ISO 12106:2017 specifies an axial, strain-controlled fatigue testing method for metallic materials using uniaxially loaded specimens at constant strain amplitude, uniform temperature, and defined strain ratios.
This standard is commonly used when you need repeatable strain-life fatigue property data (often associated with low-cycle fatigue conditions), and when test control must be based on measured axial strain rather than applied force. If you need help determining whether strain control is appropriate for your material or test objective, you can talk with our team.
ISO 12106:2017 — Metallic materials — Fatigue testing — Axial-strain-controlled method
ISO 12106:2017 is an International Standard that defines a strain-controlled, constant-amplitude axial fatigue test method for metallic materials. It focuses on producing fatigue properties from tests run at a controlled strain condition and uniform temperature.
Quick Definition
Document type: Test method (fatigue testing).
What it does: Defines how to run uniaxial, axial strain-controlled fatigue tests at constant amplitude and specified strain ratio(s) to determine fatigue properties of metallic materials.
Typical use case: When strain control is needed to characterize cyclic plasticity and fatigue behavior under repeated axial loading.
What This Standard Covers
ISO 12106:2017 describes a method for testing uniaxially loaded (axially deformed) specimens under strain control. The method is run at constant strain amplitude, at a uniform temperature, and using fixed strain ratios (including a fully reversed condition).
It is also positioned to support testing at other strain ratios and can be applied as guidance for elevated-temperature strain-controlled fatigue where time-dependent deformation (creep) may influence results.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Strain-controlled fatigue testing is often selected when force-controlled methods do not adequately represent the local strain conditions driving fatigue damage (for example, when cyclic plastic strain is part of the design or qualification concern). ISO 12106 provides a consistent framework for running these tests so strain control, temperature, and strain ratio are handled in a repeatable way.
Because results can be sensitive to the control signal (measured strain), alignment, and temperature stability, ISO 12106 is frequently used to support material characterization programs where comparability across labs and test campaigns is important.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
ISO 12106:2017 applies broadly to metallic materials tested in an axial, uniaxial specimen format. It is typically used for material characterization rather than for testing a finished component geometry.
Common application areas: Metals used in structural engineering applications where cyclic loading is a design driver, including programs that need strain-controlled fatigue properties for analysis, comparison of heat treatments, or validation of material/process changes.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
While details depend on the cited edition and the lab’s test plan, a typical ISO 12106-aligned workflow includes:
- Selecting an appropriate axial specimen design and preparing the test section to minimize unintended stress concentrators.
- Installing axial grips/fixtures and verifying alignment suitable for axial fatigue work.
- Mounting an axial extensometer (or strain-measurement system) to support closed-loop strain control.
- Running constant-amplitude cyclic loading under strain control at a defined strain ratio and uniform temperature.
- Recording cycles and test response data needed to determine fatigue properties for the material and test condition.
Practical caution: For strain-controlled fatigue, the extensometer setup, control tuning, and temperature stability often have a direct impact on whether the test is stable and whether results are comparable across runs.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
ISO 12106:2017 points to a strain-controlled axial fatigue test capability. Equipment selection is typically driven by the target strain range, cycle counts, and whether elevated-temperature testing is required.
Common equipment: Servo-hydraulic or electrodynamic axial fatigue test system, fatigue-rated axial grips, calibrated load cell, axial extensometer suitable for cyclic strain control, and a digital controller/data acquisition system capable of closed-loop strain control.
When testing above ambient temperature: A temperature chamber or furnace with appropriate specimen temperature measurement and control is commonly used to maintain the uniform-temperature condition described in the standard.
Quoting tip: Key configuration drivers usually include force capacity, stroke, test frequency range, extensometer type (and temperature rating), and whether you need an environmental package (chamber/furnace). If you are comparing system capacities or control packages, you can request a detailed quote for an ISO 12106-oriented setup matched to your specimen size and temperature needs.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
ISO 12106:2017 identifies the ISO standard number (12106) and the publication year (2017). This is the second edition of the document.
ISO standards are revised over time, and fatigue testing workflows can be sensitive to edition-specific requirements and definitions. When requesting testing or configuring equipment, it is good practice to specify the exact year/edition cited by your customer, drawing, or internal test plan.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks
Depending on whether your program is run under strain control or force control, fatigue characterization is also commonly paired with axial force-controlled fatigue standards such as ISO 1099. In some industries, ASTM E606/E606M is also used for strain-controlled fatigue testing.
If your customer specification references multiple fatigue standards, confirm whether the intent is strict method compliance or correlation of fatigue properties across methods before locking down fixtures, extensometry, and control mode.
Get help selecting an ISO 12106 test setup
If you need to match machine capacity, extensometer configuration, and temperature control to an ISO 12106 fatigue program, you can contact our team to discuss your strain range, specimen geometry, and any elevated-temperature requirements before you finalize a system or test plan.