Environmental Stress Crack Resistance Tester (ESCR) – ASTM D1693

The PolymerTest ESCR Tester is designed to determine the susceptibility of ethylene plastics (such as blow-molded bottles and cable jackets) to Environmental Stress Cracking. This complete workstation includes a high-precision PID-controlled oil bath and a full set of sample preparation tools (cutting die, notching jig, and transfer tool) to perform the "Bent Strip" test in strict accordance with ASTM D1693.

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Description

Introduction to ESCR Tester (Environmental Stress Crack Resistance)

Cracking in detergent bottles, plastic tanks, or cable jackets over time is often caused by a phenomenon known as “Environmental Stress Cracking.” The ESCR Testing Machine manufactured by Polymer Test simulates these aggressive environmental conditions (elevated temperature + chemical agents) to evaluate the resistance of polymer samples before mass production.

High-Precision Thermal Bath Features

The heart of this device is a stainless steel oil bath with exceptional temperature stability:

Temperature Control: Features a high-precision PID controller to stabilize oil temperature (typically 50°C or 100°C as per standard) with 0.1°C accuracy.
Circulation System: Equipped with a powerful stirring motor to ensure complete temperature uniformity throughout the bath.
High Capacity: Includes a stainless steel test tube rack capable of holding 10 Test Tubes simultaneously for parallel testing.

Complete Sample Preparation Package

Unlike many models on the market, this machine includes all necessary tools to prepare samples according to the “Bent Strip” method:

Manual Punch and Die: For cutting precise rectangular specimens (38 × 13 mm).
Notching Jig: A critical tool for creating a standard, controlled crack/notch on the sample surface.
Bending Equipment: Includes precision brass channel holders and a special transfer tool to bend the sample and insert it into the tube.
Test Tubes: Heat and chemical-resistant Pyrex tubes (32 × 200 mm).

Standards and Applications

This device is designed exactly according to the rigorous requirements of the following standards:

Standard ASTM D1693 (Standard Test Method for Environmental Stress-Cracking of Ethylene Plastics).
National Standard INSO 7175.

Raw Material Lab Setup: Alongside this test, checking material viscosity is often essential. We recommend also reviewing the specifications of our Melt Flow Index (MFI) Tester.

For price inquiries regarding the ESCR machine and accessories, please click the contact for purchase button or visit our contact us page.