You would like to perform DART tests on your polymer films
DART tests: measurement of tear strength by dropping mass
Evaluate the robustness of your flexible films with the impact mass drop test: the reference mechanical test to simulate real impacts in the laboratory.
The puncture test (or Dart Test) does more than simply pierce the material; it simulates a sudden dynamic stress. Tear resistance measurement by dropping a mass is the only way to validate that your plastic films will not break under the impact of a heavy or sharp object during transport.
Technical challenges:
- Impact resistance: determining the exact breaking point during a vertical impact.
- Tear control: analyzing how the polymer film behaves once the impact has begun.
- Standardization: obtaining a reliable and reproducible F50 value (statistical breaking mass).
Our services in DART testing
At the FILAB laboratory, we support you at every stage:
- Film tear measurement by mass drop according to current standards
- Precise determination of the rupture energy
Analysis of results
Comparison with your technical requirements or applicable standards
Identification of discrepancies
- Assistance in optimizing your formulations
- Correlation with other mechanical tests
- Support in case of product failure
The FILAB laboratory performs DART tests – DART tests on polymer films
The DART test analysis process in the Laboratory
We use high-precision equipment that allows us to measure tear strength in accordance with the most stringent industrial requirements.
The test principle:
A film sample is held firmly by a pneumatic ring. A weight (the "Dart") with a hemispherical head is dropped from a defined height.
- If the film resists, the weight is increased.
- If the film tears, the weight is decreased.
This "stepped" method allows us to determine the average impact weight that causes rupture in 50% of the tested samples.
Why perform a film tear measurement by mass drop?
Secure your packaging: anticipate tears during transport, storage or handling
Solving a field problem: objectively identifying the defect
Validate a change in material: new formulation, supplier, or recycled material
Optimize your costs: adjust your thicknesses without compromising performance
Dart test: industries and applications
Packaging : This is sector number 1. The Dart test ensures that the bag will not rupture under the weight of the product or during stacking.
Construction and public works: protective materials on construction sites must resist tears caused by debris or tools.
Medical and Pharmaceutical sectors: in these fields, perforation means loss of sterility. Safety is paramount.
Logistics and Transport: the film must maintain the load despite shocks during road or sea transport.
Our mechanical testing services
Tensile test: part and specimen
Hardness measurement for mechanical penetration resistance
Load holding test
Our FAQ
We work with a wide variety of films:
- PE, PP, and multilayer films
- Industrial and food packaging films
- Technical and barrier films
- Films made from recycled materials
A state-of-the-art analytical facility dedicated to materials characterization
Recognized expertise in mechanical testing of polymers
An ability to go beyond the result: interpretation and technical support
Evaluate a new film
Understand a failure
Secure your production
To obtain a quote, you can contact our team via our contact form, by phone, or by email.
Simply tell us your requirements (type of material, desired analysis, applicable standards, urgency, quantity of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.
Turnaround times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project.
However, FILAB is committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent needs.
DART tests are generally performed according to recognized standards, such as:
- ASTM D1709 (methods A and B)
- ISO 7765
These standards guarantee the reproducibility and comparability of the results.
