DIN EN 310 specifies the test method for determining the bending strength (MOR—Modulus of Rupture) and the bending modulus of elasticity (MOE—Modulus of Elasticity) of wood-based materials. Both of these parameters are among the most important mechanical properties of panel materials and form the basis for quality assessment and performance verification in numerous product standards.

With the universal testing machines from Hegewald & Peschke, bending tests in accordance with DIN EN 310 can be performed in a reproducible and standards-compliant manner. The combination of a rigid testing machine, a precise force measurement system, and a 3-point bending fixture designed to meet the standard ensures reliable measurement results.

What is DIN EN 310 used for?

Wood-based materials often serve load-bearing or stiffening functions in furniture, interior fittings, and building products. During use, they are primarily subjected to bending stresses. Therefore, the bending test according to DIN EN 310 is one of the standard tests used in the development of new materials as well as in ongoing production control.

The standard applies, among other things, to:

• Particleboard
• MDF and HDF panels
• OSB panels
• Plywood
• Multiplex panels
• Hard and soft fiberboards
• Other wood-based materials in accordance with the respective product standards

Which properties are determined?

Bending strength (MOR)

Bending strength describes the maximum bending stress a material can withstand immediately before failure. It is a measure of the material’s load-bearing capacity.

Flexural Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)

The flexural modulus of elasticity describes the elastic deformation behavior of a material. It indicates how much a panel deflects under load and allows conclusions to be drawn about its stiffness.

Testing System for DIN EN 310

For the bending test according to DIN EN 310, for example, a 100 kN inspekt universal testing machine is used. With its high test force and spacious test room, it enables reliable testing even of large-format and solid wood-based materials.

The test is performed using a 3-point bending fixture specifically designed to meet the requirements of DIN EN 310. This device consists of two hardened, pivot-mounted support rollers and a centrally positioned loading ram for controlled force application. The support spacing can be flexibly adjusted to meet the respective standard specifications and specimen dimensions. The supports are also tiltable and can be securely fixed in place to ensure reproducible test results.

To precisely measure deflection, an incremental encoder is mounted on the bending beam via a special bracket. This ensures that deformation is reliably recorded at high resolution throughout the entire test sequence.

The rigid design of the test fixture ensures uniform force application and minimizes unwanted influences on the measurement results.

Test Procedure with LabMaster

The LabMaster testing software controls the entire test sequence and performs standard-compliant evaluation of the test data.

• Reproducible test sequences through preset test methods with defined parameters
• Continuous recording of all measured values
• Calculation of flexural strength and modulus of elasticity
• Graphical display of the force-displacement curve
• Generation of test reports compliant with standards

Test programs can be saved, managed, and repeated reproducibly at any time. This simplifies series testing in particular and reduces operator influence.

Expansion Options

Since universal testing machines from Hegewald & Peschke have a modular design, they can be used for numerous other testing tasks.

By changing the test fixture, the following tests can be performed, for example:

• Tensile tests on wood-based materials
• Compression tests
• Shear tests
• Peel tests
• 4-point bending tests according to other national or international standards

This allows a single universal testing machine to be used for various testing tasks and remains flexibly expandable to meet future requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which wood-based materials can be tested according to DIN EN 310?

The standard is suitable for, among other things, particleboard, MDF, HDF, and OSB panels, plywood, and other panel-shaped wood-based materials.

Which universal testing machine is suitable?

Depending on the maximum test force, universal testing machines from all model series of the inspekt series can be used. The selection depends on the specimen dimensions and the expected loads.

Are the test properties calculated automatically?

Yes. The LabMaster testing software automatically calculates the bending strength and modulus of elasticity in bending based on the measured force and displacement data and generates a complete test report.

Can the same universal testing machine also be used for other test methods?

Yes. Thanks to its modular design, the same testing systems can also be used for tensile, compression, shear, or other bending tests by simply swapping out the test fixture.