ASTM D6110
Summary Description
The ASTM D6110 Charpy impact and ASTM D256 Izod impact test standards specify the characterization of resistance of plastics to breakage by flexural shock. In either standard, the test is performed by striking a standard specimen with a single swing of a standardized pendulum hammer. The specimen is prepared with a milled notch, which induces a stress concentration promoting brittle fracture. The energy absorbed by the specimen is determined by the swing height attained by the pendulum hammer following its strike. The two tests differ in their respective arrangements for holding the specimen, the Charpy impact test supporting it on two ends with the notch on the reverse side and the Izod impact test holding it on a single end with the notch on the facing side to impact. Properties that reference ASTM D6110 and ASTM D256 are impact resistance and break type.
Learn more about Impact Testing, including pendulum impact testing, as well as about Mechanical Testing more generally.
Additional Test Standards of Relevance
- ISO 180
- ISO 179
Listing of DatapointLabs Tests Referencing ASTM D6110 and ASTM D256
The list of tests in the DatapointLabs test catalog that reference ASTM D6110 and ASTM D256 are as follows:
| Test | Description |
|---|---|
| M-427 | Charpy Pendulum Impact |
| M-425 | Izod Pendulum Impact |
Characterization Measurements and Relevant Tests
DatapointLabs offers a pair of tests that respectively address the properties covered under the ASTM D6110 and ASTM D256 standards. These include the following characterization measurements, as specified in the respective test standards [bracketed links refer to relevant tests in the DatapointLabs Test Catalog]:
Charpy Impact
- Impact resistance, break type [M-427]
Izod Impact
- Impact resistance, break type [M-425]
Characterization Measurement Descriptions
Typical characterization measurements under ASTM D6110 and ASTM D256 include:
- Impact Resistance: The force required to fully break a standard specimen under impact
- Break Type: reported as full break, hinged break, partial break or no break
Test Procedure and Equipment Used
In general, a Dynatup POE 2000 apparatus is used in conjunction with a notched bar of standard dimensions for both impact tests. At set velocity and energy, the pendulum is released to impact the specimen. The test is completed when the pendulum completes one swing. For Charpy impact testing, the sample is placed horizontally, with the notch opposite the side of impact. For Izod impact testing, the sample is clamped vertically, with the notch on the side of impact.
Sample Conditioning and Non-Ambient Testing
Sample conditioning, if required, is carried out following specimen preparation in accordance with ASTM D618. Typical conditioning selections are ‘dry as molded’ (low humidity storage at 23°C) and 40 hours at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. Non-ambient testing may be carried out at any temperature between -53°C and 200°C.
Test Specimen Specification and Description
Specimen specifications under ASTM D6110 and ASTM D256 are as follows:
- For Charpy impact testing, specimens are typically suitably notched ASTM D790 or ISO 178 flex bars; see for further details
- For Izod impact testing, specimens are typically suitably notched ASTM D790 or ISO 178 flex bars; see for further details
