Polymer Shear Testing Services
Micom Laboratories is a materials testing laboratory specializing in polymer testing. We offer polymer shear testing to Canadian and American manufacturers as part of our mechanical testing services. Shear tests are essential to evaluate how materials resist deformation caused by parallel forces, thus predicting failure points and structural behavior. At Micom Laboratories, we conduct shear tests on various polymers, including adhesives, composites, polymeric foams, rubbers, films, and plastics. Our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab offers shear testing based on ASTM and ISO standards for reliable, repeatable, and industry-compliant results.
Why is Polymer Shear Testing Important for Manufacturers?
As a manufacturer, you need to ensure the durability and structural integrity of your polymers. Shear testing helps you quickly identify your polymer materials’ weaknesses early so that you can optimize your formulations, improve manufacturing consistency, and enhance your products’ reliability. It also ensures your products comply with your industry safety and performance standards.
By understanding shear strength and material behavior, you can develop stronger, more durable products that perform well in real-world applications. This reduces failure risks and increases your customers’ trust.
Key Benefits of Polymer Shear Testing
| Understanding Material Behavior | Optimized Material Selection | Quality Control & Compliance |
| Shear testing allows you to characterise the way your polymers react to real mechanical stresses, helping you to better understand their behaviour. | This type of test enables you to compare and choose the best polymers for a specific application based on shear performance. | Polymer shear testing can be used to verify your materials’ compliance with industrial standards (ASTM, ISO), reducing the risk of non-compliance or production failure.. |
| Enhanced Product Safety | Cost Savings in Manufacturing | Performance Validation & Competitive Advantage |
| Test results can highlight potential weaknesses in the materials tested, enabling better risk assessment in critical applications. | By identifying performance gaps early on, these tests help to reduce the risk of recalls, rework or production losses, enabling you to optimise your process. | Shear tests prove the strength and durability of your polymers, giving your products a competitive edge and boosting customer confidence. |
Our Polymer Shear Testing Methods
Micom Laboratories offer a range of shear testing methods to evaluate the mechanical integrity of various polymers. Additionally, we offer customized shear testing to address your unique requirements.
| Shear Testing Method | About The Method | Applicable ASTM & ISO Standards |
| Short Beam Shear Testing | Used to determine the short-beam strength of composite materials, this test helps assess the interlaminar shear strength of laminates and layered structures. | ASTM D2344 |
| Lap Shear Testing | This method measures the shear strength of adhesively bonded materials. It is commonly used for evaluating adhesives in structural and aerospace applications. It includes single-lap shear and double-lap shear testing. | ASTM D1002 ASTM D3163 ASTM D3164 ASTM D5868 ISO 4587 |
| Core Shear Testing | Standard Test Method for Core Shear Properties of Sandwich Constructions by Beam Flexure | ASTM C393 |
It is important to note that the physical properties of polymers can vary depending on ambient temperature and humidity. Therefore, we recommend testing materials at temperatures that simulate the intended end-use environment. This approach ensures that the data collected is relevant and applicable to real-life conditions and provides you with a more accurate assessment of your polymers’ performance.
Why Choose Micom Laboratories?
As a manufacturer, you can rely on Laboratoires Micom to carry out shear tests on your polymers.
| ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation | Comprehensive Testing Services | Fast Turnaround Times |
| Our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation certifies our laboratory’s technical competence and highly accurate, detailed, and repeatable results. | From shear testing to accelerated aging, we offer a full suite of polymer testing solutions, standard or customized. | Our streamlined processes minimize wait times for critical R&D and production needs. |
| Expert Consultation | Confidentiality & Trust | Customer Satisfaction |
| Thanks to our many years of experience, we can recommend the best tests to get the information you need. | Your proprietary data is handled with the highest level of security and confidentiality. We adhere to rigorous standards to protect your intellectual property. | We rely on clear, proactive communication at every stage of the process to ensure that your needs are clearly understood, and that the tests delivered are in line with your expectations. |
What We Measure During Our Polymer Shear Tests
Depending on the shear test selected, we can measure several of the following variables:
- Shear Strength: The maximum shear stress a polymer can handle before it fails or undergoes permanent deformation.
- Shear Modulus (Rigidity Modulus): The polymer’s rigidity or stiffness, which is calculated as the ratio of shear stress to the resulting shear strain.
- Shear Yield Stress (Yield Strength): The point at which a polymer begins to deform plastically and beyond which it will not return to its original shape when the stress is removed.
- Shear Strain: The degree of deformation in the polymer in response to applied shear stress.
- Ductility: The extent to which the polymer can deform before breaking, inferred from its ability to handle higher levels of shear stress.
- Toughness: The amount of energy a polymer can absorb before it fractures. It can be approximated from the area under the stress-strain curve in some types of shear tests.
- Strain Hardening Exponent: The increase in deformation resistance of the polymer as it is deformed, calculated from specific shear tests.
- Failure Mode: The manner in which the polymer fails under shear stress, providing insights into its structural behavior.
- Interfacial Strength (for composites): The strength of the bond between the polymer matrix and reinforcing fibers in composite materials.
Types of Materials We Can Test for You
At Micom Laboratories, we provide shear testing for many different materials. Here are a few examples of materials that we regularly test in our laboratory:
- Adhesives: Epoxy, acrylic, polyurethane, silicone rubber, etc.
- Composites: Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs), thermoset composites
- Plastics: Thermoplastics (ex.: polyethylene, polycarbonate), continuous fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs), films and polymer sheets, organic plastics. Learn more about our plastics testing.
- Rubber: Natural rubber, synthetic rubber (ex.: EPDM, latex, thermoplastic elastomers, etc.)
Contact Us for Polymer Shear Testing Services
Micom Laboratories’ materials testing experts are at your service to help you ensure the strength and durability of your polymers through a comprehensive range of polymer tests, including shear testing, tensile strength testing, UV testing, and more. Request a quote or contact us to discuss the testing requirements for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Testing
What is the difference between a tensile test and a shear test?
Tensile test: Measures how much force a material can withstand when stretched or pulled until it breaks. The force is applied perpendicular to the cross-section of the material. Shear test: Measures how much force a material can withstand when subjected to parallel but opposing forces. The force is applied along the plane of the material, causing layers to slide against each other. A polymer tensile test evaluates elongation, tensile strength, and ductility, while a shear test assesses shear strength, adhesion, and material integrity under sliding forces.
Can you simulate real-world environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) during shear testing?
Yes, Micom Laboratories can simulate real-world environmental conditions during shear testing of polymers. Our lab is equipped with environmental chambers that allow us to conduct shear tests under controlled temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.
What are the common failure modes you assess in polymer shear testing?
In polymer shear testing, the most common failure modes include: Cohesive failure – The polymer material itself fails under shear stress. Adhesive failure – The bond between two polymer layers or between a polymer and a substrate fails. Plastic deformation – The material does not fracture but undergoes permanent shape changes. Brittle fracture – The polymer cracks and breaks suddenly under shear stress. Fatigue failure – The polymer degrades and fails after repeated shear loading cycles. Each failure mode provides insight into material performance, durability, and suitability for specific applications.
How long does the shear testing process take, and what is your turnaround time for results?
The duration of shear testing depends on the specific test method, material type, and environmental conditioning requirements. Some tests can be completed within a few hours, while others, especially those involving fatigue or long-term aging, may take days or weeks. Contact us for more information.
Do you provide a detailed test report, and what information does it include?
Yes, Micom Laboratories provides a comprehensive test report for each shear test. The report includes: Test standards and methods used Sample preparation details Test conditions (temperature, humidity, load speed, etc.) Raw data and graphical representations of shear stress vs. shear strain Failure mode analysis Comparative analysis with industry standards or customer specifications Conclusion and recommendations (if applicable) The test report is designed to be clear, detailed, and useful for R&D, quality control, and compliance documentation.