What Is a Three-Point Fixture and What Does It Do?
A 3-point bend fixture is a testing accessory designed to measure materials’ mechanical strength and behaviour under bending forces.
It typically consists of two support rollers and a loading roller, with the specimen placed on top of the support rollers and loaded in the middle by the loading roller. As the load is applied to the specimen by the Universal Testing Machine and it undergoes deformation and possible until it eventually fractures.
The 3-point bend fixture is used to help determine the bending force and displacement of the specimen, allowing for the calculation of properties such as flexural yield strength, the flexural modulus of elasticity, and fracture toughness.
This type of fixture is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and materials science, where the mechanical properties of materials are critical to the performance and safety of products.
AML Instruments offers a range of 3-point bend fixtures to meet your specific testing needs, including options for different sample sizes and loading capacities. Our fixtures are built to the highest standards of quality and accuracy so that you can trust in the reliability and precision of your testing results.
Testing Standards
Various testing standards are commonly used to evaluate the mechanical properties of materials using 3-point bend fixtures. These standards provide guidelines for testing procedures, sample preparation, and data analysis, ensuring test results are accurate, reliable, and comparable across different laboratories and testing equipment. Some of the most widely recognized testing standards for 3-point bend fixtures include ASTM D790, ISO 14125, ISO 14130, ASTM D7264, EN 2377, EN 2746, and ISO 6721-5.
ASTM D790 is a standard test method for flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics and electrical insulating materials. It outlines the procedures for testing rectangular specimens using a 3-point bend fixture and includes specifications for sample dimensions, loading rate, and data analysis.
ISO 14125 is a standard that specifies the methods for determining the flexural properties of polymer matrix composites using a 3-point bend fixture. It provides guidelines for specimen preparation, testing conditions, and data analysis.
ISO 14130 is another standard for flexural testing of plastics and composites using a 3-point bend fixture, with specific requirements for specimen preparation, test conditions, and data analysis.
ASTM D7264 is a standard test method for flexural properties of polymer matrix composites using a 3-point bend fixture. It includes procedures for testing rectangular and circular specimens and provides guidelines for sample preparation, loading rate, and data analysis.
EN 2377 is a European standard for determining the flexural properties of composite materials using a 3-point bend fixture. It includes guidelines for specimen preparation, test conditions, and data analysis.
EN 2746 is a standard for flexural testing of aerospace materials using a 3-point bend fixture, with specific requirements for sample preparation, loading rate, and data analysis.
ISO 6721-5 is a standard for determining the dynamic mechanical properties of plastics using a 3-point bend fixture. It provides guidelines for specimen preparation, testing conditions, and data analysis and is commonly used in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries.
At AML Instruments, we understand the importance of adhering to these testing standards to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results. Our 3-point bend fixtures are designed to meet or exceed these standards, giving you the confidence and assurance that your testing is performed to the highest quality.
What Materials are Tested on 3-point Bend Fixtures?
A 3-point bend fixture is a versatile testing accessory that can evaluate the mechanical properties of a wide range of materials. These materials may include metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and other materials used in aerospace, automotive, construction, and materials science.
For metals, the 3-point bend fixture can measure properties such as bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and ductility. This is particularly useful for assessing the performance of structural components in applications such as bridges, buildings, and machinery.
For polymers, the 3-point bend fixture can be used to evaluate properties such as flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and impact resistance. This is important for assessing the performance of polymer materials used in applications such as packaging, consumer products, and medical devices.
For ceramics and composites, the 3-point bend fixture can measure properties such as flexural strength, fracture toughness, and interlaminar shear strength. This is critical for assessing the performance of these materials in applications such as aerospace components, electronic devices, and medical implants.
Overall, the 3-point bend fixture is a powerful tool for evaluating the mechanical properties of materials, providing valuable insights into their performance and behaviour under different loading conditions. At AML Instruments, we offer a range of 3-point bend fixtures designed to meet the specific testing needs of different materials and industries, ensuring that you get the most accurate and reliable results possible.
Get In Touch
If you’re interested in learning more about our 3-point bend fixtures or would like to discuss your testing needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of experts is available to answer any questions or queries you may have, and can provide guidance on selecting the best fixture for your specific application.
You can contact us via email [email protected] or by phone 01522 789 375. Alternatively, you can use the “Get A Quote” button in the header to request a quote or talk to one of our team members in the Live Chat in the bottom right-hand corner of the webpage.
We pride ourselves on our responsive and personalized customer service, and are committed to ensuring that you get the most out of your testing experience with AML Instruments. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
