What is Tensile Strength and How is it Measured? I Strouse

The stress is on.

You’re under pressure to create the best possible product. That includes choosing the right material, the right adhesive, the right format, the right elongation at break percentage … even the right converter!

That’s because you know your product will be under pressure, too. It has to perform with a certain tensile strength — the maximum force or stress a material can withstand while being pulled apart from both ends before failing. That’s why it’s also called “breaking strength.”

Why is Knowing Tensile Strength Important?

Tensile strength — key data when selecting adhesives to determine the strength and durability of the material — is often expressed in pounds per inch of width (lbs./in. width) or N/100mm. For example, 3M VHB can have anywhere from 55 to 160 lbs/in² tensile strength.

As long as the load applied via stretching is below the tensile strength of the material, the material will not fail. The elastic behavior of materials extends to a “yield point,” which denotes when the deformations are completely recoverable. Some products have a high breaking point but lower yield point. Some products have a lower breaking point but a higher yield point. Nonetheless, the yield point will always be below the breaking point. Pressure sensitive adhesive tape has the added benefit of having a yield point that is very close to its normal tensile strength, so the material can withstand the tension over and over again.

Tensile strength is important to note when using adhesive to bond materials. Bonded joints will face stresses of all sorts including tension (tensile), compression, shear, cleavage, and peel. Applying an adhesive that cannot withstand the necessary stresses will result in failure of the adhesive and potentially failure from the parts you’re bonding or the entire application.

Selecting a Material with Tensile Strength in Mind

Selecting a material is like juggling price, durability, and function. It’s tricky and confusing, yet when you have the right expertise, it becomes much easier. That’s why it’s best to partner with a converter that understands the intended use of the adhesive and the intended use of the entire product.

Knowing tensile strength, or breaking strength, is a key piece of information, of course, when it comes to durability and performance. Adding that specific knowledge to overall expertise saves money upfront and headaches down the line.

If you have questions about tensile strength or adhesives in general, don't hesitate to reach out! Strouse die cuts and converts flexible material to the exact sizes, shapes, and formats. We apply everything we know to every project, and the result is a better understanding of what works best for that project. Discuss your products and needs with an adhesive conversion specialist today.