--- type: "WebPage" title: "Laboratory DART Tests" description: "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..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/dart-tests/" tags: ["EN", "pll_69ba7294b25ec", "Thomas GAUTIER"] timestamp: "2026-03-18T10:07:17Z" published: "2026-03-18T10:04:08Z" language: "en" author: "Laure Durieux" --- # Laboratory DART Tests ## 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](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test.md) to simulate real impacts in the laboratory. The puncture test (or Dart Test) does more than simply pierce the [material](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/); 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](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-of-polymer-rupture-cracking.md) during a vertical impact. - **Tear control**: analyzing how the [polymer film](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/plastics-processing-polymers/laboratory-analysis-of-polymer-film.md) 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: Mesure - **Film tear measurement by mass drop** according to current standards - Precise determination of the rupture energy Expertise - Analysis of results - Comparison with your technical requirements or applicable standards - Identification of discrepancies R&D / support - 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](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/problem-solving-related-research-and-development/defect-in-appearance-products-filab-helps-you-to-solve-this-problem.md) Validate a change in [material](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/expertise-material-characterisation-laboratory/): new formulation, supplier, or recycled material Optimize your costs: adjust your[thicknesses](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/thickness-measurement-by-sem-in-laboratory.md) without compromising performance ## Dart test: industries and applications DART Test ## Tear measurement by mass drop is a mandatory step for any manufacturer handling flexible films or technical membranes. Packaging [Packaging](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/analysis-of-industrial-packaging-in-a-laboratory/) : 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 Construction and public works: protective materials on construction sites must resist tears caused by debris or tools. Medical and Pharmaceutical [Medical](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-medical-devices.md) and [Pharmaceutical](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/analysis-industry-pharmaceuticals.md) sectors: in these fields, perforation means loss of sterility. Safety is paramount. Logistics and Transport Logistics and Transport: the film must maintain the load despite shocks during road or sea transport. ## Our mechanical testing services [Torsion test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/bend-testing.md) [Endurance test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/endurance-test-fatigue-testing.md) [DMA analysis (dynamic mechanical analysis)](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/dma-analysis-laboratory.md) Hardness measurement: [Vickers](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/vickers-hardness-testing-hv-in-laboratory.md), [Brinell](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/brinell-hardness-testing-in-laboratory.md), [Rockwell](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/laboratory-testing-and-measurement-of-rockwell-hardness.md) hardness [Flexure test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/laboratory-bending-tests.md) [Bending test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/laboratory-bending-tests.md) [Tensile test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/tensile-test-materials-laboratory.md): part and specimen [Compression test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test.md) [Resilience test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/laboratory-resilience-test.md) [Hardness measurement](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/hardness-analysis-and-measurement-laboratory.md) for mechanical penetration resistance [Mechanical tensile test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/tensile-test-materials-laboratory.md) [Fatigue test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/endurance-test-fatigue-testing.md) Load holding test ## Our FAQ What materials are involved in DART/Dart testing? 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 Why choose FILAB laboratory for your DART/Dart tests? - 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 In what cases should DART tests be performed? - Evaluate a new film - Understand a failure - Secure your production   How to get a quote from FILAB? 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. What is the typical duration of the analysis? 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. What standards govern DART testing? 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.