EN 2563 is an aerospace-series test method for determining the apparent interlaminar shear strength (often called ILSS) of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) made as unidirectional laminates, using a flexural (bending) test.
This standard is commonly used in aerospace composites qualification and batch release workflows where labs need a practical, repeatable indicator of interlaminar performance for UD laminate systems. If you need help aligning your internal test request to the correct EN 2563 edition and specimen orientation, talk with our team.
Aerospace series — Carbon fibre reinforced plastics — Unidirectional laminates — Determination of the apparent interlaminar shear strength (EN 2563)
EN 2563 defines a bending-based test approach to generate an apparent interlaminar shear strength value for UD carbon fibre reinforced plastic laminates. It is intended for specimens where the specimen length is aligned with the fibre direction.
Because ILSS from a short-span bending configuration is an “apparent” shear property, results are best used for comparative control, qualification, and process monitoring within a defined laminate and test setup, rather than as a stand-alone design allowable.
Quick definition
Document type: Test method.
What it measures: Apparent interlaminar shear strength of unidirectional CFRP laminates using a flexural loading configuration.
Typical output: Maximum-load-based apparent shear strength value reported for the tested laminate configuration and conditioning.
What this standard covers
EN 2563 specifies a method to determine apparent interlaminar shear strength for carbon fibre reinforced plastics in the form of unidirectional laminates by means of a flexural test.
In practice, the method is used with prepared coupon specimens and a controlled bending fixture to apply load until failure (or a defined endpoint), then calculate and report the apparent interlaminar shear strength based on the recorded maximum load and specimen dimensions.
Why this standard matters in testing
Interlaminar performance is sensitive to resin system, fibre/resin interface quality, cure cycle, consolidation, void content, and environmental conditioning. EN 2563 provides a standardized way to generate comparable ILSS-type data for UD laminate systems used in aerospace structures and qualified material forms.
For labs and QA/QC teams, this method is often selected because it can be run on a conventional universal testing machine with a bending fixture, making it practical for routine control testing when the cited program requirements specify EN 2563.
Common materials, product types, or applications covered
EN 2563 is focused on carbon fibre reinforced plastics made as unidirectional laminates. It is commonly referenced for aerospace composite material systems where UD laminate properties are required for qualification, conformance, or comparative screening.
Common material form: UD CFRP laminates (coupon specimens prepared from laminate panels).
Common use cases: Material qualification and verification, process monitoring, incoming material checks, comparative studies across cure conditions or environmental states.
Common test or verification workflow
Most EN 2563 testing programs follow a controlled coupon workflow so results remain comparable between batches, labs, and qualification phases.
- Prepare or machine UD laminate coupons to the dimensional requirements called out by the cited EN 2563 edition.
- Condition specimens as required by the controlling material or program specification (for example, laboratory ambient or a defined hot/wet state, when applicable).
- Set up a 3-point bending (flexural) fixture and verify span and alignment per the standard’s requirements.
- Load the specimen in bending at the specified test speed and record force (and any required displacement data).
- Calculate the apparent interlaminar shear strength and document failure observations and required reporting items.
Equipment commonly used for this standard
EN 2563 is typically performed on a universal testing machine configured for controlled flexural loading, with fixtures and instrumentation selected to support repeatable alignment and data capture.
Common equipment: Universal testing machine (UTM), appropriate load cell capacity for composite coupons, 3-point bending fixture/supports, loading nose, specimen alignment tools, and data acquisition/software.
Common configuration considerations: Fixture stiffness and alignment, repeatable span setting, control of test speed, and adequate resolution/accuracy for force measurement across the expected failure-load range.
If you are configuring a UTM and flexure fixture specifically for EN 2563 coupon testing across multiple laminate thicknesses or strength levels, you can request a detailed quote for a setup matched to your expected force range and throughput.
How to read this designation or revision
Core designation: EN 2563.
Common citation pattern: EN 2563:1997 (with national adoptions often cited as DIN EN 2563, BS EN 2563, or NF EN 2563, depending on the country). Even when the prefix differs, the test request should still specify the exact cited edition/year and any project-specific deviations.
Revision sensitivity: Specimen geometry, span settings, speed, and reporting requirements can be edition-dependent in many test standards. For purchasing decisions (fixtures, spans, and software reporting), match the equipment configuration to the exact edition invoked by your material or program specification.
Related standards, methods, or frameworks
Short-beam style interlaminar shear testing is also commonly performed under other standards in addition to EN 2563. When comparing results across programs, it is important to treat different standards as non-interchangeable unless the controlling specification explicitly allows correlation.
- ASTM D2344 (short-beam strength of polymer matrix composite materials): often discussed alongside EN 2563 for similar test intent, but test details such as specimen geometry and test conditions may differ.
Get help selecting an EN 2563 test setup
If you need to match a bending fixture, load cell range, and control/reporting package to an EN 2563 test request (including the edition/year your customer calls out), contact our team and share your laminate thickness range, expected failure loads, and throughput targets.