Flexural Testing for Composite Materials

We deliver both three-point and four-point bend testing to examine how your composite materials respond to bending forces. By controlling support distances and loading points, we adapt each fixture setup to accommodate different specimen sizes and thickness-to-length ratios—mirroring real-world applications. Our testing provides: 

• Flexural strength measurement (material qualification) 

• Flexural stiffness data (design validation) 

• Failure mode insights (product improvement) 

• Comparative testing for material selection/optimization 

• Performance verification for quality assurance 

From solid laminates to complex sandwich constructions, our flexural testing capabilities span the entire range of composite materials integral to aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy applications. Because bending is a mix of tensile, compression, and shear stresses, it’s crucial to evaluate each property under representative conditions. We also test unreinforced/reinforced plastics and electrical insulating materials, ensuring your designs meet performance and safety requirements.

• Solid laminates for aerospace and automotive structural parts
• Sandwich constructions for lightweight, high-strength applications
• Polymer matrix composites for high-performance demands
• Reinforced plastics for industrial/consumer products
•  Electrical insulating materials for safety-critical uses

Our experts conduct testing to ASTM, ISO, and EN standards for both solid laminates and sandwich constructions. By adjusting support spans and loading noses, we replicate the conditions your product will face in service. Whether using three-point or four-point bend configurations, we precisely pinpoint how your materials will fail, guiding design optimizations before expensive production ramps up. 

• Three-point bending (max stress at mid-span) 

• Four-point bending (constant moment region, reduced shear influence) 

• Customized fixture setups for non-standard geometries 

• Controlled loading rates for time-dependent behaviors 

• Detailed documentation for test repeatability 

Fixture adaptability is vital. Our load frames and bend fixtures accommodate varied support distances to match unique sample geometries, ensuring that the bending data accurately reflects in-service conditions. 

Comprehensive result interpretation

Beyond raw numbers, we interpret test data—identifying primary failure modes (tensile, compression, shear) and correlating them to your material’s design and use-case. This holistic approach transforms basic test outcomes into practical insights for enhancing product reliability, refining manufacturing processes, and ensuring your composites remain fit for purpose in demanding environments. 

Element’s advanced testing equipment provides precise load application and high-resolution displacement measurement for accurate flexural property determination. Fixtures can be customized to suit various specimen dimensions, letting us replicate real assembly conditions. Our capabilities include: 

• Precision load frames with accurate force measurement 

• Adjustable support & loading configurations for different beam spans 

• High-resolution displacement measurement systems 

• Data acquisition for comprehensive analysis 

• Environmental control if needed (temperature/humidity constraints) 

Our team operates from specialized composites testing labs across the world, providing global access to our expert capabilities. Find your nearest Materials Testing hub on our Locations Page.