Tensile testing is a fundamental type of mechanical testing performed by engineers and materials scientists in manufacturing and research facilities all over the world. A tensile test (or tension test) applies force to a material specimen in order to measure the material's response to tensile (or pulling) stress. This type of testing provides insight into the mechanical properties of a material and enables product designers to make informed decisions about when, where, and how to use a given material.

WHY PERFORM A TENSILE TEST?

Tensile testing and material characterization are crucial for manufacturers and researchers in all industries. In order for a material to be selected for a new product or use, researchers must ensure that it can withstand the mechanical forces that it will encounter in its end-use application. For example, tire rubber must be elastic enough to absorb inconsistencies in road surfaces, while surgical sutures must be strong enough to hold living tissue together. Furthermore, materials and products might be exposed to mechanical forces for short or long periods of time, through cyclical or repeated use, and in a wide variety of different temperature and environmental conditions. Automotive tires are expected to last for a certain number of miles under a variety of weather conditions, while surgical sutures, though only used once, must maintain a consistent tensile strength for long enough for the body to heal. 

In addition to its importance to the R&D process, tensile testing is also used by quality assurance departments to ensure that batches of finished product are meeting the required specifications for tensile properties. This is important from both a safety and a business perspective, as defective products can be dangerous to the end user and can also cause significant harm to manufacturers in the form of product delays, lost revenue, and damaged reputations.