Mechanical Testing of Soft and Delicate Materials

We provide a comprehensive suite of mechanical testing services, designed specifically for applications requiring low-force, high-sensitivity measurements. Our expertise characterises the subtle mechanical behaviours of soft gels, thin films, adhesives, coatings, and other delicately structured materials, critical for predicting real-world performance and reliability.

Utilising our TA-XT Plus universal tester and texture analyser, we precisely measure mechanical responses under a wide variety of controlled deformation and failure conditions.

Figure 1 – Schematic of an idealised tensile test with its associated stress-strain curve.

1. Tension, Compression, and Bending

Stress-strain characterisation
Young’s modulus and modulus of elasticity measurements
Stiffness determination

Figure 2 – Tensile testing of a wet wound dressing material.

Figure 3 – 3 Point Bend Test on a Printed Circuit Board.

2. Fracture, Failure, and Yield Behaviour

Yield strength analysis
Strain hardening identification
Fracture and failure point characterisation
Penetration and puncture resistance

Figure 4 – Compression testing of a pharmaceutical tablet. The discontinuities in the stress-strain curve indicate distinct fracture events.

3. Adhesion and Surface Interactions

Tack and adhesion strength
Work of adhesion and pull-off force
Peel resistance measurements

Figure 5 – Peel Adhesion Testing of Foil Tape.

4. Dynamic Mechanical Behaviors

Linear, reciprocating, and cyclic loading for fatigue testing
Friction and wear analysis

Sensitivity and Precision at Low Forces

We measure forces as low as 0.1 g (~1 mN) with outstanding displacement resolution and control, achieving deformation rates precisely adjustable from 1 µm/s to 40 mm/s. This exceptional sensitivity allows differentiation between subtle plastic and elastic deformation regimes, providing critical insights into material behavior under gentle yet meaningful mechanical loads.

By accurately quantifying these low-force mechanical properties, we enable you to optimise your products for maximum performance, durability, and regulatory compliance.