ASTM D1708 is a tensile test method used to measure comparative tensile strength and elongation of plastics using a standardized microtensile (small) specimen geometry.
This method is most often selected when a program has legacy D1708 data, or when small specimen testing is required for specific product forms and historical comparisons. If you need help deciding whether D1708 or a more common plastics tensile method is a better match for your material and reporting requirements, talk with our team.
ASTM D1708 — Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics by Use of Microtensile Specimens
ASTM D1708 defines a microtensile approach for tensile strength and elongation testing of plastics under defined conditioning and test speed controls. It is commonly referenced for continuity with historical datasets rather than as a first-choice method for general plastics tensile testing.
Quick Definition
ASTM D1708 is an ASTM test method for measuring comparative tensile strength and elongation of plastics using a standard microtensile specimen (a small, dog-bone-style tensile coupon).
What This Standard Covers
ASTM D1708 focuses on tensile strength and elongation behavior measured from microtensile specimens of plastics, including thin materials up to a limited thickness range defined by the standard.
Key coverage points: Comparative tensile strength and elongation; defined pretreatment/conditioning and test speed controls; microtensile specimen use for certain plastics specifications with historical precedent.
Important limitation: D1708 is not intended for determining tensile modulus (modulus of elasticity); other tensile methods are typically used when modulus is required.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
D1708 is often used in QA/QC and acceptance-style comparisons where legacy microtensile data exists and continuity matters. Because plastics can be sensitive to strain rate and environment, consistent use of the cited method (and the cited revision) is important when trending results over time.
The standard also makes clear that, for general-purpose plastics tensile property measurement, other tensile standards are commonly preferred unless D1708 is specifically required for historical comparability or an established materials specification.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
ASTM D1708 is applied to plastics when a microtensile specimen format is needed or when existing specifications and historical datasets were built around this specimen geometry.
- Plastics programs that maintain long-term tensile strength and elongation trends using D1708 microtensile specimens
- Small molded areas, limited material availability, or situations where microtensile sampling is practical
- Thin plastic sections (within the thickness limits defined by the method)
Common Test or Verification Workflow
A typical D1708 workflow is a controlled tensile pull to failure using microtensile specimens, with results used for comparison to specifications, historical baselines, or acceptance criteria.
Common workflow: Prepare microtensile specimens (often by machining, die cutting, or molding as applicable) → condition/pretreat as required → mount in suitable grips → run a tensile test at the specified speed and conditions → report tensile strength and elongation results required by the material or product specification.
Practical note: If a material specification includes specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or test parameters that differ from the default method, the material specification can take precedence.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
ASTM D1708 typically points to a universal testing machine configured for low-force tensile testing of small specimens, with grips designed to hold short microtensile shoulders without slip or premature grip breaks.
Common equipment: Universal testing machine (electromechanical) with an appropriately sized load cell; microtensile-capable grips (often wedge or pneumatic styles with suitable jaw faces); specimen alignment aids; optional environmental chamber when testing at non-ambient temperatures is required by the job.
Equipment-selection caution: Because specimens are small, gripping and alignment can drive repeatability. For quoting, the most important details are specimen geometry/shoulder length, expected failure load range, and whether temperature conditioning or chamber testing is required.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
ASTM standards are commonly cited using the designation plus a hyphenated revision year (for example, ASTM D1708-26). The year identifies the edition being required by a contract, drawing, internal procedure, or material specification.
Revision sensitivity: Test setup and reporting expectations can vary by revision and by any material specification that cites D1708. Match your procedure and equipment configuration to the exact year referenced in your requirement.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks
D1708 is often discussed alongside other plastics tensile standards, especially when deciding between microtensile continuity and general-purpose tensile property reporting.
- ASTM D638: Common general-purpose plastics tensile method; includes a small “Type V” specimen option often referenced when material is limited.
- ASTM D882: Common tensile method for thin plastic sheeting/films and related forms.
- ASTM D4000: Plastics classification system that can be referenced for navigating existing plastics material standards.
Get a quote for an ASTM D1708-capable tensile setup
If you are configuring a test frame, load cell range, grips, and (if needed) a temperature chamber for microtensile plastics work, you can request a detailed quote matched to your specimen geometry and force range.