintain the shear plane reduce geometric error and ensure the applied load produces the intended shear stress in the specimen. 

• Repeatability across operators & labs. Self-aligning features, shims, and replaceable loading elements minimize operator variance — improving inter-lab agreement and reducing re-testing. 

Our shear fixture types (what we stock)

• Lap shear fixtures (adhesive & bond strength). Designed for single-lap and double-lap adhesive testing; alignment guides and clamp plates reduce peel/torsion artifacts. 

• Iosipescu (V-notch) shear fixtures — ASTM D5379. For interlaminar shear of composites using a notched specimen and shear load geometry. 

• Short-beam shear & three-point composite fixtures — ASTM D2344. Optimized span and support geometry for accurate interlaminar shear strength results. 

• Flatwise / plane shear fixtures — ASTM C273 / C394. For sandwich core and bonded construction shear testing in tensile or fatigue modes. 

• Fastener shear fixtures (single & double shear). Designed to load fasteners transversely for shear tension or shear compression assessments. 

• Amsler & specialty metal shear fixtures — ASTM B769 variant designs. For shear testing of metals where hole/anvil configurations are required. 

• Wood & adhesive shear fixtures. Self-aligning anvils and shim sets permit precise shear line setting for wood and bonded wood tests. 

Key features that industry leaders include (and why they matter)

• Self-aligning anvils / sliding fixtures — keep the shear plane centered under load and reduce off-axis loading. 

• Alignment shims & engraved settings — quickly set the shear line to the standard callout (for example 0.0 mm, 2.0 mm or 3.0 mm options on wood shear fixtures). 

• Replaceable wedges/blades and hardened contact surfaces — lower lifetime cost and ensure consistent contact geometry across many test cycles. 

• Stainless/hardened steel construction — resists wear and is available for corrosive or temperature-controlled test environments. 

• Accessory compatibility — extensometer mounts, adaptors for different crossheads, and bespoke bases to retrofit to your test frame make fixtures easier to integrate. 

Standards & test methods supported

We design fixtures to support the most commonly requested ASTM/ISO methods, including (but not limited to):

• ASTM D2344 — short-beam shear (composites). 

• ASTM D5379 — Iosipescu shear (composites). 

• ASTM C273 / C394 — flatwise/plane shear (sandwich structures). 

• ASTM B769 (Amsler variants) and fastener shear standards. 

If your lab requires a different standard or a modified geometry for a custom method, we’ll match the design and produce documentation to support your test protocol.

How to choose the right shear fixture for your lab

1. Identify the standard & specimen geometry. Confirm the ASTM/ISO method or share your specimen drawing. We’ll recommend the correct fixture type. 

2. Match fixture material to the test environment. Choose stainless or hardened steel if you handle salts, humid environments, or elevated temperatures. 

3. Check for alignment & shim options. For bonded or laminated specimens, choose fixtures with engraved shims or self-aligning anvils to lock the shear plane. 

4. Consider replaceable loading elements. Replaceable wedges, blades or support blocks lower cost of ownership and maintain consistent contact geometry over time. 

Typical specifications (examples)

• Material: Hardened tool steel or 316 stainless steel options. 

• Finish: Hard chrome or passivated stainless options available for corrosion resistance.

• Tolerance: Machined to tight dimensional tolerances to meet standard callouts; alignment features laser-engraved or machined for repeatable setup. 

• Documentation: Inspection reports, material certificates, and calibration/traceability documentation available on request. 

Stock, lead times & custom machining

• Common fixtures in stock for immediate shipment; popular composite and lap shear fixtures are frequently available for quick delivery.

• Custom fixtures — for unique specimen shapes, composite sandwich cores, or integrated test assemblies, we provide engineering drawings, quotes, and short lead-time machining. 

Best practices & operator tips

• Verify shear line location before loading. Use the fixture’s alignment features and a low-force verification run to confirm geometry. 

• Use the correct press/frame capacity. Ensure your machine can supply the fixture’s required clamp and shear loads without introducing off-axis motion. 

• Record fixture serial & calibration info. For ISO/17025 labs, track fixture IDs and inspection dates to support traceability and audits.

FAQs

Q: Can one fixture handle multiple specimen thicknesses?
A: Some fixtures use shims or replaceable wedges to handle a range of thicknesses, but very large thickness ranges typically require different contact elements or an alternate fixture. 

Q: Do you supply test method documentation with fixtures?
A: Yes — we can provide dimensional drawings, material certificates, and inspection reports to support your quality system. 

Call to action ---> Contact Us Here

Get the right shear fixture for your materials and test standards. Contact our applications team with:

• The ASTM/ISO method or your specimen drawing,

• Material type and expected test loads, and

• Your testing machine make/model.
  We’ll recommend the ideal fixture (stock or custom), provide a quote, and supply the documentation you need to run accurate, repeatable shear tests.