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D531-15 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
🔬 Apparatus and Specimen Setup
The Pusey and Jones plastometer is designed for precise indentation measurement. The indentor consists of a vertical steel shaft with a polished spherical tip of 3.175 mm diameter, made from noncorrosive, wear‑resistant hard metal. The mass of 1000 g, with a tolerance of ±0.01 g, applies a force of 9.8 N. The depth indicator gage, which can be electronic or analog, must have a resolution of at least 0.01 mm and a travel range from 0 mm to no less than 3 mm. The support frame holds the specimen holder perpendicular to the indentor shaft, and the mass can be independently raised or lowered vertically. The specimen holder for standard specimens is a clamping fixture of two metal plates secured by two threaded bolts; the upper plate has a hole and a slot as depicted in Fig. 1 to allow unobstructed access of the indentor.