Testing Products for ASTM D3163
APP-D3163Measures the shear strength of adhesives used to bond rigid plastics (similar to D1002 for metals). This configuration focuses on the Newton-Series control architecture to ensure high-fidelity data acquisition. Utilizing a 32-bit digital signal processor, the system provides a superior Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), which is essential for capturing precise material transitions that lower-resolution systems often miss.
The load frame for this application has been selected to provide the most cost-effective solution capable of meeting the standard’s peak force requirements. While TestResources offers a wide range of frame geometries, this specific selection represents the optimal balance between laboratory CAPEX and technical compliance. Any frame in our catalog meeting the minimum load rating will adhere to the standard; however, this configuration is our primary recommendation for those seeking a reliable, streamlined testing platform without unnecessary complexity.=
Substrate Flex: Unlike metal lap-shear, plastic substrates often bend during the shear pull.
Use offset shimming spacers in the grips to keep the pull-axis perfectly parallel to the bond line.
Regulatory & Test Details
| App Id | APP-D3163 |
|---|---|
| App Standard | ASTM D3163 |
| Standard Organization | ASTM |
| Test Type | Shear |
| Material Type | Adhesives |
| Specimen Type | Lapped Plastic Strips |
| Industry Type | Automotive / Plastics |
| Min Force Kn | 10 |
| Max Force Kn | 100 |
| Max Spd Mm/m | 1.3 |
| Expert Spd | Rigid plastic lap shear speed. |
| Pointer App Software | N-ASTM-D3163 |
| Pointer Fixture Family | G-ASTM-D3163 |
| Pointer Strain Family | E-ASTM-D3163 |
Implementation Commentary
This is the go-to test for structural adhesives used in modern lightweight vehicle frames (carbon fiber to plastic).
Common Pitfalls
Over-clamping the plastic ears of the specimen, causing the plastic to crack before the adhesive shears.