ASTM D4501 Block Shear Fixture

In this video, we cover ASTM D4501 – Standard Test Method for Shear Strength of Adhesive Bonds Between Rigid Substrates by the Block-Shear Method. This test measures how well adhesives hold up under shear forces, a common stress in real-world applications like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and construction.

We’ll show how the block-shear fixture works with a universal testing machine to apply pure shear across the bond line, record maximum load, and evaluate adhesive performance through shear strength values and failure modes.

The ASTM D4501 Block Shear Fixture is used to test adhesive binds. A one by one inch sample is most common and is glued to the substrate backing. The sample is then loaded into the fixture and clamped down with a spacer plate. The top blade of the fixture is pulled to shear the sample from the substrate. These fixtures can connect to any universal testing machine.