Product Description

CCSi UltraLife molds are designed, engineered, and manufactured to produce high quality specimens, over an extended service life!

CCSi manufactures these specimen molds for evaluating the tensile (tension) of vulcanized thermoset rubber and thermoplastic elastomers as indicated in ASTM D412 ‘Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers — Tension’.

The test specimens are configured as rings, straight, or various ‘dumbbell’ shapes, with the ‘dumbbell’ (Method A) being the most widely used.

Each specimen is designed to measure a material’s characteristic of either tensile stress, tensile stress at a given elongation, tensile strength, yield point, or ultimate elongation.
Historically, the specimens have been die cut, after first having been vulcanized in a standard laboratory mold conforming to ASTM D3182. However, with the advent of UltraLife TriPlate design technology, precision molding of the test specimens is a now a viable and cost effective alternative to die cutting!

ASTM D412 test specimens are also specified in:
ASTM D454 ‘Standard Test Method for Rubber — Deterioration by Heat and Air Pressure’;
ASTM D572 ‘Standard Test Method for Rubber — Deterioration by Heat and Oxygen’;
ASTM D573 ‘Standard Test Method for Rubber — Deterioration in an Air Oven’;
ASTM D865 ‘Standard Test Method for Rubber — Deterioration by Heating in Air…’;
ISO 37 ‘… Determination of tensile stress-strain properties’.

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CCSi UltraLife Specimen Molds: Quality Manufacturing Fill 118 Copy 1 Created with Sketch.

CCSi UltraLife molds are manufactured from homogenous, solid, high carbon content A2 mold steel. Each undergoes precision grinding and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining to exacting requirements. The mold cavities are expertly honed and hand polished, after which the mold is industrial chrome plated.

Precision grinding ensures a parallel surface profile of the platens and CNC machining provides ultra-close dimensional tolerances, while the honing and polishing processes guarantee smooth, true specimen cavities. The durable, hard chrome finish resists the corrosive and adhesive effects of most compounds, greatly improving overall durability and ease of maintenance.

The CCSi UltraLife mold platens are thicker than standard molds, providing superior heat and pressure distribution, as well as extending the mold’s useful life by resisting distortion. This also allows the overflow recesses to be deeper, reducing problems associated overfill. The platens are positively positioned with precision guide pins and receivers … assuring precise closure!

CCSi UltraLife Specimen Molds: Innovative Design Fill 118 Copy 1 Created with Sketch.

CCSi UltraLife molds feature a unique cam-action hinge design which improves the critical distribution of pressure. Typical ‘fixed-hinge’ designs cause material to flow, outwardly, from this constraining point. This uneven application of pressure may cause excessive overfill, or cavity voids. The cam-action hinge design has all of the advantages of ‘stacked plate’ molds, combined with the convenience of ‘fixed-hinge’ designs!

The handles are manufactured from 304 stainless steel (a chromium – nickel austenitic alloy) and contain integral support pins. This allows the handles to rotate, which facilitates opening the mold. The handles are ergonomically positioned to ease placement and removal from the heated laboratory press.

Large triangular pry slots are located at the corners, opposite the cam-action hinges. These further facilitate mold opening and reduce the occurrence of cavity damage from improperly positioned tools.

CCSi UltraLife Specimen Molds: Unique TriPlate Configuration Fill 118 Copy 1 Created with Sketch.

The CCSi UltraLife TriPlate is a dual platen, center plate, configuration designed specifically for specimens which are typically die cut. The unique TriPlate design features a centrally positioned, ‘stacked’ plate located between two platens. The ‘sandwiched’ plate precisely mold-forms the specimen between the two hinged platens.

Die cut test specimens are often obtained from a test piece, or sample, which are first prepared in a laboratory ‘slab’ mold … a two step process. The UltraLife TriPlate design eliminates the need for first molding a ‘plaque’ and then die cutting a test specimen … saving valuable processing time!

An entire step in specimen preparation is removed, exponentially reducing introduced variables … as well as the costs associated with initial investment and maintenance of separate cutting dies and molds.

CCSi UltraLife Specimen Molds: Features Fill 118 Copy 1 Created with Sketch.

The CCSi ASTM D412 Specimen Molds Feature:

  • Exclusive UltraLife engineering;
  • Designed with advanced 3D solid modeling;
  • Manufactured using computerized systems and techniques;
  • CNC (Computer Numerical Control) 4 axis machining;
  • Precision ground;
  • Expertly honed;
  • Finely polished;
  • High carbon content A2 mold steel;
  • Thicker plates resist warping, distribute heat and pressure evenly;
  • Cam action hinges prevent uneven closure;
  • Industrial chrome plate finish;
  • 304 stainless steel rotating handles ease opening, closing and handling;
  • Deep overflow recesses (flash pockets) reduce overfill problems;
  • Precision locator pins & receivers assure positive alignment;
  • High strength fasteners resist the effects of strain and stress;
  • Temperature probe orifices may be added for profiling;
  • Optional finishes are available for highly corrosive compounds.

Available in:

  • ASTM D412 Method A (‘die’ configurations A through F);
  • ASTM D412 Method B (‘cut ring’ Types 1, 2, and ISO 37);
  • UltraLife TriPlate design only.
CCSi UltraLife TriPlate ASTM D412 Specimen Molds: Specifications Fill 118 Copy 1 Created with Sketch.
Part Number UltraLife TriPlate Mold Configuration NOTE
CCS-MD412-AMethod A - ‘Die’ A - 4 Cavity - TriPlate
CCS-MD412-BMethod A - ‘Die’ B - 4 Cavity - TriPlate
CCS-MD412-CMethod A - ‘Die’ C - 4 Cavity - TriPlate
CCS-MD412-DMethod A - ‘Die’ D - 4 Cavity - TriPlate
CCS-MD412-E Method A - ‘Die’ E - 4 Cavity - TriPlate
CCS-MD412-FMethod A - ‘Die’ F - 4 Cavity - TriPlate
CCS-MD412-T1Method B - ASTM Cut Ring - Type 1 - 8 Cavity - TriPlate
CCS-MD412-T2Method B - ASTM Cut Ring - Type 2 - 8 Cavity - TriPlate
CCS-MD412-ISO37n Method B - ISO 37 Cut Ring - Normal - 8 Cavity - TriPlate
CCS-MD412-ISO37sMethod B - ISO 37 Cut Ring - Small - 8 Cavity - TriPlate

Please Request a Quotation for current pricing and delivery.

NOTE Please refer to ASTM D412 for the dimensions of the various specimen configurations.

Index Terms: Fill 118 Copy 1 Created with Sketch.

specimen molds, molds, tensile, tear, tension, tensile set, dumbbell, tensile stress, tensile strength, yield point, ASTM D412, D412, set after break, set-after-break, ring tensile test, elongation, tensile properties, ASTM D454, D454, ASTM D572, D572, ASTM D573, D573, ASTM D865, D865.