Plastic Tensile Strength Test: Reliable Measurement for Packaging and Film Materials

El plastic tensile strength test is a fundamental method for evaluating the mechanical properties of polymer-based materials, including films, sheets, and flexible packaging. This test measures how much force a plastic sample can endure when pulled before breaking. It helps determine a material’s tensile strength, elasticity, and elongation — key indicators of performance under stress.

Whether used in food packaging, medical devices, or industrial applications, tensile testing is vital for verifying material quality and ensuring compliance with global standards. For laboratories and manufacturers seeking precision and reliability, Cell Instruments’ Probador de tracción TST-01 provides an advanced solution for tensile and elongation test applications.

Tensile Strength and Elongation: Key to Understanding Plastic Behavior

When engineers or quality control professionals ask, how do you measure tensile strength, they are referring to standardized tests like ASTM D882, which is specifically designed for thin plastic films and sheeting. This standard defines the procedure for measuring tensile properties, including maximum force and elongation at break.

What Is Tensile Strength?

Tensile strength is the maximum force a material can withstand when stretched. It is usually reported in MPa (megapascals) and reflects the durability of plastic films and packaging materials.

Elongation and Tensile Modulus

Besides breaking force, tensile and elongation properties are critical. Elongation tensile tests show how much a material can stretch before breaking — essential for applications like stretch films or medical films. The tensile modulus indicates stiffness, helping material engineers evaluate flexibility or rigidity.

Tensile Strength of Polyethylene and PE Materials

Tensile strength of polyethylene (PE) is particularly important in flexible packaging. PE materials must maintain strength while allowing flexibility. Measuring PE tensile strength helps ensure the balance between toughness and processability is achieved, especially for heat-sealable films.

Test Standards: ASTM D882 and ASTM F88

Two of the most relevant standards in tensile strength measurement for plastic and packaging materials are:

ASTM D882: Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting. It covers the determination of tensile strength, modulus, and elongation of plastics in film form.
ASTM F88: Commonly used to evaluate heat seal strength, particularly for flexible medical packaging. This is crucial for validating the integrity of sealed pouches and sachets.

Following these standards ensures the results are reproducible, accurate, and globally recognized.

Applications in Packaging and Film Testing

El film tensile strength test is essential for industries where plastic performance under stress affects safety, usability, or processing. Major applications include:

Food & Beverage Packaging: Ensure films can resist tearing and puncture while maintaining flexibility
Medical Packaging: Validate that heat-sealed films withstand handling without failure
Industrial Films: Assess tear resistance and ductility for stretch wrap and shrink film
Adhesives and Laminates: Measure bonding strength and mechanical endurance

By understanding tensile and elongation test results, manufacturers can optimize raw materials, improve sealing processes, and reduce failure rates in the field.

How to Perform a Plastic Tensile Strength Test

Para realizar una plastic tensile strength test, a sample is clamped in a Probador de tracción and pulled at a controlled rate until it breaks. The system records the applied force and displacement, calculating values like:

Maximum force (tensile strength)
Elongation at break (%)
Modulus of elasticity
Yield point (if applicable)

Test Setup Parameters

Specimen size: 100 mm × 15 mm (typical, depending on standard)
Velocidad: 50–500 mm/min, based on material and standard
Grip type: Pneumatic or mechanical, with anti-slip features
Environmental conditions: 23°C and 50% RH (per ISO/ASTM guidance)

Modern systems like the Probador de tracción TST-01 offer digital control, automatic return, and real-time graphing, making tests efficient and repeatable.

Why Choose the TST-01 for Plastic and Film Testing

El Probador de tracción TST-01 de Instrumentos celulares is engineered to support a wide range of tensile strength measurement tasks with industry-leading accuracy. It’s suitable for testing:

Plastic films
Laminates and foils
Adhesive tapes
Medical pouches
Labels and flexible tubes

Features that matter:

PLC control + HMI screen for intuitive testing
Adjustable speed and high-precision displacement (0.01 mm)
Wide force range up to 500N
Data output via RS232, microprinter, or software
Multi-function fixtures for elongation, peeling, and heat seal strength tests

The TST-01 is compliant with ASTM D882, ASTM F88, ISO 37, and other key standards, making it ideal for packaging labs, film manufacturers, and quality assurance teams.

Conclusion: Reliable Testing Drives Better Products

A well-executed plastic tensile strength test offers more than just numbers—it provides the data needed to enhance product design, troubleshoot material issues, and meet stringent regulatory demands. Understanding the tensile behavior of films, adhesives, and packaging materials ensures safe, functional, and high-performing products across industries.

By using accurate tensile testers and following standards like ASTM D882, professionals can confidently evaluate materials, reduce failure risks, and maintain consistent quality.

For reliable results, precision control, and easy operation, the Probador de tracción TST-01 by Cell Instruments is your go-to solution for professional tensile and elongation test applications.