Izod/Charpy Test to Determine the Impact Strength of Plastics

Izod/Charpy Test to Determine the Impact Strength of Plastics

When designing any machining part, engineers need to understand the conditions under which their parts will perform. This is especially important with plastics because they are typically not as strong as metals. One way to determine how a plastic part might behave is by testing its impact strength, also known as Izod toughness or energy at the break. Impact strength testing can be used on any material that has an elastic region and breaks when stretched past this region (plastics included). Therefore, with the help of the Izod/Charpy test, you can easily measure the impact resistance of materials under sudden falling force. With the help of Presto Izod and Charpy impact tester, you will be able to conduct both the tests:

  • Izod (this test includes horizontal impact on vertically clamped specimen)
  • Charpy (this test includes vertical impact on horizontally placed specimen)


The Izod/Charpy Impact test is significant in testing and evaluating the impact resistance of various plastic products. The test is used to determine the energy that is required to break a standard test specimen using the pendulum method. This highly reliable instrument is a must for all plastic testing laboratories and quality control departments. Here in this blog, we are going to provide brief information about Presto Izod/Charpy impact tester and how it works to determine the impact strength of plastic materials.

Introduction about Presto Izod/Charpy impact tester

The Izod/Charpy tester is one of the most widely used testing instruments that will help to evaluate the impact resistance of materials like plastics, metals, etc. In order to make sure your product can handle all types of situations, it is important to take this test with the help of a Presto Izod/Charpy impact tester. You can also determine the force a material can absorb before breaking apart. The higher the number on an impact tester's dial or digital readout generally means that a sample has greater resistance against breakage. Thus, you should consider this tester to conduct the impact test.

The Presto Izod / Charpy Impact Tester (Digital) strictly adheres to ASTM D – 256 -10 standard. The equipment comes complete with an instruction manual, electric wiring diagram, and conformance certificate from NABL approved labs. This testing equipment consists basically of the following elements:-

  1. Pendulum incorporating an arm in the form of a circular arc of 150°.
  2. Sample clamping test fixtures with adjustable screws.
  3. Interchangeable weight: R1, R2, R3 & R4, R5.



Here are the technical specifications of this testing instrument that you should know.

  • The release angle of the pendulum: 150 degree
  • Capacity: Up to 25.02 Joules
  • Range of four scales: 0-2.71 Joules; 0-5.42 Joules; 0-10.84 Joules and 0-21.68 Joules, 25.02 Joules
  • Minimum resolution on the scale: 0.02 Joule; 0.05 Joule; 0.1 Joule and 0.2 Joule respectively
  • Paint: Powder coated
  • Optional Accessory: Motorized Notch Cutter
  • Related Standards: ASTM D256 – 10, ASTM D618 – 13, ASTM D883 – 12, ASTM D1204 – 14, ASTM D1248 – 12, ASTM E691 – 14
  • Electrical Requirement: Single Phase 220 V AC, 50 Hz, Single Phase
  • Approximate Weight Net 50 Kg, Gross (Packed): 72 Kg
  • Dimensions: 60cm x 48cm x 92cm
  • The radius of Izod Hammer: 1.8 Degree
  • The radius of Charpy Hammer: 2 Degree


This testing machine offers a high capacity of up to 21.68 Joules. It contains four scales with different ranges that are provided for more accurate and reproducible results. It has equipment duly powder coated for corrosion resistance and an additional motorized notch cutter can be provided (optional). These specifications and features make this testing instrument, the top choice for conducting Izod and Charpy tests.


How to conduct the test successfully with Presto Izod/Charpy tester?

If you want to use this testing instrument for conducting the Izod/Charpy test, then we suggest you prepare the specimen first. You can make use of a notch cutter to cut the sample accurately. For this, you can take a sample and mark the center position. Open the screws to place the sample. Sample of size 63.5mm x 12.7mm and any thickness between 3 mm to 13 mm is required to perform Izod Test. For the Charpy test, a sample of size 130mm x 12.7mm and any thickness between 3 mm to 13 mm is required. Once the sample will be prepared by accurately cutting it, then you can place the sample in this testing instrument to perform the Izod test and Charpy test.

You can also get information about Plastic Caps & Closure Testing Instruments. To know more about the accurate placement of samples and ensure the price measurement of impact strength of materials, you can give us a call at +91 9210903903 or email us at info@prestogroup.com.

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