ASTM D903 is a common tensile test used to evaluate the peel or stripping characteristics of adhesively bonded materials used in a wide variety of applications in an even wider range of industries. Some examples of materials tested to ASTM D903 are plastic films, adhesive labels, and waterproofing materials. This guide is designed to introduce you to the basic elements of an ASTM D903 test and will provide an overview of the testing equipment, software, and specimens needed. However, anyone planning to conduct ASTM D903 testing should not consider this guide an adequate substitute for reading the full standard.

Challenges of ASTM D903 Testing:

Reporting calculations in compliance with the standard
Data rate adequate to capture peaks and troughs
How to grip materials of various thickness
Eliminating slippage during testing