The term plastic testing refers to any type of test that is conducted on a sample of plastic. This type of testing is conducted in order to determine the durability, flexibility or strength of a specific plastic. Such testing is typically done as a part of a company’s quality control measures. The testing is done by special laboratories by using a wide range of different techniques and machines to find out the quality of each piece of plastic.
Testing the Durability
One of the most common types of plastic testing conducted is done to determine the way that the plastic will hold up under stress. With one form of testing, the durability of the plastic is determined by using a machine to bend the plastic until the point at which it breaks.
In another type of test to determine durability, a piece of plastic is firmly pressed between two sides of the machine. Eventually, the piece of plastic will either compress or crack due to the stress.
In some cases, the engineers will use a machine to strike the plastic sample. This type of plastic testing will determine if the material slows down or resists the impact. The combination of all of these tests will provide engineers with the data necessary to determine the strength of the plastic material.
Temperature Tests
Another common type of plastics testing is done to determine how well the plastic will hold up under various temperatures. For this test, the plastic sample is put into a chamber where the temperature can be lowered or raised slowly and consistently.
The engineers keep an eye out for any type of changes that may occur in the quality of the plastic, such as melting, breaking, contraction or expansion. This is done while making note of the test specifications and at each temperature the change took place.
Light Tests
In some cases, plastic material is meant to be used for lenses. The type of plastic testing that these materials undergo are done to determine the way that light passes through the material.
In one light test, a light that has a specific wavelength is viewed through the plastic sample. The quality and color of the light is then compared to the color and quality of the same light wavelength when it is not passing through the plastic lens. The visible light refracted as it passes through the lens can also be tested.