Shear test machines are universal testing machines specially configured to evaluate shear strength or maximum shear stress. A shear test is performed when shear forces cause one surface of a material to move in one direction and the other surface to move in the opposite direction so that the material is stressed in a sliding motion. Shear tests are unique because the forces applied are parallel to the two contact surfaces. In tension and compression tests the force applied is perpendicular to the contact surface. The most common materials tested in shear are metal, plastic, ceramic, composite substrates, adhesives, layered composites and glued assemblies.
Each shear tester is configured to your requirements by our application engineers with the correct controller, grips, and an extensometer if you would like to accurately measure sample shear strain. Due to our modular machine design, your shear test machine can also be equipped to perform other applications such as tensile, cyclic, compression, flexure, bend, peel, and tear by adding appropriate fixtures.
Selecting a Shear Test Machine
Your first step to choosing the correct shear tester is to determine your specimen geometry, size and strength characteristics. Armed with this information our applications engineer can identify the test machine capacity and correct fixtures needed to shear your sample. The next step is to decide the test data you want which will help confirm the best controller and test software for your test, and if you need an extensometer.
Shear Test Fixtures
