The Importance of Impact Testing

Different projects have different requirements. In some cases, you need steel that is more durable and less brittle, while other situations might require a harder surface that doesn’t need to absorb or resist large forces. The toughness of your steel needs to be measured to ensure that it fits the required tasks, which is done by impact testing. Using Charpy impact testing services, you can have peace of mind knowing that your steel products are exactly what you need.

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Charpy Testing for Your Steel Products

The Charpy impact test method, also known as the Charpy V-notch test, will determine the impact strength and toughness of carbon steel products. It does this by measuring the amount of energy absorbed by a pendulum tool, with more brittle metals breaking more easily than “tougher” metals.

This ensures that it’s suitable for the specific application needs of your large-scale construction or manufacturing project. While testing for resilience, the longevity of the product can be gauged to estimate its lifespan. Service Steel Warehouse offers impact testing on all of our carbon steel products, so talk to our team of experts or request a quote today.

broken impact test specimen

CHARPY IMPACT TESTING FAQS

Impact testing calculates the amount of energy absorbed during fracture to determine the toughness of the steel. The tests are performed at various temperatures to better understand the effects on impact energy.

Results from these tests are useful in assessing whether or not a material is suitable for a specific application and also provide an estimate of the product’s projected lifespan. The tests are usually measured in Joules (energy “lost” by the hammer) or foot-pound per inch.

Charpy impact testing requires specialized equipment such as a pendulum impact tester which uses a pendulum, striking hammer, and specimen holder. Additionally, a temperature-controlled chamber is necessary to maintain consistent testing conditions, along with measuring instruments to record impact energy.

V-notch testing involves striking a standard notched, steel metal product with a weighted pendulum. The metal will break at its notched cross-section (hence the name “Charpy V-notch”) upon impact, and the pendulum’s upward swing is used to gauge the amount of energy absorbed, which is an indicator of the brittleness of the metal.

Additional Steel Services

Steel Sawing

Tee Splitting

Galvanizing

Cambering

Service Steel Warehouse: Your Full-Service Steel Supplier

Founded in 1965 in Houston, Texas, Service Steel Warehouse is a nationwide full-service steel supplier distributing structural carbon steel and providing steel services such as Charpy impact testing. Not only do we offer a full stack of steel services to customize your order to exactly meet your needs, but we also stock a wide range of carbon steel products. 

Since our humble beginnings, we have taken pride in the accuracy, speed, and quality of service we offer you. If you’re looking for a dependable steel supplier, Service Steel Warehouse is the best option available. Thanks to multiple warehouses in the South and Midwest, we have one of the largest inventories with a high volume of product available for next-day shipping as well!

Impact Testing Services Available

Our inventory of carbon steel is one of the largest in the nation and is ready to ship as soon as you order. Browse our inventory below for more information or call our experienced team today to put together a custom quote for Charpy impact test services.

Call 713-766-1238 to speak with one of our impact test experts or get a custom quote today!

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