In a significant move to streamline mechanical testing and enhance material insights, Airbus, the global aerospace leader, is collaborating with Plastometrex to support the standardisation of PIP (Profilometry-based Indentation Plastometry) - the innovative mechanical testing technique developed and commercialised by the Cambridge-based technology provider.

Traditional tensile testing requires test pieces that conform to precise dimensions, which adds significant expense to testing workflows, can limit the speed of a project, and can prohibit testing in various circumstances, including where samples are small or irregularly shaped.

Comparatively, PIP sample preparation is simpler, the test operation is more straightforward, and the entire process can be completed in just a few minutes, from start to finish. Also, it can test specimens directly and at a fine scale, which unlocks the testing of small or irregularly shaped pieces and enables the extraction of more data, delivering deeper insights into material behaviour. For example, 160 PIP tests can be fitted onto a standard ASTM E8 tensile coupon, unlocking information about material homogeneity that would be obscured by the single stress-strain curve obtained when tensile testing this part. Through PIP, Airbus will therefore not only accelerate testing workflows but also enable the generation of richer data, supporting innovation and advancing the highest levels of safety in aerospace engineering.

Dr. Jimmy Campbell, CTO at Plastometrex, had this to add about the collaboration:

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Airbus on standardising PIP. This partnership highlights the transformative potential of our technology, enabling faster, more versatile, and data-rich testing. Together, we're setting a new standard in mechanical testing that aligns with the rigorous demands of the aerospace industry."

This collaboration between Airbus and Plastometrex marks a significant advancement in mechanical testing, offering a streamlined, cost-effective, and data-rich complement to traditional methods. As both companies work together, this new approach promises to improve testing efficiency and deliver more detailed insights into material behaviour, benefiting aerospace projects worldwide.

Find out more about mechanical testing with PIP: Click Here