Testing of plastic films - Tear test using trapezoidal test specimen with incision
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Testing methods
Our test laboratory carries out tests according to DIN 53363 in an accredited procedure for the determination of the tear resistance of plastic films. The standard describes a tear propagation test using trapezoidal specimens with a defined cut and is used to determine the resistance of a material to the continuation of an existing tear. The method is particularly suitable for flexible plastic films and similar sheet materials which, due to their flexibility, do not fail directly by tensile rupture when clamped in a tensile testing machine.
The test is used for material development, quality control, material qualification and the comparison of different film formulations and material constructions. The resulting values provide important information on the behaviour of films subjected to local damage and mechanical loading. Typical applications include technical films, packaging films, plastic sheeting and flexible polymer materials.
Test procedure
For testing, trapezoidal specimens with a defined cut are prepared and clamped into the grips of a tensile testing machine. Due to the specific specimen geometry, controlled tear propagation is generated during tensile loading. The force occurring during tear propagation is continuously recorded and evaluated as a measure of tear resistance. The method is particularly suitable for comparing materials of similar thickness and similar construction.
DIN 53363 has since been withdrawn and has been replaced by DIN EN 17679, which is also offered by our testing laboratory.
