Cupping Tester

Meet the standard:

ISO 1520

ASTM E643 EN

ISO 1520

DIN 50101

DIN 50102

Product Introduction:

The cupping test provides valuable information about how a metal sheet will behave during forming processes and how a coating will withstand deformation of its substrate. The test specimen, a flat piece of sheet metal (often coated), is securely clamped between a die and a blank holder to prevent slipping during the deformation. A spherical or hemispherical punch is then pressed into the center of the specimen from one side, creating a gradually deepening indentation or "cup."

The test is typically continued until either the metal substrate shows the first signs of cracking (for evaluating metal ductility/formability) or the applied coating exhibits cracking, detachment, or other forms of failure on the deformed surface (for evaluating coating properties). The depth of the punch indentation at which failure is first observed is measured and recorded. This depth is the cupping value or Erichsen Index, indicating the material's or coating's ability to withstand deformation. The test can be performed manually by turning a crank or using a hand wheel to advance the punch while visually observing the specimen, or automatically with motorized punch movement and integrated optical or other detection systems.

The instrument is used in laboratories for:

Quality control of incoming sheet metal materials to verify their formability and ductility.

Evaluating the flexibility and adhesion of paint, lacquer, coil coatings, and other finishes on metal substrates.

Research and development of new metal alloys and coating formulations.

Assessing the effect of material thickness, surface treatment, or aging on formability and coating performance.

Ensuring that materials meet specified requirements for deep drawing or forming processes.

Product Advantages:

Provides objective, quantitative data (cupping depth) on the formability of metal sheets and the flexibility/adhesion of coatings.

Essential for quality control of sheet metal and coated products used in manufacturing processes involving deformation.

Simulates the stresses and strains encountered during pressing, drawing, and forming operations.

Helps predict how a material or coating will perform in real-world manufacturing processes.

Relatively simple and quick test to perform.

Standard compliant test methods are widely available and recognized (ISO 1520. ASTM E643).

Useful for comparing the properties of different materials or coatings.

Product Features:

Base unit with a clamping mechanism consisting of a die and a blank holder to firmly secure the test specimen without allowing it to slip.

Punch (typically spherical or hemispherical) that deforms the specimen.

Mechanism for advancing the punch into the specimen at a controlled rate (manual screw/hand wheel, hydraulic system, or motor-driven).

System for accurately measuring the depth of the punch indentation (e.g., mechanical dial gauge, digital indicator, linear encoder).

Viewing system (e.g., magnifying glass, integrated microscope, or camera with display) to facilitate observation of the specimen surface for detection of cracking or failure.

(Optional) Load cell or pressure gauge to measure the force applied by the punch during deformation.

(For automatic testers) Automated control of punch movement speed, programmable test parameters, and potentially automated failure detection.

Safety features to prevent injury during clamping and punching.