After tensile testing, flexural tests are the most common strength tests for plastics and other resins. The main standards for plastic flexural (bend) tests are ISO 178, JIS K 7171, and ASTM D790, which require very accurate test systems. These standards include flexural strain measurements using a deflectometer, ranging from micro-strain measurements in the elastic region, the reversible elongation at the beginning of tests, to larger strain measurements in the plastic region. Shimadzu's deflectometers integrate easily into AG-X plus series, AGS-X series, and EZ-X test frames and Trapezium X testing software. Since these deflectometers push up against the specimen from below, the specimen color is not a limiting factor, as can be for laser type non-contact deflectometers. Furthermore, these deflectometers can partially absorb the shock during specimen failure, preventing specimen fragments from scattering.
