Discover the key differences between PIP and tensile testing

the back of a large machine with a blue light on it

PIP vs tensile

PIP testing (Profilometry-based Indentation Plastometry) is the test method that drives the PLX-Benchtop, a compact mechanical testing system that measures metal stress-strain curves in just a few minutes.

No coupons need to be machined prior to testing, resulting in a test that is 160x faster and 90% cheaper than tensile testing. The PLX-Benchtop also allows for small and complex samples to be tested and for property variations to be mapped.

Products

Features

PIP Testing

Tensile
Testing

Fast testing times

Low testing costs

Measures yield stress

Measures hardening behaviour

Measures hardness numbers

Measures ultimate tensile strength

Able to map properties

Minimal sample preparation

Test small volumes of material

Quantitive actionable data

Measures uniform elongation

Provides information about fracture*

*To learn more about ductility see our blog here

160x faster + 90% cheaper* than tensile testing

The average turnaround time for a tensile test result is about 5 working days (40 working hours). As well as being slow, the classic tensile test is also expensive, with a typical cost per test in the region of $50 (£40).

The PLX-Benchtop requires no “dog-bone” coupons to be machined prior to testing. It only requires a flat and relatively smooth surface for indentation. As a result of this, the test typically takes 15 minutes (predominantly preparation with test times of up to 5 minutes) and costs approximately $5 (£4).

These dramatic time and cost savings support healthy cash flow, free-up resources to be allocated elsewhere, and increase the efficiency and predictability of technical project delivery.

‍Download return on investment

* of 450 organisations surveyed by Plastometrex

Machine type

#tests

Total Cost (£)

Cumulative
Time (Hours)

Tensile Tester

2000

PLX-Benchtop

200

Test Small Volumes and Complex Parts

a close up of a metal holder with a white background

While the PLX-Benchtop offers unparalleled testing efficiency, it also unlocks greater testing versatility when compared to tensile testing. The system deploys an indentation based test method, with an indenter tip on the order of 1-2 mm in diameter. This enables users to measure stress-strain curves from small, complex, or heterogeneous parts - removing the need to rely on sub-standard data sets, conversions, or unsafe assumptions.

Specifically, the technology reduces the material volumes required for testing by 98% when compared to the most common tensile test procedures. The system can also carry out an array of indents across a single part to quantify any spatial property variations.

Testing confidence: Explore PIP's accuracy for your materials

1. Choose device, base metal, alloy, or processing method
2. Explore comparison data between PIP and tensile
3. Book a trial to see how PIP performs on your materials

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PLX-Benchtop

Compact and easy to use, the PLX-Benchtop extracts metal stress-strain curves in just a few minutes from small and irregular specimens, and maps properties across parts or welds.

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