Izod Charpy Impact Tester – ASTM & ISO Standards Explained

In the world of material testing, understanding how a material behaves under sudden impact is crucial. The Izod Charpy Impact Tester is a fundamental instrument that helps industries evaluate the toughness and impact resistance of materials such as metals, plastics, and composites. These tests simulate real-life conditions where materials are exposed to sudden loads or impacts. In this blog, we’ll explain the working principles, ASTM and ISO standards, test methods, and applications of the Izod and Charpy tests — along with insights on manufacturers and pricing of impact testing machines.

What Is an Izod Charpy Impact Tester?

An Izod Charpy Impact Tester is a testing instrument used to determine the impact strength or toughness of a material. It evaluates how much energy a material can absorb before fracturing when subjected to a sudden blow by a pendulum hammer.

The equipment performs two primary types of impact tests — the Izod test and the Charpy test — both widely used across manufacturing and research laboratories. The difference between them mainly lies in the specimen positioning and notch orientation, as discussed below.

Izod and Charpy Test: The Two Impact Methods

1. Izod Impact Test

In the Izod test, the specimen is clamped vertically in a vice (like a cantilever beam) with the notched side facing the hammer. The pendulum strikes the specimen at a specific height and speed. The energy absorbed to break the specimen is measured, representing the impact strength of the material.

Applications of Izod Test:

• Commonly used for plastics, polymers, and non-ferrous metals.
• Ideal for quality control and material comparison in production.
• Used in research laboratories to evaluate the ductility or brittleness of new materials.

2. Charpy Impact Test

In the Charpy test, the specimen is placed horizontally on supports like a simply supported beam, with the notch facing away from the impact side. The pendulum strikes the center of the specimen.

Applications of Charpy Test:

• Extensively used for metals, alloys, and engineering materials.
• Helps determine how materials perform under sudden impact or low-temperature conditions.
• Common in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction.

Working Principle of the Izod Charpy Impact Tester

The working principle of the Izod Charpy Impact Tester is based on energy absorption. A heavy pendulum is released from a known height to strike a notched specimen. When the specimen breaks, part of the pendulum’s energy is absorbed. The machine measures this energy loss to determine the material’s impact toughness.

The impact energy (in Joules) is calculated using the formula:

E=m×g×(h1−h2)E = m times g times (h_1 - h_2)E=m×g×(h1​−h2​)

Where:

• m = Mass of the pendulum
• g = Acceleration due to gravity
• h₁ = Initial height of the pendulum
• h₂ = Height after breaking the specimen

This energy value indicates the material’s resistance to sudden shock loading — a key property for design engineers and manufacturers.

ASTM and ISO Standards for Izod & Charpy Impact Tests

To ensure consistency and accuracy in test results, global standards define test procedures and specimen dimensions. Here are the key ASTM and ISO standards used for Izod and Charpy testing:

ASTM Standards

• ASTM D256 – Standard test method for determining the Izod pendulum impact resistance of plastics.
• ASTM E23 – Standard test methods for notched bar impact testing of metallic materials (Charpy test).
• ASTM D4812 – For unnotched specimens of plastics.

ISO Standards

• ISO 179-1 – Determination of Charpy impact strength of plastics.
• ISO 180 – Determination of Izod impact strength of plastics.
• ISO 148-1 – Charpy impact test for metallic materials.

These standards specify specimen size, notch type, striking velocity, and temperature conditions, ensuring reliable and repeatable results worldwide.

Features of a Modern Izod Charpy Impact Tester

Today’s digital and semi-automatic impact testers come with several advanced features that make testing easier and more precise:

• Dual Testing Capability: Performs both Izod and Charpy tests using interchangeable fixtures.
• Digital Display: Shows energy absorbed, angle of swing, and temperature data.
• High-Accuracy Pendulum: Calibrated pendulum ensures accurate impact readings.
• User-Friendly Interface: Microprocessor or touchscreen-based control panels for quick setup.
• Safety Shield: Protects operators from flying specimen fragments.
• Temperature Conditioning Chamber (Optional): For conducting tests at sub-zero or elevated temperatures.

Izod Charpy Impact Test – Lab Report Essentials

When performing an impact test, a lab report is prepared to summarize the procedure and results. A typical Izod impact test lab report includes:

1. Specimen Details: Material name, dimensions, and notch type.
2. Test Type: Izod or Charpy method used.
3. Environmental Conditions: Temperature and humidity during the test.
4. Energy Absorbed (Joules): Recorded from the tester.
5. Fracture Appearance: Ductile or brittle break.
6. Comments/Observations: Any irregularities or additional findings.

The data helps in comparing material grades and determining if the product meets required standards or design criteria.

Izod Charpy Impact Tester Manufacturers

In India and globally, several reputed manufacturers supply high-quality Izod Charpy Impact Testers for industrial and laboratory use. Some notable ones include: Presto Stantest Pvt. Ltd. – Renowned for precision-engineered impact testers compliant with ASTM and ISO standards.

Izod Charpy Impact Tester Price

The price of an Izod Charpy Impact Tester varies based on capacity, digital configuration, and additional features. Here’s a general price overview:

Prices depend on brand, specifications, and certification (ASTM/ISO/CE).

Applications of Izod Charpy Impact Testing

Impact testing plays a vital role across multiple industries:

• Automotive: Testing materials for crash safety and durability.
• Aerospace: Ensuring metals and composites can withstand impact loads.
• Plastic Manufacturing: Assessing toughness of polymers and injection-molded parts.
• Construction Materials: Evaluating steel and composite reinforcements.
• Research & Development: Material comparison and new formulation testing.

Conclusion

The Izod Charpy Impact Tester remains an essential instrument for determining the toughness and reliability of materials under sudden impact conditions. Whether you’re working with plastics, metals, or composites, this tester provides valuable data for product design, safety, and quality assurance.

By following ASTM and ISO standards, and selecting the right model from trusted manufacturers, laboratories and industries can ensure accurate, repeatable, and globally recognized impact testing results.

If you are looking for a high-quality, ASTM/ISO-compliant Izod Charpy Impact Tester at a competitive price in India, explore leading brands like Presto Stantest Pvt. Ltd. to enhance your testing accuracy and consistency.

Looking for a reliable Izod Charpy Impact Tester that meets ASTM and ISO standards? Get expert guidance and the best price today! 📞 Call us at +91 9210 903 903 or 📧 email info@prestogroup.com to connect with our testing instrument specialists at Presto Group.