ASTM D638M-96 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D638M-96 — Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics (Metric). This metric-version test method specifies procedures, specimen types, dimensions, conditioning, and test speeds for determining tensile properties (tensile strength, yield, tensile modulus/Young’s modulus, elongation, and related tensile characteristics) of reinforced and unreinforced plastics using standardized dumbbell-shaped specimens and metric units.

Abstract

This test method (metric edition, 1996) establishes procedures to measure tensile behavior of plastics up to specified thicknesses using dog-bone specimens under defined temperatures, humidity, conditioning, and crosshead speeds. Results include tensile strength at yield or break, tensile modulus, elongation at break (or yield), and associated stress–strain data used for material specification, quality control and research. The specific metric designation D638M-96 was withdrawn in 1998 and later work continued under the general D638 series.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / Superseded (withdrawn 1998).
• Publication date: 1996 (1996 edition; bibliographic records list a March 10, 1996 publication).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 83.080.01 — Plastics in general.
• Edition / version: D638M-96 (metric version of the D638 test method).
• Number of pages: ~10 pages (commercial bibliographic listings indicate 10 pages).

Scope

Applies to the determination of tensile properties of plastic materials (both reinforced and unreinforced) using standard dumbbell-shaped specimens prepared by molding, machining, or die-cutting. It sets specimen dimensions (Types I–V) in metric units, recommended specimen thickness limits (practical testing up to 14 mm), conditioning and pre-test environment, test speeds (range of mm/min), and reporting requirements for tensile strength, modulus, elongation, and related stress–strain information. The metric designation was a unit-specific publication of the same test method family.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen types and dimensions (Types I–V — standard dumbbell/dogbone shapes sized for different thicknesses and material availability).
• Maximum recommended specimen thickness and machining/sectioning guidance (practical testing for thicknesses up to 14 mm; thicker samples should be machined).
• Test rates / crosshead speeds specified in metric units (typical range from about 1 to 500 mm/min depending on the property measured and specimen type).
• Conditioning and pre-test environmental controls (temperature, humidity, and conditioning procedures prior to testing).
• Use of extensometers or strain measurement for accurate modulus and strain reporting where required.
• Required reported values: tensile strength (at yield or break), tensile modulus (Young’s modulus), elongation (strain at break or yield), and full tensile stress–strain curve data as appropriate.

Typical use and users

Widely used historically by materials laboratories, polymer R&D groups, quality-control and production laboratories in plastics and composites manufacturing, test-service laboratories, and academic researchers for characterizing tensile behavior of molded, extruded, and machined plastic specimens. Today users typically reference the current edition of the D638 series (or ISO 527 equivalents) rather than the withdrawn metric-only edition.

Related standards

Closely related standards and practices include ASTM D638 (the general/non-metric series and later editions), ISO 527-2 (tensile testing of plastics — commonly used outside North America), ASTM D618 (conditioning of plastics for testing), and related ASTM practices for machine calibration and extensometer verification (for example E4 and E83). The D638M-96 metric edition was withdrawn and functions now are covered by later D638 editions.

Keywords

ASTM D638M-96, tensile properties, plastics, metric, dogbone specimen, tensile strength, Young’s modulus, elongation, specimen types I–V, D638, ISO 527-2, conditioning.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D638M-96 is the 1996 metric-version designation of the ASTM test method for tensile properties of plastics, defining specimen geometry, test speeds, conditioning, and reporting in metric units.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedures to measure tensile strength (at yield or break), tensile modulus (Young’s modulus), elongation, and full stress–strain behavior of plastics using standardized dumbbell specimens, metric dimensions, specified conditioning, and defined test speeds. The method is intended for specimen thicknesses commonly up to about 14 mm.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials and polymer testing laboratories, manufacturers of plastics and plastic parts, quality-control engineers, research and development groups, and test-service organizations historically used the metric edition; present-day users generally follow the current D638 edition or ISO 527-2 depending on regional preference.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D638M-96 designation was withdrawn in 1998. The tensile-test methods for plastics continue under the broader D638 series (later editions) and by equivalent international standards (e.g., ISO 527-2). Users should refer to the most recent D638 edition for current requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of ASTM’s plastics test methods (the D600–D999 range) and specifically the D638 family of test methods for tensile properties of plastics; related and supporting ASTM practices (conditioning, calibration) are routinely used together with the D638 test method.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Tensile properties, plastics, dogbone specimen, metric units, tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation, D638M-96, specimen Types I–V.