Direct Answer: The DEK-TRON Low Temperature Brittleness Tester (LTBT, DSI-153 XP Series) determines the brittleness temperature of plastics, elastomers, flexible polymers, and coated fabrics under defined impact conditions, in accordance with ASTM D746, ASTM D2137, and ISO 974.

What is the Low Temperature Brittleness Tester?

The Low Temperature Brittleness Tester (LTBT) identifies the temperature at which plastics and elastomers exhibit brittle failure when subjected to impact at low temperatures. By conditioning specimens and impacting them at controlled levels, the instrument determines the brittleness point used for material evaluation and quality assurance.

Which standards does it follow?

• ASTM D746 – Brittleness temperature of plastics and elastomers by impact
• ASTM D2137 – Rubber property – brittleness point for flexible polymers and coated fabrics
• ISO 974 – Plastics – Determination of brittleness temperature by impact

How does the test work?

Specimens are cooled to defined low temperatures inside the test chamber. At each temperature level, the specimens are impacted according to the selected method. The temperature at which brittle failure occurs for a defined number of specimens is recorded as the brittleness temperature of the material.

Design and models

Each LTBT system reflects DEK-TRON‘s precision craftsmanship—professionally hand-crafted, assembled from durable materials, and shipped ready for immediate use with the following documentation:

• Comprehensive operator’s manual
• Calibration certificate
• Certificate of warranty

Models supported:

• DSI-153 XP Series – Current model
• D/CS-53 – Older, supported models

Technical specifications

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 50 × 23 × 14 in
• Weight: 125 lb (approx.)
• Sample capacity: 20 specimens
• Electrics: 115 V, 60 Hz, 1 phase
• Other electrics available on request

Key features

• Determines brittleness temperature per ASTM D746, ASTM D2137, and ISO 974
• Hand-crafted, robust construction for long-term laboratory use
• Designed for repeatable, controlled low-temperature impact testing
• Supports both current DSI-153 XP Series and legacy D/CS-53 models
• Delivered with calibration documentation and warranty for traceability

Typical applications

• Quality control testing for plastics and elastomers
• Material development and R&D for flexible polymers and coated fabrics
• Verification of low-temperature performance for automotive, wire and cable, coatings, packaging, and general polymer products

FAQs

What does the LTBT measure?
The instrument determines the brittleness temperature—the temperature at which plastics or elastomers fail under impact.

Which materials can be tested?
Plastics, elastomers, flexible polymers, and coated fabrics that require verification of low-temperature impact resistance.

Which standards are supported?
ASTM D746, ASTM D2137, and ISO 974 brittleness temperature test methods.

How many samples can be tested?
Up to 20 specimens per test sequence.

What documentation is included?
Each LTBT ships with a comprehensive operator’s manual, calibration certificate, and certificate of warranty.