ASTM D6110

Introducing ASTM D6110 – Industrial Physics

ASTM D6110 is a global ASTM pendulum impact testing method to determine the Charpy impact resistance of notched plastic samples.  

A pendulum-impact test will tell you how much energy you need to break a plastic test specimen of specified size under stipulated conditions.  

This ASTM impact test method is used to determine the resistance of plastics to breakage by flexural shock. It does this by measuring the energy extracted from a pendulum-type hammer, mounted on a testing machine. The measurement shows you how much pendulum velocity energy is needed to break a sample with one pendulum swing.  

To effectively carry out an ASM D6110 test you’ll need a plastic sample with a milled notch. The notch produces a stress concentration which promotes a brittle, rather than a ductile, fracture. The results of this impact testing method are reported in terms of energy absorbed per unit of specimen. 

The energy lost by the pendulum as the specimen is broken equals the sum of the energies required to do the following: 

• Initiate the fracture of the specimen 
• To propagate the fracture across the specimen 
• To throw the free ends of the broken specimen (toss energy) 
• To bend the specimen 
• To produce vibration in the pendulum arm 
• To produce vibration or horizontal movement of the machine frame or base  
• To overcome friction in the pendulum bearing and in the indicating mechanism 
• To overcome windage (pendulum air drag) 
• To indent or deform the specimen at the line of impact 
• To overcome the friction caused by the rubbing of the striking nose over the face of the bent specimen 

When testing to ASTM D6110 you’ll need the specimen to break completely. This means that any results obtained with a pendulum that doesn’t have sufficient energy to break the fibers and toss the broken pieces shall be considered a departure from standard. This means it won’t be reported as a standard result. You also can’t compare impact testing values for any two materials that experience different types of failure. 

Pendulum-impact test machines are standardized to comply with certain requirements. This includes a fixed height of hammer fall that ensures the same velocity of the hammer at the moment of the impact test.  

Charpy impact testing and Izod impact testing

When you need to test a material’s toughness and strength, both Izod impact testing and Charpy impact testing will yield the results you require.  

Charpy impact testing and Izod impact testing are both methods to demonstrate how much energy a material is able to absorb. They both involve a hammer striking on a material from a particular height. By measuring the material’s energy absorption, you can determine its strength, toughness and sensitivity to impact.  

So what’s the difference between these two types of impact strength tests? When you’re doing Izod impact testing you place the test material in a vertical position; in the Charpy impact test your sample is placed horizontally. The notch in the Izod test faces the striker, in the Charpy impact test, it’s positioned away. 

ASTM D6110 impact testing equipment  

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your ASTM D6110 testing?  

Need a clear vision of how well your samples will fare during manufacture, storage and transportation? An IP impact test simulates the real world challenges that your products will face. 

Here are some of the impact testing, impact strength test and falling weight impact testing that we can support.  

Advanced Pendulum Impact Testing System 

The Ray-Ran advanced pendulum impact testing system is a pendulum impact tester. It uses microprocessor technology to determine the energy required to break or rupture plastic or ceramic specimens, composites and nonferrous metals. 

It’s just the job for Izod, tension or Charpy impact testing. It’s great for pipe testing and puncture impact testing. Plus you can use it for small-diameter pipe testing and component impact and puncture tests.  

Sample Notching Cutter 

Often bought alongside the pendulum impact tester, our auto cycle notching cutter produces precise stress-concentrated profiles in Izod and Charpy specimen bars

The profiles conform to the ISO 179, ISO 180 & ASTM D256 international standards​ and the vice will accommodate up to 16 test specimens (4mm thick). It’s a fast and efficient device,  accurately cutting within just 20 seconds. ​ 

Need ASTM testing solutions? Get in touch

If you want to get the most impact from the advice we can offer then why not visit a page we’ve written on impact testing by clicking here.  

Or simply get in touch today to find out more about the many types of impact testing equipment and accessories we can offer! 

Contact us – Industrial Physics 

Your global test and measurement partner for ASTM D6110