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How to Test Plastic Properties

Shear Strength

Shear Strength data is obtained by mounting a specimen in a punch type shear fixture and the punch (1 in. D ) is pushed down at a rate of 0.005 in. per min until the moving portion of the specimen clears the stationary portion. Shear strength is calculated as the force/area sheared.

Shear strength is particularly important in film and sheet products where failures from this type load may often occur. For the design of molded and extruded products it would seldom be a factor. Plastic sheets or molded plastic discs measuring 0.005 to 0.500 in. thick are used in the test. ASTM D-732.