Ats determines the mechanical performance properties of components made through additive manufacturing by using methods like the tensile test.

Additive Manufacturing and the Tensile Test

To serve the needs of clients who depend on additive manufacturing, Applied Technical Services performs mechanical testing on components created through this increasingly popular method of production. The tensile test is one such method of analysis; it can help clients determine if their material has the right characteristics to enable the final product to perform as intended.

Performance Considerations

Manufacturers must consider the performance characteristics of their materials when designing a quality product. Products made by additive manufacturing display different mechanical properties than those produced by conventional methods such as casting, forging, and injection molding. This tendency arises from the way that parts are compiled during the process; unlike older methods — which result in a single, homogeneous form — additive manufacturing builds components by piling layer upon layer of material until the desired shape has been completed.

Because the connections between each layer may be weaker than the solid matrix created by other methods of production, components made through additive manufacturing may have comparatively lower tensile and shear strengths. To make sure our clients’ products reach their intended level of utility, ATS uses methods like the tensile test to determine whether sample materials will perform as desired in actual use.

The Method and How It Works

Technicians from our mechanical testing lab perform the tensile test by placing the sample material into a specialized piece of equipment. Load is applied to the sample from opposite directions in increasing amounts until certain criteria are met. Depending on the standard to which our technicians are testing, they may end the test after the sample has endured a predetermined amount of tensile stress or once it experiences complete fracture.

Analytical Capabilities

ATS’ mechanical testing lab is ISO 17025 (A2LA) accredited to perform the tensile test method to the following standards and specifications:

We also test according to a variety of other standards as requested by clients. For example, although not accredited for these methods, our lab is proficient in analyzing polymers’ tensile characteristics by testing them to relevant standards such as ASTM D882 and ISO 37.

The mechanical testing lab possesses several tensile testers — the most powerful of which has a maximum force capacity of 400,000lbs, high enough to test all but the most resilient of materials. Results will provide insight into the material’s various tensile properties such as ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and various ductility characteristics.

About Applied Technical Services

ATS has consistently delivered testing, inspection, and engineering consulting services of peerless quality since 1967. Over the 50+ years since our founding, we have expanded our client base to encompass companies that operate around the globe and participate in many different industries. Of the industries we serve, the ones that can most benefit from ATS’ ability to tensile test components made through additive manufacturing are:

And, naturally:

Our Commitment to Quality

ATS prides itself on continually improving the quality of services we provide to our clientele. We pursue this goal on two fronts.

Firstly, we prioritize the customer experience. Our mechanical testing lab, as well as all other branches of our company, operates within a culture that places the client first. To this end, our technicians ensure that they return findings that are accurate, clear, and detailed within a quick turnaround window. Furthermore, they maintain accessibility throughout the testing process to address any client questions or concerns.

Secondly, ATS takes steps to ensure the technical excellence of our services. We accomplish this by observing our rigorous quality management system, which is registered to ISO 9001. This distinction means that our system has been certified by a third-party auditor to follow the principles outlined in the internationally recognized standard on quality assurance practices. ATS further demonstrates our commitment to quality by maintaining accreditations and certifications with the following entities:
If your company needs to find out the tensile properties of a component produced through additive manufacturing, contact ATS today for a tensile test — we take a closer look!

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