Shear strength obtained by a tool of the punch type is one of the recognized methods of comparing materials or obtaining data for engineering design. However, it must be recognized that for end-use application there may be many factors not taken into account in this test method, such as stress-concentrating geometries and rates of shear, which can profoundly affect shear strength. Moreover, the fact that the shear strength is calculated by dividing the load by the area of the sheared edge (circumference X thickness) should not be interpreted as indicating that the shear strength value so obtained is solely a material property, independent of thickness.

For many materials, there may be a specification that requires the use of this test method, but with some procedural modifications that take precedence when adhering to the specification. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to that material specification before using this test method. Table 1 of Classification System D 4000 lists the ASTM materials standards that currently exist.

1.1 This test method covers the punch-type of shear test and is intended for use in determining the shear strength of test specimens of organic plastics in the form of sheets and molded disks in thicknesses from 0.127 to 12.7 mm (0.050 to 0.500 in.).

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.