Home >> Products >> Test Fixtures >> Puncture >> ASTM D3787, ASTM D6797 Ball Burst Puncture Test Fixture
ASTM D3787, ASTM D6797 Ball Burst Puncture Test Fixture
ASTM D3787 Ball Burst Textiles Constant Rate Traverse CRT Test

ASTM D3787, ASTM D6797 Ball Burst Puncture Test Fixture

Model: PBN4011.5; Textile, Fabric ASTM D3787, ASTM D6797

ASTM D3787 - Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles: Constant-Rate-of-Traverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test is a performance test standard that measures the force required to rupture a textile fabric by distending a circular area of the fabric with a steel ball. It simulates multi-directional stress, which is particularly relevant for knitted, nonwoven, and elastic woven fabrics where uniaxial tensile tests are less representative.


The Ball Burst Puncture Test Fixture is the critical apparatus used to perform this test.


General introduction

ASTM D3787 Ball Burst Puncture Test Fixture is a standardized attachment for constant-rate-of-traverse (CRT) tensile testing machines, used to determine the bursting strength of textile fabrics by forcing a polished steel ball through a clamped specimen at a constant rate until rupture. It is key for evaluating fabric resistance to localized rupture, with strict specs for components, specimens, and operation.

 

ASTM D3787 is a widely used test method that measures the burst strength of textiles through a ball burst test. This test is particularly useful for materials such as woven fabrics, nonwovens, coated textiles, and geotextiles, which frequently experience multi-directional stress in practical applications. The Ball Burst Puncture Test Fixture is the critical apparatus used to perform this test.

ASTM D3787, ASTM D6797 Ball Burst Puncture Test Fixture

Unlike tensile tests that apply force in only one direction, the ball burst test applies pressure in all directions simultaneously, more closely simulating real-world usage conditions. This helps manufacturers ensure that the material can withstand puncture, pressure, and expansion forces.


Specimen Information:

Material: Knitted fabrics, woven stretch fabrics, nonwovens, laminated fabrics, elastic fabrics, medical textiles (gowns, drapes), upholstery, and airbags.

Specimen Size: A minimum of 125 mm x 125 mm (5 in x 5 in) square is recommended to ensure proper clamping. The standard requires testing a minimum of 10 specimens (5 machine direction, 5 cross direction).

Conditioning: Specimens must be conditioned in a standard textile atmosphere (e.g., 21 ± 1°C, 65 ± 2% RH) for a minimum of 4 hours prior to testing.


Working Principle: 

Mount the fixture to the CRT tensile tester (ball on fixed jaw, ring clamp on movable jaw).

Clamp the specimen between grooved plates without tension.

The movable jaw drives the ring clamp upward at a constant rate, pushing the specimen against the fixed steel ball.

The ball stretches and ruptures the fabric; the tester records the maximum force (bursting strength) at failure.

Main features

  • Reference standard

ASTM D6797 Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Fabrics Constant-Rate-of-Extension (CRE) Ball Burst Test.

ASTM D3787 Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles&x2014;Constant-Rate-of-Traverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test.

ASTM D3786 Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textile Fabrics—Diaphragm Bursting Strength Tester Method.

ISO 3303-1 Rubber- or plastics-coated fabrics — Determination of bursting strength — Part 1: Steel-ball method.

UNE-EN 12332-1 RUBBER- OR PLASTIC- COATED FABRICS. DETERMINATION OF BURSTING STRENGTH. PART 1: STEEL BALL METHOD

Main Technical Specification

The fixture replaces the standard clamp assembly of a CRT tensile tester (per ASTM D76), consisting of two main parts: a fixed polished steel ball and a movable ring-clamp mechanism.
ComponentSpecification
Polished Steel BallDiameter: 25.400 mm (1.0000 in); hardened, spherical.
Ring ClampInternal diameter: 44.450 mm (1.750 in); grooved circular plates for secure clamping
MaterialSteel (often nickel-plated for corrosion resistance)
Load CapacityCommon: 5~20 kN; optional 50 kN versions
Weight8 kg
SizeOverall diameter: 158 mm; height: ~15.9 mm
Temperature Range-40°C to +80°C (custom ranges available)
Test Speed300 ± 10 mm/min (12 ± 0.5 in/min) (default); adjustable per material

Applications

Textiles: Protective clothing, airbags, geotextiles, industrial fabrics, sportswear, and elastic/knitted fabrics (high ultimate elongation).

Coated Fabrics: Tarpaulins, awnings, and flexible membranes.

Nonwovens: Medical fabrics, filters, and hygiene products.

Quality Control: Incoming material inspection, process validation, and compliance testing for safety-critical textiles.

Material Comparison & Selection: Comparing different fabrics, constructions, or finishes.

Standard

ASTM D3787 Textile Ball Burst Constant Rate Traverse CRT Test

ASTM D3787 Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles;Constant-Rate-of-Traverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test.

ASTM D3787 is a standard test method for measuring the bursting strength of high-elongation textiles via a constant-rate-of-traverse (CRT) ball burst setup, providing repeatable data for material selection, quality control, and compliance, critical for ensuring fabric performance in end-use scenarios. 

ASTM D6797: Ball Burst Puncture Test for Bursting Strength of Nonwoven Barrier Fabrics

ASTM D6797 is a standard test method for measuring the bursting strength of woven and knitted textiles using a constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) tensile tester with a ball burst fixture, providing precise, repeatable data for fabric performance evaluation, quality control, and compliance, essential for validating high-elongation textiles in real-world applications. 

ASTM D6797 titled "Test Method for Bursting Strength of Fabrics Constant-Rate-of-Extension (CRE) Ball Burst Test." While similar in name to ASTM D3787, it has a distinct focus and methodology.

ISO 12236 Static Puncture Test (CBR test) for Geosynthetics

ISO 12236 puncture test (CBR test) is the principal international standard for measuring the static puncture resistance of geosynthetics using a 50-mm plunger. Its results are a key indicator of a material's performance in applications requiring resistance to localized, sustained pressure.

ASTM D6241 Puncture Testing for Geotextiles

ASTM D6241 Standard Test Method for Static Puncture Index Strength of Geotextiles and Geotextile-Related Products Using a 50 mm Probe.


Puncture resistance is a critical property of geotextiles used in various civil engineering applications, such as soil reinforcement, erosion control, and drainage systems. ASTM D6241 is an index test method for measuring the static puncture strength of geotextiles and geosynthetic - related products using a 50 - mm diameter cylindrical probe, also known as the CBR (California Bearing Ratio) puncture test, which is widely used for product acceptance testing and engineering quality control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Test Procedure and FAQS

Usage & Test Procedure


Fixture Mounting: Secure the clamping assembly to the base of the tensile tester. Attach the 1-inch steel ball to the moving crosshead.

Specimen Clamping: Place the specimen over the 25 mm opening in the lower clamp. Secure it with the upper clamp ring, ensuring the fabric is flat and taut without pre-stretching.

Zeroing: Zero the force and elongation readings on the tester.

Test Initiation: Start the test. The crosshead descends at 305 mm/min, driving the ball into and through the fabric specimen.

Data Collection: The tensile tester's software records the force vs. distension curve. The peak force (in Newtons or pounds-force) is reported as the Bursting Strength. The distance the crosshead traveled to burst is the Bursting Distension (in mm or inches).

Analysis: Calculate the mean and standard deviation of bursting strength for all specimens.


FAQs about the ASTM D3787, ASTM D6797 Ball Burst Puncture Test Fixture: 

Q1: What is the difference between ASTM D3787 and ASTM D3786?

D3787 uses a CRT ball burst method for high-elongation fabrics; D3786 uses a hydraulic diaphragm for lower-elongation materials.


Q2: Can I test non-textile materials with this fixture?

It is optimized for textiles; use ASTM D5748 (films) or ISO 13938 (plastics) for other materials.


Q3: Why is specimen clamping tension critical?

Pre-tension distorts results; clamp firmly but without stretching to ensure accurate bursting strength measurement.

Require More Customized Solutions?

We offer customization to meet your specific needs. Our expert team will collaborate with you to develop the perfect product for you
Customize Now

Beijing United Test Co., Ltd.