Designation: D 412 – 98a

Standard Test Methods for

Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers—
Tension1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 412; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope Cut Ring Specimens, Method B (D 412)4

1.1 These test methods cover procedures used to evaluate 2.3 ISO Standards:
the tensile (tension) properties of vulcanized thermoset rubbers ISO 37 Rubber, Vulcanized and Thermoplastic Determina-
and thermoplastic elastomers. These methods are not appli- tion of Tensile Stress-Strain Properties5
cable to ebonite and similar hard, low elongation materials. 3. Terminology
The methods appear as follows:
Test Method A—Dumbbell and Straight Section Specimens
3.1 Definitions:
Test Method B—Cut Ring Specimens 3.1.1 tensile set—the extension remaining after a specimen
NOTE 1—These two different methods do not produce identical results.
has been stretched and allowed to retract in a specified manner,
expressed as a percentage of the original length. (D 1566)
1.2 The values stated in either SI or non-SI units shall be 3.1.2 tensile set-after-break—the tensile set measured by
regarded separately as normative for this standard. The values fitting the two broken dumbbell pieces together at the point of
in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore each rupture.
system must be used independently, without combining values. 3.1.3 tensile strength—the maximum tensile stress applied
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the in stretching a specimen to rupture. (D 1566)
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.4 tensile stress—a stress applied to stretch a test piece
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- (specimen). (D 1566)
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.1.5 tensile stress at-given-elongation—the stress required
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. to stretch the uniform cross section of a test specimen to a
2. Referenced Documents given elongation. (D 1566)
3.1.6 thermoplastic elastomers—a diverse family of rubber-
2.1 ASTM Standards: like materials that unlike conventional vulcanized rubbers can
D 1349 Practice for Rubber—Standard Temperatures for be processed and recycled like thermoplastic materials.
Testing2 3.1.7 ultimate elongation—the elongation at which rupture
D 1566 Terminology Relating to Rubber2 occurs in the application of continued tensile stress.
D 3182 Practice for Rubber—Materials, Equipment and 3.1.8 yield point—that point on the stress-strain curve, short
Procedures for Mixing Standard Compounds and Prepar- of ultimate failure, where the rate of stress with respect to
ing Standard Vulcanized Sheets2 strain, goes through a zero value and may become negative.
D 3183 Practice for Rubber—Preparation of Pieces for Test (D 1566)
Purposes from Products2 3.1.9 yield strain—the level of strain at the yield point.
D 3767 Practice for Rubber—Measurement of Dimensions2 (D 1566)
D 4483 Practice for Determining Precision for Test Method 3.1.10 yield stress—the level of stress at the yield point.
Standards in the Rubber and Carbon Black Industries2 (D 1566)
E 4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines3
2.2 ASTM Adjunct: 4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The determination of tensile properties starts with test
pieces taken from the sample material and includes the
1
preparation of the specimens and the testing of the specimens.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-11 on
Rubber and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D11.10 on Physical
Testing.
Current edition approved July 10, 1998. Published August 1998. Originally 4
Detailed drawings are available from ASTM Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor
published as D 412 – 35 T. Last previous edition D 412 – 98. Drive, Conshohocken, PA 19428. Order Adjunct No. ADJD0412.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01. 5
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01. Floor, New York, NY 10036.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D 412
Specimens may be in the shape of dumbbells, rings or straight may be used and notation of the speed made in the report. In case of
pieces of uniform cross-sectional area. dispute, the test shall be repeated and the rate of elongation shall be at 500
4.2 Measurements for tensile stress, tensile stress at a given 6 50 mm/min (20 6 2 in./min).
elongation, tensile strength, yield point, and ultimate elonga- 6.2 Test Chamber for Elevated and Low Temperatures—The
tion are made on specimens that have not been prestressed. test chamber shall conform with the following requirements:
Tensile stress, yield point, and tensile strength are based on the 6.2.1 Air shall be circulated through the chamber at a
original cross-sectional area of a uniform cross-section of the velocity of 1 to 2 m/s (3.3 to 6.6 ft/s) at the location of the grips
specimen. or spindles and specimens maintained within 2°C (3.6°F) of the
4.3 Measurement of tensile set is made after a previously specified temperature.
unstressed specimen has been extended and allowed to retract 6.2.2 A calibrated sensing device shall be located near the
by a prescribed procedure. Measurement of “set after break” is grips or spindles for measuring the actual temperature.
also described. 6.2.3 The chamber shall be vented to an exhaust system or
to the outside atmosphere to remove fumes liberated at high
5. Significance and Use
temperatures.
5.1 All materials and products covered by these test meth- 6.2.4 Provisions shall be made for suspending specimens
ods must withstand tensile forces for adequate performance in vertically near the grips or spindles for conditioning prior to
certain applications. These test methods allow for the measure- test. The specimens shall not touch each other or the sides of
ment of such tensile properties. However, tensile properties the chamber except for momentary contact when agitated by
alone may not directly relate to the total end use performance the circulating air.
of the product because of the wide range of potential perfor- 6.2.5 Fast acting grips suitable for manipulation at high or
mance requirements in actual use. low temperatures may be provided to permit placing dumbbells
5.2 Tensile properties depend both on the material and the or straight specimens in the grips in the shortest time possible
conditions of test (extension rate, temperature, humidity, speci- to minimize any change in temperature of the chamber.
men geometry, pretest conditioning, etc.); therefore materials 6.2.6 The dynamometer shall be suitable for use at the
should be compared only when tested under the same condi- temperature of test or it shall be thermally insulated from the
tions. chamber.
5.3 Temperature and rate of extension may have substantial 6.2.7 Provision shall be made for measuring the elongation
effects on tensile properties and therefore should be controlled. of specimens in the chamber. If a scale is used to measure the
These effects will vary depending on the type of material being extension between the bench-marks, the scale shall be located
tested. parallel and close to the grip path during specimen extension
5.4 Tensile set represents residual deformation which is and shall be controlled from outside the chamber.
partly permanent and partly recoverable after stretching and 6.3 Dial Micrometer—The dial micrometer shall conform to
retraction. For this reason, the periods of extension and the requirements of Practice D 3767 (Method A). For ring
recovery (and other conditions of test) must be controlled to specimens, see 14.10 of these test methods.
obtain comparable results. 6.4 Apparatus for Tensile Set Test—The testing machine
6. Apparatus described in 6.1 or an apparatus similar to that shown in Fig. 1
may be used. A stop watch or other suitable timing device
6.1 Testing Machine—Tension tests shall be made on a
measuring in minute intervals for at least 30 min, shall be
power driven machine equipped to produce a uniform rate of
provided. A scale or other device shall be provided for
grip separation of 500 6 50 mm/min (20 6 2 in./min) for a
measuring tensile set to within 1 %.
distance of at least 750 mm (30 in.) (see Note 1). The testing
machine shall have both a suitable dynamometer and an 7. Selection of Test Specimens
indicating or recording system for measuring the applied force 7.1 Consider the following information in making selec-
within 62 %. If the capacity range cannot be changed for a test tions:
(as in the case of pendulum dynamometers) the applied force at 7.1.1 Since anisotropy or grain directionality due to flow
break shall be measured within 62 % of the full scale value, introduced during processing and preparation may have an
and the smallest tensile force measured shall be accurate to influence on tensile properties, dumbbell or straight specimens
within 10 %. If the dynamometer is of the compensating type should be cut so the lengthwise direction of the specimen is
for measuring tensile stress directly, means shall be provided to parallel to the grain direction when this direction is known.
adjust for the cross-sectional area of the specimen. The Ring specimens normally give an average of with and across
response of the recorder shall be sufficiently rapid that the the grain properties.
applied force is measured with the requisite accuracy during 7.1.2 Unless otherwise noted, thermoplastic rubber or ther-
the extension of the specimen to rupture. If the testing machine moplastic elastomer specimens, or both, are to be cut from
is not equipped with a recorder, a device shall be provided that injection molded sheets or plaques with a thickness of 3.0 6
indicates, after rupture, the maximum force applied during 0.3 mm. Specimens of other thickness will not necessarily give
extension. Testing machine systems shall be capable of mea- comparable results. Specimens are to be tested in directions
suring elongation of the test specimen in minimum increments both parallel and perpendicular to the direction of flow in the
of 10 %. mold. Sheet or plaque dimensions must be sufficient to do this.
NOTE 2—A rate of elongation of 1000 6 100 mm/min (40 6 4 in./min) 7.1.3 Ring specimens enable elongations to be measured by

2
 D 412

FIG. 1 Apparatus for Tensile Set Test

grip separation, but the elongation across the radial width of 8. Calibration of the Testing Machine
the ring specimens is not uniform. To minimize this effect the 8.1 Calibrate the testing machine in accordance with Proce-
width of the ring specimens must be small compared to the dure A of Practice E 4. If the dynamometer is of the strain-gage
diameter. type, calibrate the tester at one or more forces in addition to the
7.1.4 Straight specimens tend to break in the grips if normal requirements in Sections 7 and 18 of Practice E 4. Testers
extension-to-break testing is conducted and should be used having pendulum dynamometers may be calibrated as follows:
only when it is not feasible to prepare another type of 8.1.1 Place one end of a dumbbell specimen in the upper
specimen. For obtaining non-rupture stress-strain or material grip of the testing machine.
modulus properties, straight specimens are quite useful. 8.1.2 Remove the lower grip from the machine and attach it,
7.1.5 The size of specimen type used will be determined by by means of the gripping mechanism to the dumbbell specimen
the material, test equipment and the sample or piece available in the upper grip.
for test. A longer specimen may be used for rubbers having low 8.1.3 Attach a hook to the lower end of the lower specimen
ultimate elongation to improve precision of elongation mea- grip mechanism.
surement. 8.1.4 Suspend a known mass from the hook of the lower

3
 D 412
specimen grip mechanism in such a way as to permit the mass NOTE 5—The condition of the die may be determined by investigating
assembly to temporarily rest on the lower testing machine grip the rupture point on any series of broken (ruptured) specimens. Remove
framework or holder (see Note 2). such specimens from the grips of the testing machine, stack the joined-
together specimens on top of each other, and note if there is any tendency
8.1.5 Start the grip separation motor or mechanism, as in for tensile breaks to occur at the same position on each of the specimens.
normal testing, and allow it to run until the mass is freely Rupture consistently at the same place indicates that the die may be dull,
suspended by the specimen in the upper grip. nicked, or bent at that location.
8.1.6 If the dial or scale does not indicate the force applied 10.2 Bench Marker—The two marks placed on the speci-
(or its equivalent in stress for a compensating type tester) men and used to measure elongation or strain are called “bench
within specified tolerance, thoroughly inspect the testing ma- marks” (see Note 5). The bench marker shall consist of a base
chine for malfunction (for example, excess friction in bearings plate containing two raised parallel projections. The surfaces of
and other moving parts). Ensure that the mass of the lower grip the raised projections (parallel to the plane of the base plate)
mechanism and the hook are included as part of the known are ground smooth in the same plane. The raised projection
mass. marking surfaces shall be between 0.05 and 0.08 mm (0.002
8.1.7 After machine friction or other malfunction has been and 0.003 in.) wide and at least 15 mm (0.6 in.) long. The
removed, recalibrate the testing machine at a minimum of three angles between the parallel marking surfaces and the sides of
points using known masses to produce forces of approximately the projections shall be at least 75°. The distance between the
10, 20 and 50 % of capacity. If pawls or rachets are used during centers of the two parallel projections or marking surfaces shall
routine testing, use them for calibration. Check for friction in be within 1 % of the required or target bench mark distance. A
the head by calibrating with the pawls up. handle attached to the back or top of the bench marker base
NOTE 3—It is advisable to provide a means for preventing the known plate is normally a part of the bench marker.
mass from falling to the floor in case the dumbbell should break.
NOTE 6—If a contact extensometer is used to measure elongation,
8.2 A rapid approximate calibration of the testing machine bench marks are not necessary.
may be obtained by using a spring calibration device.
10.3 Ink Applicator—A flat unyielding surface (hardwood,
9. Test Temperature metal, or plastic) shall be used to apply either ink or powder to
9.1 Unless otherwise specified, the standard temperature for the bench marker. The ink or powder shall adhere to the
testing shall be 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F). Specimens shall be specimen, have no deteriorating effect on the specimen and be
conditioned for at least 3 h when the test temperature is 23°C of contrasting color to that of the specimen.
(73.4°F). If the material is affected by moisture, maintain the 10.4 Grips—The testing machine shall have two grips, one
relative humidity at 50 6 5 % and condition the specimens for of which shall be connected to the dynamometer.
at least 24 h prior to testing. When testing at any other 10.4.1 Grips for testing dumbbell specimens shall tighten
temperature is required use one of the temperatures listed in automatically and exert a uniform pressure across the gripping
Practice D 1349. surfaces, increasing as the tension increases in order to prevent
9.2 For testing at temperatures above 23°C (73.4°F) preheat slippage and to favor failure of the specimen in the straight
specimens for 10 6 2 min for Method A and for 6 6 2 min for reduced section. Constant pressure pneumatic type grips also
Method B (see Note 3). Place each specimen in the test are satisfactory. At the end of each grip a positioning device is
chamber at intervals ahead of testing so that all specimens of a recommended for inserting specimens to the same depth in the
series will be in the chamber the same length of time. The grip and for alignment with the direction of pull.
preheat time at elevated temperatures must be limited to avoid 10.4.2 Grips for testing straight specimens shall be constant
additional vulcanization or thermal aging. pressure pneumatic, wedged, or toggle type designed to trans-
mit the applied gripping force over the entire width of the
NOTE 4—Precaution: In addition to other precautions, suitable heat or gripped specimen.
cold resistant gloves should be worn for arm and hand protection when
testing at other than 23°C (73.4°F). A mask for the face is very desirable 11. Specimens
for high temperature testing to prevent the inhalation of toxic fumes when
11.1 Dumbbell Specimens—Whenever possible, the test
the door of the chamber is open.
specimens shall be injection molded or cut from a flat sheet not
9.3 For testing at temperatures below 23°C (73.4°F) condi- less than 1.3 mm (0.05 in.) nor more than 3.3 mm (0.13 in.)
tion the specimens at least 10 min prior to testing. thick and of a size which will permit cutting a specimen by one
TEST METHOD A—DUMBBELL AND STRAIGHT of the standard methods (see Practice D 3182). Sheets may be
SPECIMENS prepared directly by processing or from finished articles by
cutting and buffing. If obtained from a manufactured article,
10. Apparatus the specimen shall be free of surface roughness, fabric layers,
10.1 Die—The shape and dimensions of the die for prepar- etc. in accordance with the procedure described in Practice
ing dumbbell specimens shall conform with those shown in D 3183. All specimens shall be cut so that the lengthwise
Fig. 2. The inside faces in the reduced section shall be portion of the specimens is parallel to the grain unless
perpendicular to the plane formed by the cutting edges and otherwise specified. In the case of sheets prepared in accor-
polished for a distance of at least 5 mm (0.2 in.) from the dance with Practice D 3182, the specimen shall be 2.0 6 0.2
cutting edge. The die shall at all times be sharp and free of mm (0.08 6 0.008 in.) thick died out in the direction of the
nicks (see Note 4). grain. Use Die C, Fig. 2 (unless otherwise noted) to cut the

4
 D 412

FIG. 2 Standard Dies for Cutting Dumbbell Specimens

specimens from the sheet with a single impact stroke (hand or ence between the maximum and the minimum thickness
machine) to ensure smooth cut surfaces. exceeding 0.08 mm (0.003 in.), shall be discarded. The width
11.1.1 Marking Dumbbell Specimens—Dumbbell speci- of the specimen shall be taken as the distance between the
mens shall be marked with the bench marker described in 10.2, cutting edges of the die in the restricted section.
with no tension on the specimens at the time of marking. Marks 11.2 Straight Specimens—Straight specimens may be pre-
shall be placed on the reduced section, equidistant from its pared if it is not practical to cut either a dumbbell or a ring
center and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The between specimen as in the case of a narrow strip, small tubing or
bench mark distance shall be as follows: for Die C or Die D of narrow electrical insulation material. These specimens shall be
Fig. 2, 25.00 6 0.25 mm (1.00 6 0.01 in.); for any other Die of sufficient length to permit their insertion in the grips used for
of Fig. 2, 50.006 0.5 mm (2.00 6 0.02 in.). the test. Bench marks shall be placed on the specimens as
11.1.2 Measuring Thickness of Dumbbell Specimens— described for dumbbell specimens in 11.1.1. To determine the
Three measurements shall be made for the thickness, one at the cross sectional area of straight specimens in the form of tubes,
center and one at each end of the reduced section. The median the mass, length, and density of the specimen may be required.
of the three measurements shall be used as the thickness in The cross sectional area shall be calculated from these mea-
calculating the cross sectional area. Specimens with a differ- surements as follows:

5
 D 412
Dimensions of Standard Dumbbell DiesA (Metric Units)
Dimension Units Tolerance Die A Die B Die C Die D Die E Die F
A mm 61 25 25 25 16 16 16
B mm max 40 40 40 30 30 30
C mm min 140 140 115 100 125 125
D mm 66B 32 32 32 32 32 32
D-E mm 61 13 13 13 13 13 13
F mm 62 38 38 19 19 38 38
G mm 61 14 14 14 14 14 14
H mm 62 25 25 25 16 16 16
L mm 62 59 59 33 33 59 59
W mm 60.05, –0.00 12 6 6 3 3 6
Z mm 61 13 13 13 13 13 13
A
Dies whose dimensions are expressed in metric units are not exactly the same as dies whose dimensions are expressed in U.S. customary units. Dies dimensioned
in metric units are intended for use with apparatus calibrated in metric units.
B
For dies used in clicking machines it is preferable that this tolerance be6 0.5 mm.
FIG. 2 a (continued)

Dimensions of Standard Dumbbell DiesA (U.S. Customary Units)

Dimension Units Tolerance Die A Die B Die C Die D Die E Die F
A in. 60.04 1 1 1 0.62 0.62 0.62
B in. max 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.2 1.2 1.2
C in. min 5.5 5.5 4.5 4 5 5
D in. 60.25B 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25
D-E in. 60.04 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
F in. 60.08 1.5 1.5 0.75 0.75 1.5 1.5
G in. 60.04 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56
H in. 60.08 1 1 1 0.63 0.63 0.63
L in. 60.08 2.32 2.32 1.31 1.31 2.32 2.32
W in. 60.002, –0.000 0.500 0.250 0.250 0.125 0.125 0.250
Z in. 60.04 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
A
Dies whose dimensions are expressed in metric units are not exactly the same as dies whose dimensions are expressed in U.S. customary units.
B
For dies used in clicking machines it is preferable that this tolerance by6 0.02 in.
FIG. 2 b (continued)

A 5 M/DL (1) be reduced to 5 6 0.5 mm/min (0.2 6 0.002 in./min). The actual rate of
separation shall be reported.
where:
A = cross-sectional area, cm2, 12.2 Determination of Tensile Set—Place the specimen in
M = mass, g, the grips of the testing machine described in 6.1 or the
D = density, g/cm3, and apparatus shown in Fig. 1, and adjust symmetrically so as to
L = length, cm. distribute the tension uniformly over the cross section. Sepa-
NOTE 7—A in square inches = A (cm2) 3 0.155. rate the grips at a rate of speed as uniformly as possible, that
requires 15 s to reach the specified elongation. Hold the
12. Procedure specimen at the specified elongation for 10 min, release
12.1 Determination of Tensile Stress, Tensile Strength and quickly without allowing it to snap back and allow the
Yield Point—Place the dumbbell or straight specimen in the specimen to rest for 10 min. At the end of the 10 min rest
grips of the testing machine, using care to adjust the specimen period, measure the distance between the bench marks to the
symmetrically to distribute tension uniformly over the cross nearest 1 % of the original between bench mark distance. Use
section. This avoids complications that prevent the maximum a stop watch for the timing operations. See Section 13 for
strength of the material from being evaluated. Unless otherwise calculations.
specified, the rate of grip separation shall be 500 6 50 mm/min 12.3 Determination of Set-After-Break—Ten minutes after a
(20 6 2 in./min) (see Note 7). Start the machine and note the specimen is broken in a normal tensile strength test, carefully
distance between the bench marks, taking care to avoid fit the two pieces together so that they are in good contact over
parallax. Record the force at the elongation(s) specified for the the full area of the break. Measure the distance between the
test and at the time of rupture. The elongation measurement is bench marks. See Section 13 for calculations.
made preferably through the use of an extensometer, an
autographic mechanism or a spark mechanism. At rupture, 13. Calculation
measure and record the elongation to the nearest 10 %. See
Section 13 for calculations. 13.1 Calculate the tensile stress at any specified elongation
as follows:
NOTE 8—For materials having a yield point (yield strain) under 20 %
elongation when tested at 500 6 50 mm/min (20 6 2 in./min), the rate of T~xxx! 5 F~xxx!/A (2)
elongation shall be reduced to 50 6 5 mm/min (2.0 6 0.2 in./min). If the
where:
material still has a yield point (strain) under 20 % elongation, the rate shall

6
 D 412

T(xxx) = tensile stress at (xxx) % elongation, MPa (lbf/ mounting the upper shaft portion of the cutter in a rotating
in.2), housing that can be lowered onto a sheet held by the rubber
F(xxx) = force at specified elongation, MN or (lbf), and holding plate as shown in Fig. 4.
A = cross-sectional area of unstrained specimen, m2 14.1.1 Blade Depth Gage—This gage consists of a cylin-
(in.2). drical disk having a thickness of at least 0.5 mm (0.02 in.)
13.2 Calculate the yield stress as follows: greater than the thickness of the rubber to be cut and a diameter
Y~stress! 5 F~y!/A (3) less than the inside diameter of the specimen used for adjusting
the protrusion of the blades from the body of the cutter. See
where: Fig. 3.
Y(stress) = yield stress, that stress level where the yield 14.2 Rubber Holding Plate—The apparatus for holding the
point occurs, MPa (lbf/in.2), sheet during cutting shall have plane parallel upper and lower
F(y) = magnitude of force at the yield point, MN (lbf), surfaces and shall be a rigid polymeric material (hard rubber,
and polyurethane, polymethylmethacrylate) with holes approxi-
A = cross-sectional area of unstrained specimen, m2 mately 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) in diameter spaced 6 or 7 mm (0.24
(in.2). or 0.32 in.) apart across the central region of the plate. All the
13.3 Evaluate the yield strain as that strain or elongation holes shall connect to a central internal cavity which can be
magnitude, where the rate of change of stress with respect to maintained at a reduced pressure for holding the sheet in place
strain, goes through a zero value. due to atmospheric pressure. Fig. 4 illustrates the design of an
13.4 Calculate the tensile strength as follows: apparatus for holding standard sheets (approximately 1503
TS 5 F~BE!/A (4) 150 3 2 mm) during cutting.
14.3 Source of Reduced Pressure—Any device such as a
where:
vacuum pump that can maintain an absolute pressure below 10
TS = tensile strength, the stress at rupture, MPa (lbf/
kPa (0.1 atm) in the holding plate central cavity.
in.2),
F(BE) = the force magnitude at rupture, MN (lbf), and 14.4 Soap Solution—A mild soap solution shall be used on
A = cross-sectional area of unstrained specimen, m2 the specimen sheet to lubricate the cutting blades.
(in.2). 14.5 Cutter Rotator—A precision drill press or other suit-
13.5 Calculate the elongation (at any degree of extension) as able machine capable of rotating the cutter at an angular speed
follows: of at least 30 rad/s (approximately 300 r/min) during cutting
shall be used. The cutter rotator device shall be mounted on a
E 5 100@L – L~o!#/L~o! (5)
horizontal base and have a vertical support orientation for the
where: shaft that rotates the spindle and cutter. The run-out of the
E = the elongation in percent (of original bench mark rotating spindle shall not exceed 0.01 mm (0.004 in.).
distance), 14.6 Indexing Table—A milling table or other device with
L = observed distance between bench marks on the typical x-y motions shall be provided for positioning the sheet
extended specimen, and and holder with respect to the spindle of the cutter rotating
L(o) = original distance between bench marks (use same device.
units for L and L(o)). 14.7 Tensile Testing Machine—A machine as specified in
13.6 The breaking or ultimate elongation is evaluated when 6.1 shall be provided.
L is equal to the distance between bench marks at the point of 14.8 Test Fixture—A test fixture as shown in Fig. 5 shall be
specimen rupture. provided for testing the ring specimens. The testing machine
13.7 Calculate the tensile set, by using Eq 5, where L is shall be calibrated as outlined in Section 8.
equal to the distance between bench marks after the 10 min 14.9 Test Chamber—A chamber for testing at high and low
retraction period. temperatures shall be provided as specified in 6.2.
13.8 Test Result—A test result is the median of three 14.9.1 The fixtures specified in 14.8 are satisfactory for
individual test measurement values for any of the measured testing at other than room temperature. However at extreme
properties as described above, for routine testing. There are temperatures, a suitable lubricant shall be used to lubricate the
two exceptions to this and for these exceptions a total of five spindle bearings.
specimens (measurements) shall be tested and the test result 14.9.2 The dynamometer shall be suitable for use at the
reported as the median of five. temperature of test or thermally insulated from the chamber.
13.8.1 Exception 1—If one or two of the three measured
14.10 Dial Micrometer—A dial micrometer shall be pro-
values do not meet specified requirement values when testing
vided that conforms to the requirements of Practice D 3767.
for compliance with specifications.
14.10.1 The base of the micrometer used to measure the
13.8.2 Exception 2—If referee tests are being conducted.
radial width shall consist of an upper cylindrical surface (with
TEST METHOD B—CUT RING SPECIMENS its axis oriented in a horizontal direction) at least 12 mm (0.5
in.) long and 15.56 0.5 mm (0.61 6 0.02 in.) in diameter. To
14. Apparatus accommodate small diameter rings that approach the 15.5 mm
14.1 Cutter—A typical ring cutter assembly is illustrated in (0.61 in.) diameter of the base and to avoid any ring extension
Fig. 3. This is used for cutting rings from flat sheets by in placing the ring on the base, the bottom half of the

7
 D 412

NOTE 1—Dimension C to be 2 mm (0.08 in.) less than the inside diameter of the ring.
FIG. 3 Typical Ring Cutter Assembly

cylindrical surface may be truncated at the cylinder centerline, mm in.

that is, a half cylinder shape. This permits placing small rings Type 1
Circumference (inside) 50.0 6 0.01 2.0 6 0.004
on the upper cylindrical surface without interference fit prob- Diameter (inside) 15.92 6 0.003 0.637 6 0.001
lems. Curved feet on the end of the dial micrometer shaft to fit Radial width 1.0 6 0.01 0.040 6 0.0004
Thickness, minimum 1.0 0.040
the curvature of the ring(s), may be used. maximum 3.3 0.13
Type 2
15. Ring Specimen Circumference mean 100.0 6 0.2 4.0 6 0.0004
Diameter (inside) 29.8 6 0.06 1.19 6 0.0001
15.1 ASTM Cut Rings—Two types of cut ring specimens Radial width 2.0 6 0.02 0.08 6 0.0008
Thickness, minimum 1.0 0.04
may be used. Unless otherwise specified, the Type 1 ring maximum 3.3 0.13
specimen shall be used.
15.2 ISO Cut Rings—The normal size and the small size
15.1.1 Ring Dimensions: ring specimens in ISO 37 have the following dimensions given
in mm. See ISO 37 for specific testing procedures for these
rings.
Normal Small
Diameter, inside 44.6 6 0.2 mm 8.0 6 0.1 mm
Diameter, outside 52.6 6 0.2 mm 10.0 6 0.1 mm
Thickness 4.0 6 0.2 mm 1.0 6 0.1 mm

8
 D 412

Dimension mm in. Dimension mm in.

A 178 7.0 F 19 0.75
B 152 6.0 G 23 0.90
C 89 3.5 H 1.5 0.062
D 229 9.0
E 6 0.25

FIG. 4 Rubber Holding Plate

FIG. 5 Assembly, Ring Tensile Test Fixture

15.3 Rings Cut from Tubing—The dimensions of the ring Place the sheet on the holding plate and reduce the pressure in
specimen(s) depend on the diameter and wall thickness of the the cavity to 10 kPa (0.1 atm) or less. Lubricate the sheet with
tubing and should be specified in the product specification. mild soap solution. Lower the cutter at a steady rate until it
15.4 Preparation of Cut Ring Specimens—Place the blades reaches the stop. Be sure that the blade holder does not contact
in the slots of the cutter and adjust the blade depth using the the sheet. If necessary, readjust the blade depth. Return the
blade depth gage. Place the cutter in the drill press and adjust spindle to its original position and repeat the operation on
the spindle or table so that the bottom of the blade holder is another sheet.
about 13 mm (0.5 in.) above the surface of the holding plate. 15.5 Preparation of Ring Specimens from Tubing—Place
Set the stop on the vertical travel of the spindle so that the tips the tubing on a mandrel preferably slightly larger than the inner
of the cutting blades just penetrate the surface of the plate. diameter of the tubing. Rotate the mandrel and tubing in a

9
 D 412
lathe. Cut ring specimens to the desired axial length by means eral calculated in the same manner as for dumbbell and straight
of a knife or razor blade held in the tool post of the lathe. Lay specimens with one important exception. Extending a ring
thin wall tubing flat and cut ring specimens with a die or specimen generates a nonuniform stress (or strain) field across
cutting mechanism having two parallel blades. the width (as viewed from left to right) of each leg of the ring.
15.6 Ring Dimension Measurements: The initial inside dimension (circumference) is less than the
15.6.1 Circumference—The inside circumference can be outside dimension (circumference), therefore for any extension
determined by a stepped cone or by “go-no go” gages. Do not of the grips, the inside strain (or stress) is greater than the
use any stress in excess of that needed to overcome any outside strain (or stress) because of the differences in the initial
ellipticity of the ring specimen. The mean circumference is (unstrained) dimensions.
obtained by adding to the value for the inside circumference, 17.2 The following options are used to calculate stress at a
the product of the radial width and p (3.14). specified elongation (strain) and breaking or ultimate elonga-
15.6.2 Radial Width—The radial width is measured at three tion.
locations distributed around the circumference using the mi- 17.2.1 Stress at a Specified Elongation—The mean circum-
crometer described in 14.10. ference of the ring is used for determining the elongation. The
15.6.3 Thickness—For cut rings, the thickness of the disk rationale for this choice is that the mean circumference best
cut from the inside of the ring is measured with a micrometer represents the average strain in each leg of the ring.
described in Practice D 3767. 17.2.2 Ultimate (Breaking) Elongation—This is calculated
15.6.4 Cross-Sectional Area—The cross-sectional area is on the basis of the inside circumference since this represents
calculated from the median of three measurements of radial the maximum strain (stress) in each leg of the ring. This
width and thickness. For thin wall tubing, the area is calculated location is the most probable site for the initiation of the
from the axial length of the cut section and wall thickness. rupture process that occurs at break.
17.3 Calculate the tensile stress at any specified elongation
16. Procedure
by using Eq 2 in 13.1.
16.1 Determination of Tensile Stress, Tensile Strength, 17.3.1 The elongation to be used to evaluate the force as
Breaking (Ultimate) Elongation and Yield Point—In testing specified in Eq 2 (13.1), is calculated as follows:
ring specimens, lubricate the surface of the spindle with a
E 5 200@L/MC~TS!# (7)
suitable lubricant, such a mineral oil or silicone oil. Select one
with documented assurance that it does not interact or affect the where:
material being tested. The initial setting of the distance E = elongation (specified), percent,
between the spindle centers may be calculated and adjusted L = increase in grip separation at specified elonga-
according to the following equation: tion, mm (in.), and
IS 5 @C~TS! – C~SP!#/2 (6) MC(TS) = mean circumference of test specimen, mm (in.).
17.3.2 The grip separation for any specified elongation can
where: be found by rearranging Eq 7, as given below:
IS = initial separation of spindle centers, mm (in.), L 5 E 3 MC~TS!/200 (8)
C(TS) = circumference of test specimen, inside circumfer-
ence for Type 1 rings, mean circumference for 17.4 Calculate the yield stress by using Eq 3 in 13.2.
Type 2 rings, mm (in.), and 17.5 Evaluate the yield strain as given in 13.3. Since yield
C(SP) = circumference of either (one) spindle, mm (in.). strain may be considered to be an average bulk property of any
Unless otherwise specified the rate of spindle separation material, use the mean circumference for this evaluation.
shall be 500 6 50 mm/min (20 6 2 in./min) (see Notes 7 and 17.6 Calculate the tensile strength by using Eq 4 in 13.4.
8). Start the test machine and record the force and correspond- 17.7 Calculate the breaking or ultimate elongation as fol-
ing distance between the spindles. At rupture, measure and lows (see Notes 9 and 10):
record the ultimate (breaking) elongation and the tensile (force) E 5 200/@L/IC~TS!# (9)
strength. See Section 17 for calculations.
where:
NOTE 9—When using the small ISO ring, the rate of spindle separation E = breaking or ultimate elongation, percent,
shall be 100 6 10 mm/min (4 6 0.4 in./min). L = increase in grip separation at break, mm (in.), and
16.2 Tests at Temperatures Other than Standard—Use the IC(TS) = inside circumference of ring test specimen, mm
test chamber described in 6.2 and observe the precautionary (in.).
statement in Note 2. For tests at temperatures above 23°C 17.8 The inside circumference is used for both types of
(73.4°F), preheat the specimens 6 6 2 min at the test rings, see 15.1.1 for dimensions. Use the inside diameter to
temperature. For below room temperature tests cool the speci- calculate the inside circumference for Type 2 rings.
mens at the test temperature for at least 10 min prior to test.
NOTE 10—Eq 8, Eq 9, and 10 are applicable only if the initial setting of
Use test temperatures prescribed in Practice D 1349. Place the spindle centers is adjusted in accordance with Eq 7.
each specimen in the test chamber at intervals such that the NOTE 11—The user of these test method should be aware that because
recommendations of 9.2 are followed. of the different dimensions used in calculating (1) stress at a specified
elongation (less than the ultimate elongation) and (2) the ultimate
17. Calculation (breaking) elongation (see 20.1 and 20.2), it is possible that a stress at a
17.1 Stress-strain properties for ring specimens are in gen- specified elongation, slightly less (4 to 5 %) than the ultimate elongation

10
 D 412
cannot be measured (calculated). 19.3.1 For the main interlaboratory program a Type 1
precision was evaluated in 1986. Both repeatability and repro-
18. Report
ducibility are short term, a period of a few days separates
18.1 Report the following information: replicate test results. A test result is the median value, as
18.1.1 Results calculated in accordance with Section 13 or specified by this test method, obtained on three determina-
17, whichever is applicable, tion(s) or measurement(s) of the property or parameter in
18.1.2 Type or description of test specimen and with Section question.
13 which type of die, either U.S. Customary Units or Metric 19.3.2 Three different materials were used in this interlabo-
Units, was used. ratory program, these were tested in ten laboratories on two
18.1.3 Date of test, different days.
18.1.4 Rate of extension if not as specified,
19.3.3 For the main interlaboratory program cured sheets of
18.1.5 Temperature and humidity of test room if not as
each of the three compounds were circulated to each laboratory
specified,
and stress-strain (dumbbell) specimens were cut, gaged, and
18.1.6 Temperature of test if at other than 23 6 2°C (73.4 6
tested. A secondary interlaboratory test was conducted for one
3.6°F) and
of the compounds (R19160). For this testing, uncured com-
18.1.7 Date of vulcanization, preparation of the rubber, or
pound was circulated and sheets were cured at a specified time
both, if known.
and temperature (10 min at 157°C) in each laboratory. From
19. Precision and Bias these individually cured sheets, test specimens were cut and
19.1 This precision and bias section has been prepared in tested on each of two days one week apart as in the main
accordance with Practice D 4483. Refer to Practice D 4483 for program. The main program results are referred to as “Test
terminology and other statistical details. Only” and the secondary program results are referred to as
19.2 The precision results in this precision and bias section “Cure and Test.”
give an estimate of the precision of these test methods with the 19.3.4 The results of the precision calculations for repeat-
materials used in the particular interlaboratory program as ability and reproducibility are given in Tables 1 and 2, in
described below. The precision parameters should not be used ascending order of material average or level, for each of the
for acceptance/rejection testing of any group of materials materials evaluated and for each of the three properties
without documentation that the parameters are applicable to evaluated.
those particular materials and the specific testing protocols that 19.3.5 The precision of this test method may be expressed in
include these test methods. the format of the following statements that use what is called
19.3 Test Method A (Dumbbells): an “appropriate value” of r, R, (r), or (R), that is, that value to

TABLE 1 Type 1 (Test Only) Precision on Method A Die C Dumbbell Test Specimens

NOTE:
Sr = repeatability standard deviation.
r = repeatability = 2.83 times the square root of the repeatability variance.
(r) = repeatability (as percentage of material average).
SR = reproducibility standard deviation.
R = reproducibility = 2.83 times the square root of the reproducibility variance.
(R) = reproducibility (as percentage of material average).
Part 1 Tensile Strength, MPa:
Material Average Within Laboratories Between Laboratories
Sr r (r) SR R (R)
1. N18081 9.88 0.200 0.568 5.75 0.293 0.829 8.40
3. E17074 15.38 0.467 1.323 8.60 0.482 1.366 8.88
2. R19160 25.70 0.436 1.235 4.80 1.890 5.351 20.82
Pooled ValuesA 16.99 0.385 1.090 6.42 1.102 3.120 18.37

Part 2 Percent Elongation:

Material Average Within Laboratories Between Laboratories
Sr r (r) SR R (R)
3. E17074 156.3 6.304 17.842 11.41 11.481 32.492 20.78
2. R19160 510.4 11.471 32.464 6.36 21.243 60.120 11.77
1. N18081 591.6 17.810 50.402 8.52 27.198 76.972 13.01
Pooled ValuesA 419.4 12.761 36.114 8.61 20.999 59.427 14.16

Part 3 Stress at 100 % Elongation, MPa:

Material Average Within Laboratories Between Laboratories
Sr r (r) SR R (R)
1. N18081 1.17 0.053 0.151 12.96 0.061 0.1744 14.92
2. R19160 2.01 0.050 0.142 7.10 0.274 0.7755 38.62
3. E17074 9.08 0.489 1.385 15.25 0.738 2.0910 23.02
Pooled ValuesA 4.09 0.285 0.808 19.79 0.456 1.2915 31.60
A
No values omitted.

11
 D 412
TABLE 2 Type 1 (Cure and Test) Precision on Method A Die C Dumbbell Test SpecimensA

NOTE 1:
Sr = repeatability standard deviation.
r = repeatability = 2.83 times the square root of the repeatability variance.
(r) = repeatability (as percentage of material average).
SR = reproducibility standard deviation.
R = reproducibility = 2.83 times the square root of the reproducibility variance.
(R) = reproducibility (as percentage of material average).

NOTE 2:
N18081—highly extended, low durometer CR (Neoprene).
R19160—high tensile NR.
E17047—moderately filled EPDM.
Part 1 Tensile Strength, MPa:
Material Average Within Laboratories Between Laboratories
Sr r (r) SR R (R)
1. R19160 26.0 0.613 1.73 6.66 1.74 4.95 19.0

Part 2 Percent Elongation:

Material Average Within Laboratories Between Laboratories
Sr r (r) SR R (R)
1. R19160 526.9 13.32 37.7 7.15 19.6 55.70 10.5

Part 3 Stress at 100 % Elongation, MPa:

Material Average Within Laboratories Between Laboratories
Sr r (r) SR R (R)
1. R19160 1.83 0.072 0.205 11.21 0.226 0.641 34.5
A
Seven laboratories participated in this cure and test program.

be used in decisions about test results (obtained with the test that differ by more than the tabulated R (for any given level)
method). The appropriate value is that value of r or R must be considered to have come from different or nonidentical
associated with a mean level in Tables 1-4 closest to the mean sample populations.
level under consideration at any given time, for any given 19.3.8 Repeatability and reproducibility expressed as a
material in routine testing operations. percentage of the mean level, (r) and (R), have equivalent
19.3.6 Repeatability—The repeatability, r, of this test application statements as above for r and R. For the (r) and (R)
method has been established as the appropriate value tabulated statements, the difference in the two single test results is
in Tables 1 and 2. Two single test results, obtained under expressed as a percentage of the arithmetic mean of the two test
normal test method procedures, that differ by more than this results.
tabulated r (for any given level) must be considered as derived 19.3.9 Bias—In test method terminology, bias is the differ-
from different or nonidentical sample populations. ence between an average test value and the reference (or true)
19.3.7 Reproducibility—The reproducibility, R, of this test test property value. Reference values do not exist for this test
method has been established as the appropriate value tabulated method since the value (of the test property) is exclusively
in Tables 1 and 2. Two single test results obtained in two defined by the test method. Bias, therefore, cannot be deter-
different laboratories, under normal test method procedures, mined.

TABLE 3 Type 1 Precision—Test Method B (Rings)

NOTE:
Sr = repeatability standard deviation.
r = repeatability = 2.83 times the square root of the repeatability variance.
(r) = repeatability (as percentage of material average).
SR = reproducibility standard deviation.
R = reproducibility = 2.83 times the square root of the reproducibility variance.
(R) = reproducibility (as percentage of material average).
Tensile Strength (MPa)
Material Average Within Laboratories Between Laboratories
Sr r (r) SR R (R)
5. MATL 5 11.5 0.666 1.885 16.3 1.43 4.06 35.3
6. MATL 6 12.7 0.274 0.775 6.0 0.83 2.35 18.5
1. MATL 1 14.6 0.367 1.040 7.1 0.40 1.15 7.9
4. MATL 4 15.0 0.553 1.565 10.4 3.03 8.59 57.2
2. MATL 2 20.3 1.293 3.660 18.0 2.47 6.99 34.4
3. MATL 3 22.3 1.556 4.405 19.6 1.55 4.40 19.6
Pooled ValuesA 15.9 0.942 2.666 16.7 1.87 5.31 33.3
A
No values omitted.

12
 D 412
TABLE 4 Type 1 Precision—Test Method B (Rings)

NOTE:
Sr = repeatability standard deviation.
r = repeatability = 2.83 times the square root of the repeatability variance.
(r) = repeatability (as percentage of material average).
SR = reproducibility standard deviation.
R = reproducibility = 2.83 times the square root of the reproducibility variance.
(R) = reproducibility (as percentage of material average).
Ultimate Elongation, %
Material Average Within Laboratories Between Laboratories
Sr r (r) SR R (R)
1. MATL 1 322.1 15.25 43.18 13.40 33.4 94.7 29.4
2. MATL 2 445.4 11.35 32.12 7.21 34.1 96.6 21.7
4. MATL 4 509.4 27.44 77.65 15.24 51.1 144.8 28.4
5. MATL 5 545.0 2.91 8.25 1.51 56.3 159.5 29.2
6. MATL 6 599.7 12.91 36.55 6.09 14.0 39.6 6.60
3. MATL 3 815.8 16.25 45.99 5.63 90.6 256.5 31.4
Pooled ValuesA 539.6 16.54 46.82 8.67 48.2 136.4 25.2
A
No values omitted.

19.4 Test Method B (Rings): in Tables 3 and 4. Two single test results, obtained under
19.4.1 A Type 1 precision was evaluated in 1985. Both normal test method procedures, that differ by more than this
repeatability and reproducibility are short term, a period of a tabulated r (for any given level) must be considered as derived
few days separates replicate test results. A test result is the from different or nonidentical sample populations.
mean value, as specified by this test method, obtained on three 19.4.7 Reproducibility—The reproducibility, R, of this test
determinations or measurements of the property or parameter method has been established as the appropriate value tabulated
in question. in Tables 3 and 4. Two single test results obtained in two
19.4.2 Six different materials were used in the interlabora- different laboratories, under normal test method procedures,
tory program, these were tested in four laboratories on two that differ by more than the tabulated R (for any given level)
different days. must be considered to have come from different or nonidentical
19.4.3 The results of the precision calculations for repeat- sample populations.
ability and reproducibility are given in Tables 3 and 4, in 19.4.8 Repeatability and reproducibility expressed as a
ascending order of material average or level, for each of the percentage of the mean level, (r) and (R), have equivalent
materials evaluated. application statements as 19.3.6 and 19.3.7 for r and R. For the
19.4.4 Repeatability, r, varies over the range of material (r) and (R) statements, the difference in the two single test
levels as evaluated. Reproducibility, R, varies over the range of results is expressed as a percentage of the arithmetic mean of
material levels as evaluated. the two test results.
19.4.5 The precision of this test method may be expressed in 19.4.9 Bias—In test method terminology, bias is the differ-
the format of the following statements that use what is called ence between an average test value and the reference (or true)
an “appropriate value” of r, R, (r), or (R), that is, that value to test property value. Reference values do not exist for this test
be used in decisions about test results (obtained with the test method since the value (of the test property) is exclusively
method). The appropriate value is that value of r or R defined by the test method. Bias, therefore, cannot be deter-
associated with a mean level in Tables 1-4 closest to the mean mined.
level under consideration at any given time, for any given
material in routine testing operations. 20. Keywords
19.4.6 Repeatability—The repeatability, r, of this test 20.1 elongation; set after break; tensile properties; tensile
method has been established as the appropriate value tabulated set; tensile strength; tensile stress; yield point

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13