Step-by-Step Guide: Conducting the Charpy Impact Test (ASTM E23)

1. Preparing the Specimen

  • Start with a standard rectangular test bar, typically 10x10x50 mm.
  • Use a broaching machine to create a precise notch in the sample.
  • Insert the sample into the broaching machine.
  • Close the shields for safety.
  • The vertical broaching knife will cut the notch to the required depth and shape.
  • Remove the sample and inspect the notch.

2. Conditioning the Specimen

  • For temperature-based testing, place the notched sample in a chilling machine.
  • The chiller can cool samples down to -50°C or heat them up to +200°C.
  • Leave the sample in the chiller for the specified duration to ensure uniform temperature.
  • Transfer the sample from the chiller to the impact tester within 5 seconds to maintain temperature integrity.

3. Loading the Specimen into the Impact Tester

  • Open the impact tester's chamber door.
  • Use tongs to handle cold samples and place them in the automatic centering device.
  • The device ensures the sample is perfectly aligned in the Charpy test fixture.
  • Close the chamber door to lock the sample in place.

4. Setting Up the Pendulum Hammer

  • The pendulum impact tester has a hammer that is electronically retracted to its highest position.
  • The system calculates the initial potential energy (PE = mgh), which is used to determine the energy absorbed by the specimen.

5. Conducting the Impact Test

  • Press the start button on the impact tester.
  • The hammer is released, swinging down and striking the notched sample.
  • The notch helps concentrate stress, leading to fracture propagation.
  • After impact, the hammer swings to a new height, which is used to measure remaining energy.

6. Recording and Analyzing Test Results

  • The impact energy absorbed by the sample is displayed on the system in Joules (J).
  • The machine determines brittle vs. ductile failure:
  • Brittle materials: Clean break with low energy absorption.
  • Ductile materials: Heavy plastic deformation with high energy absorption.
  • The system stores test data automatically in the Lab Test 4.0 software.
  • Results can be exported via USB or Ethernet for further analysis and reporting.

7. Generating Test Reports

  • The software can graph multiple test results and generate batch reports for easy comparison.
  • Users can customize reports based on:
  • Material type
  • Temperature conditions
  • Impact energy levels
  • The system also supports remote diagnostics for troubleshooting.

This guide ensures precise and repeatable Charpy impact testing using ASTM E23 standards.

If you have any questions, visit our site here: www.universalgripco.com