There isn’t one universal way to test thermoset sheets — the right method depends on what property you’re evaluating.
Tensile testing is one of the most common approaches. It measures the force required to pull a thermoset sheet apart and how far the material stretches before it breaks. The results help engineers determine which materials can withstand the stresses of their application and verify that production runs meet quality standards. For accurate results, testing should take place at temperatures similar to the material’s actual use environment.
Flexural testing is one of the most common approaches. It measures the force required to pull a thermoset sheet apart and how far the material stretches before it breaks. The results help engineers determine which evaluates how much a thermoset sheet can bend without breaking. During this test, the material rests on two parallel supports while pressure is applied from above. The goal is to confirm the sheet’s stiffness and resistance to deformation.
Other specialized methods assess compressive strength, bond strength, dielectric strength, and more. For instance, dielectric testing measures the voltage level at which an electrical charge causes a material to fail — critical data for applications that require electrical insulation.
View Atlas Fibre’s Comparative Data Sheet to see how different thermoset composite materials, such as phenolics, glass melamine, glass epoxy, and glass silicone, stack up in terms of their physical properties.
Testing methods for plastic sheets and films vary depending on the properties being evaluated, the intended application, and the material’s composition.
Each standard defines a different way to measure performance—whether it’s verifying mechanical strength, assessing electrical insulation, or confirming surface hardness.
Together, these tests provide engineers and manufacturers with the data needed to validate material performance before production.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) establishes standards to ensure safety and performance in electrical and composite materials. Under NEMA batch testing, thermoset laminates are evaluated for key mechanical and electrical properties to confirm consistency across each production run. These tests help verify that every batch meets the specifications your application requires.
ASTM International defines global testing methods for plastics and thermosets. ASTM procedures measure flexural and tensile strength and determine how materials respond to heat, flame, and other environmental stresses. These results provide reliable data for material selection, qualification, and quality control.
The Vickers hardness test measures a material’s resistance to indentation — particularly useful for thin or small sections. During the test, an indenter presses into the material under a controlled load, and the size of the resulting mark determines hardness. Harder materials produce smaller impressions, while softer materials deform more easily. Manufacturers often use Vickers testing to identify the most durable materials for demanding applications.