he test involves straining a test piece in tension, generally to fracture, for the purpose of determining one or more of the mechanical properties defined in clause 4.

The test is carried out at ambient temperature between 10 °C and 35 °C, unless otherwise specified. Tests carried out under controlled conditions shall be made at a temperature of 23 °C ± 5 °C.

The shape and dimensions of the test pieces depend on the shape and dimensions of the metallic product from which the test pieces are taken.

The test piece is usually obtained by machining a sample from the product or a pressed blank or casting. However products of constant cross-section (sections, bars, wires, etc.) and also as cast test pieces (i.e. for cast irons and non-ferrous alloys) may be tested without being machined.

The cross-section of the test pieces may be circular, square, rectangular, annular or, in special cases, of some other shape.

The force-measuring system of the testing machine shall be calibrated in accordance with EN ISO 7500-1 and shall be at least of class 1.

When an extensometer is used it shall be at least of class 1 (according to EN 10002-4) for the determination proof strength (non-proportional extension); for other properties (with higher extension) a class 2 extensometer (according to EN 10002-4) can be used.