Composite Testing Grips and Fixtures for Tensile, Shear, and Delamination Evaluation

Composite testing grips and fixtures are designed for the mechanical testing of carbon fiber reinforced polymers, fiberglass laminates, and other layered composite materials. They cover tensile, compression, shear, delamination, and peel evaluations.

Because composites are sensitive to how they are held, the fixtures are built to load them correctly. To match a set to your program, request a personal quote.

Composites can fail prematurely from gripping pressure or misalignment, which gives a low, misleading result. The fixtures are configured to support controlled load application across the intended failure region so the specimen fails the right way.

Correct load introduction is what makes composite data valid. Learn more about our tensile testing equipment.

For tensile testing, hydraulic wedge grips with surface-treated jaws maintain hold on composite laminates without crushing or slipping. The treated jaw surface grips the laminate while protecting it.

This keeps the failure in the gauge region rather than at the grip. Learn more about our tensile testing equipment.

Compression testing commonly uses Combined Loading Compression (CLC) and IITRI-style fixtures, where side supports or end tabs help produce the correct failure mode. These prevent buckling and off-axis loading.

Producing the right failure mode is essential for a valid compression result. To set up a compression test, request a personal quote.

The right choice depends on the test:

• Tensile, compression, shear, delamination, or peel
• The specific standard, such as D2344, D5379, or D5528
• The laminate or fabric being tested

Those point to the exact fixture. Email sales@tensilemillcnc.com.

Interlaminar and in-plane shear evaluations use several established fixtures:

• Short-beam shear (ASTM D2344)
• Iosipescu shear (ASTM D5379)
• Rail shear (ASTM D7078)

The right one depends on the shear property you need. See our standards and certification.

Delamination and fracture toughness are assessed by mode. Double cantilever beam setups cover Mode I opening (ASTM D5528), while end-notch or mixed-mode bending fixtures cover Mode II shear.

Mode I describes an opening crack that peels the plies apart, while Mode II describes a sliding shear crack between plies, and testing both gives a fuller picture of how a laminate resists delamination in service.

These measure how well a laminate resists cracking between plies. To set up a delamination test, request a personal quote.

They cover the widely used composite methods, including ASTM D2344, D5379, D7078 for shear, D5528 for Mode I delamination, and D3167 and D1781 for peel. The fixture is matched to the specific method.

This lets one lab run a broad composite program. See our standards and certification.

Mode I is an opening (peeling apart) crack, measured with double cantilever beam fixtures (ASTM D5528). Mode II is a shear (sliding) crack, measured with end-notch or mixed-mode bending fixtures. Each targets a different way a laminate can delaminate.

Testing both gives a fuller picture of interlaminar toughness. To plan a program, talk to our team.

Yes. Picture frame fixtures and bias extensometer arrangements are used for fabric in-plane shear evaluation. These load the fabric so its shear response can be measured.

They extend composite testing to woven and fabric reinforcements. Explore the full grips and fixtures range.

Adhesive and bonded laminate peeling is covered by dedicated fixtures:

• Floating roller peel (ASTM D3167)
• Climbing drum peel (ASTM D1781)

These measure how well bonded layers and adhesives resist peeling. See our standards and certification.

They are designed for carbon fiber reinforced polymers, fiberglass laminates, and other layered composite materials. The same family covers tensile, shear, compression, delamination, and peel on these materials.

This makes them suitable for full composite qualification work. Explore the full grips and fixtures range.

Surface-treated jaws grip composite laminates firmly without crushing or slipping, which is important because raw clamping pressure can damage a laminate and cause a premature grip failure.

The treated surface protects the specimen while keeping the hold secure. See related consumables and jaw inserts.

You can request a personal quote or order online. Sharing your test types, standards, and laminate details lets us recommend the right fixtures.

For a configuration matched to your testing, request a personal quote.