# UTM – Plastic and Polymer

- Link: https://flexitest.in/plastic-and-polymer/utm-plastic-and-polymer/
- Published: 2024-12-16T06:26:23+05:30
- Author: chetanvarne

# Universal Testing Machine  Plastic and Polymer

 1. [Home](https://flexitest.in)
 2. [Plastic and Polymer](https://flexitest.in/plastic-and-polymer/)
 3. UTM – Plastic and Polymer

![UTM 5 10 25ST Main Banner scaled](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/
04/UTM-5-10-25ST-Main-Banner-scaled.webp "UTM - Plastic and Polymer 20")

## Stretching the Limits of Material Performance with testing the True  Potential of Plastics and Polymers

Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is a critical piece of equipment used to evaluate
the mechanical properties of plastic and polymer materials. It applies controlled
tension, compression, bend, or shear forces to test specimens, measuring key characteristics
like strength, elongation, and modulus. The machine provides precise data on how
polymers will perform under different stress conditions, crucial for quality control
and material development. Manufacturers use UTMs to ensure polymers meet specific
mechanical requirements for various applications, from packaging to advanced engineering
components.From handling low test forces to accommodating large loads, these machines
are suitable for both quality control and advanced research applications. Their 
precision ensures consistent and reliable test results, making them an indispensable
tool for ensuring material integrity and performance.

## Key  Considerations

Key Considerations for Selecting a UTM Across Industries

![UTM ASTM Standards](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ASTM.webp "
UTM - Plastic and Polymer 21")

## ASTM ⏎  Standards

![UTM ISO Standards](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ISO.webp "UTM-
Plastic and Polymer 22")

## ISO ⏎  Standards

![UTM Sample Dimensions](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Sample-
dimensions.webp "UTM - Plastic and Polymer 23")

## Sample Dimensions

![UTM Service & Supports](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Service-
supports.webp "UTM - Plastic and Polymer 24")

## Service & Supports

![UTM Test Speed & Control](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Test-
speed-control.webp "UTM - Plastic and Polymer 25")

## Test Speed & Control

![UTM Capacity & Force Range](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Capacity-
force-range.webp "UTM - Plastic and Polymer 26")

## Capacity & Force Range

![UTM Grips & Fixtures](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Grips-fixtures.
webp "UTM - Plastic and Polymer 27")

## Grips & Fixtures

![UTM Standard Software](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Standard-
software.webp "UTM - Plastic and Polymer 28")

## Standard Software

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## Universal Testing  Machine Solutions

![UTM 10ST / 10 kN Universal Testing Machine](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/uploads/
2025/04/UTM-10ST-1.webp "UTM - Plastic and Polymer 29")

## 󠀁[UTM 10ST / 10 kN Universal Testing Machine](https://flexitest.in/plastic-and-polymer/utm-plastic-and-polymer/model-10st-universal-testing-machine/)󠁿

![Model 25ST / 25 kN Universal Testing Machine](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/
uploads/2025/04/UTM-25-ST-1-e1745818252839.webp "UTM - Plastic and Polymer 30")

## 󠀁[UTM 25ST / 25 kN Universal Testing Machine](https://flexitest.in/plastic-and-polymer/utm-plastic-and-polymer/utm25-kn-universal-testing-machine-plastic/)󠁿

![UTM 5ST / 5 kN Universal Testing Machine](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/uploads/
2025/04/UTM-5ST.webp "UTM - Plastic and Polymer 31")

## 󠀁[UTM 5ST / 5 kN Universal Testing Machine](https://flexitest.in/plastic-and-polymer/utm-plastic-and-polymer/utm-5st-5-kn-universal-testing-machine-plastic/)󠁿

## Plastics and Polymers test standards compliance

Verified compliance across international standards

## INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS (ISO / ASTM)

![UTM ISO Standards](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ISO.webp "UTM-
Plastic and Polymer 22")

![UTM ASTM Standards](https://flexitest.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ASTM.webp "
UTM - Plastic and Polymer 21")

## ISO 527-1/2 | ASTM D638​

###### Tensile strength of rigid plastics - the plastic testing standard globally

## ISO 527-3 | ASTM D882

###### Tensile properties of plastic films & thin sheets

## ISO 178 | ASTM D790

###### Flexural/bending strength of plastics & composites

## ISO 604 | ASTM D695

###### Compressive strength of rigid plastics

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## Select the right UTM for your  specific requirements

Compare Flexitest universal testing machine models by load capacity, test speed,
working area, dimensions and weight.

 ← Swipe to see full table →

 Universal testing machine specifications: 1ST to 300SL  |  Specification |  Unit |  1ST |  5ST |  10ST |  25ST |  50ST |  100ST |  150ST |  300ST |  300SL |  
   | Capacity | kN | 1 | 5 | 10 | 25 | 50 | 100 | 150 | 300 | 300 | 
 | Capacity | lbf | 200 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 5,000 | 11,000 | 20,000 | 30,000 | 60,000 | 60,000 | 
 | Test speed range | mm/min | 0.0001–1000 | 0.0001–1000 | 0.0001–1000 | 0.0001–1000 | 0.0001–500 | 0.0001–500 | 0.0001–500 | 0.0001–500 | 0–76 | 
 | Test speed range | in/min | 0.000004–40 | 0.000004–40 | 0.000004–40 | 0.000004–40 | 0.000004–20 | 0.000004–20 | 0.000004–20 | 0.000004–20 | 0–3 | 
 | Clearance between columns | mm | — | — | 410 | 410 | 405 | 656 | 656 | 656 | — | 
 | Clearance between columns | in | — | — | 16 | 16 | 16 | 26 | 26 | 26 | — | 
 | Throat depth | mm | 100 | 100 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 
 | Throat depth | in | 4 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 
 | Maximum crosshead travel | mm | 755 | 755 | 1090 | 1090 | 1065 | 1198 | 1198 | 1173 | 648 | 
 | Maximum crosshead travel | in | 30 | 30 | 43 | 43 | 42 | 47 | 47 | 46 | 25.5 | 
 | Dimensions (H × W × D) | mm | 1168×511×467 | 1168×511×467 | 1625×729×506 | 1625×729×506 | 1655×729×506 | 2323×1160×700 | 2323×1160×700 | 2323×1160×700 | 1842×737×483 | 
 | Dimensions (H × W × D) | in | 46×20×18 | 46×20×18 | 64×29×20 | 64×29×20 | 65×29×20 | 91×46×28 | 91×46×28 | 91×46×28 | 72.5×29×19 | 
 | Weight | kg | 58 | 58 | 129 | 129 | 192 | 750 | 970 | 1050 | 1180 | 
 | Weight | lb | 128 | 128 | 284 | 284 | 423 | 1,653 | 2,138 | 2,315 | 2,600 |

* Nominal specifications shown for model comparison. Final configuration depends
on the selected machine and application.

 [      Explore All UTM  ](https://flexitest.in/universal-tensile-testing-machine/)

## FAQ's

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Universal Testing Machines

  What is a Universal Tensile Testing Machine and which ASTM and ISO standards does
it support?

A Universal Tensile Testing Machine (UTM) applies controlled tensile, compressive,
bend, peel, and shear forces to evaluate mechanical properties of materials. Flexitest
UTMs support a wide range of global standards including ASTM D638, ASTM D882, ASTM
E8, ASTM D412, ASTM D5034, ASTM D828, ASTM F88, ISO 527, ISO 6892-1, ISO 37, ISO
13934, and ISO 1924 — covering plastics, metals, rubber, textiles, paper, and packaging
materials.

  How is a UTM used for tensile testing of plastics per ASTM D638 and ISO 527?

ASTM D638 is the standard test method for tensile properties of plastics, evaluating
tensile strength, elongation at break, and tensile modulus using dumbbell-shaped
specimens. ISO 527-2 covers the same fundamental measurements but uses different
specimen geometry and test speed requirements. ASTM D638 is preferred in North American
markets while ISO 527 is specified by European and international buyers. Both are
performed on a Flexitest UTM with appropriate grips and extensometer. ASTM International

  What is ASTM D882 and why is it important for packaging film testing on a UTM?

ASTM D882 is a standard test method for determining the tensile properties of thin
plastic films with a thickness of less than 1.0 mm and is of great importance in
the film packaging industry, both for quality control and research and development.
It measures tensile strength, elongation at break, and tensile modulus of flexible
packaging films including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and laminate films.
The ISO equivalent is ISO 527-3. A Flexitest UTM with film grips performs ASTM D882
testing accurately.

  Which UTM standards apply to tensile testing of metals and metallic components?

ASTM E8 and ASTM E8M describe uniaxial tensile testing of metals at room temperature.
ISO 6892-1 is the international standard for tensile testing of metallic materials,
covering specimen geometry, grip configuration, and extensometer requirements. ASTM
E8 is used by North American automotive and industrial buyers while ISO 6892-1 is
the global standard. Both standards measure yield strength, tensile strength, elongation,
and Young’s modulus. Flexitest UTM models from 10 kN to 300 kN are suitable for 
metallic specimen testing.

  How is a UTM used for tensile testing of rubber and elastomers per ASTM D412 and
ISO 37?

ASTM D412 and ISO 37 are both widely recognised tensile test methods for evaluating
the stress-strain characteristics of rubber materials including natural rubber, 
synthetic rubber, silicone rubber, and thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). Dumbbell-
shaped specimens are stretched at a controlled speed until break. The test measures
tensile strength, elongation at break, and elastic modulus. High-elongation extensometers
capable of measuring 500% strain or more are required. Flexitest UTMs with rubber
grips and appropriate load cells support both ASTM D412 and ISO 37 testing.

  How is a UTM used for tensile testing of paper, board, and paper-based packaging?

Tensile testing of paper and paperboard is performed per ASTM D828 and ISO 1924 
on a universal testing machine. These standards measure tensile breaking strength
and stretch of paper, corrugated board, kraft paper, and paper-based packaging materials.
Results determine the suitability of paper substrates for flexible packaging, labels,
bags, and cartons. Paper testing standards for UTM include ASTM D828 and ISO 1924
Parts 1 and 2. A Flexitest UTM with flat-face grips and appropriate load cell performs
these tests accurately.

  Which standards govern tensile testing of technical textiles and nonwovens on 
a UTM?

ASTM D5034 and ISO 13934-2 describe the grab test procedure for determining breaking
strength and elongation of woven, nonwoven, and felted textile fabrics. The method
is particularly suitable for woven, nonwoven, and felted materials, providing practical
values for evaluating mechanical strength of textiles. ASTM D5034 specifies a specimen
width of 100 mm while ISO 13934-2 specifies 100 ±2 mm. Both tests are performed 
on a Flexitest UTM using textile grips with a constant crosshead speed.

  What is ASTM F88 and how is it tested on a Universal Tensile Testing Machine?

ASTM F88 is the standard test method for seal strength of flexible barrier materials
including heat-sealed pouches, medical device packaging, and flexible food packaging.
A UTM applies a controlled peel force to separated seal edges at a defined angle—
typically 90° or 180° — measuring the force required to peel the seal. ASTM F88 
is used for direct heat seal strength testing of flexible barrier packaging materials.
Results validate seal integrity, confirm heat sealer settings, and support ISO 11607
medical device packaging compliance.

  How do I select the right UTM load capacity for my testing application?

Selecting the correct UTM load capacity depends on the material being tested. Packaging
films, paper, and thin laminates require low-force models from 500 N to 1 kN (Flexitest
C610H or 1ST) per ASTM D882 and ASTM F88. Plastics and rubber testing per ASTM D638
and ASTM D412 typically require 1 kN to 5 kN. Metal and composite testing per ASTM
E8 and ISO 6892-1 requires 10 kN to 300 kN. Choosing an undersized load cell reduces
accuracy while oversizing reduces sensitivity at low forces.

  How should a Universal Tensile Testing Machine be calibrated to ensure accurate
results?

UTMs must be calibrated per ISO 7500-1, which specifies verification of static uniaxial
testing machines by classifying force measurement accuracy into Class 0.5, Class
1, and Class 2. Load cells must be verified using traceable calibrated weights or
reference force transducers. Crosshead speed, extensometer accuracy, and alignment
must also be verified. Calibration records must meet ISO 17025 laboratory competence
requirements. Flexitest provides NABL-traceable UTM calibration services across 
all models and capacity ranges.

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