Mittelstandspresse
18.09.2026
SKZ Invests in Additional ZwickRoell Testing Equipment
Würzburg, 18.09.2026 (PresseBox) - The Cracked Round Bar (CRB) test, as specified in ISO 18489, is becoming increasingly important in the plastics and pipe industries. Now that this method for evaluating resistance to slow crack growth (SCG) in polyethylene materials has become established, it is also being increasingly incorporated into relevant standards and regulations. Due to the rising demand for CRB tests, the SKZ Plastics Center is expanding its testing capabilities with the addition of another CRB testing machine from ZwickRoell.
Increased CRB Capacity to Meet Growing Testing Demands
The CRB test enables rapid and practical characterization of the resistance of polymer materials to slow crack growth. A key advantage of the method is its comparatively short test duration: Unlike established long-term tests, meaningful results can be obtained within a few days. The test is also conducted at room temperature and does not require environmentally harmful wetting agents.
CRB Is Gaining Importance in an Increasing Number of Standards
The increasing incorporation of this test method into standards underscores its growing relevance for manufacturers and users of plastic piping systems. For example, the CRB test is used in the context of the DIN EN 1555 series of standards for gas supply lines and DIN EN 12201 for water supply systems.
The method is also gaining importance for the use of PP recyclates. The current DIN EN 14758-1:2023-11, for example, contains an informative annex on the application of the CRB method according to ISO 18489 to PP recyclates. As a result, the CRB method is increasingly being used in material characterization as well as in quality assurance and product development for plastic pipe systems.
“We have been observing a significant increase in demand for CRB testing for some time now. At the same time, we see that the method is becoming relevant in an increasing number of standards and application areas. With the additional testing machine, we are therefore creating further capacity,” explains Johannes Engert, Group Leader for Pipe Testing at SKZ. “Our goal is to be able to process test orders promptly, even as volume increases. Especially when it comes to material approvals and development projects, the rapid availability of test results is a key factor.”
Interlaboratory tests ensure the comparability of test results
The SKZ regularly participates in interlaboratory tests and comparative studies with other testing laboratories. The results confirm the comparability and reproducibility of the tests conducted.
Proficiency tests are an important component of quality assurance in modern testing laboratories. For accredited testing laboratories, regular participation in relevant proficiency tests is mandatory. They enable an independent assessment of testing performance and demonstrate how reliably and reproducibly a laboratory operates compared to other qualified laboratories.
“The results of the interlaboratory tests show that we can perform the CRB test with a high degree of comparability and reproducibility,” said Johannes Engert. “They confirm the comparability of the tests and the reliable application of the method in day-to-day laboratory operations.”
The combination of an accredited testing method, suitable testing technology, regular participation in interlaboratory tests, and many years of experience in pipe testing forms the basis for conducting CRB tests at SKZ.
Greater Capacity for Parallel Testing
With its investment in an additional CRB testing machine from ZwickRoell, SKZ is expanding its capacity for dynamic materials testing. For several years now, SKZ has relied on testing technology from ZwickRoell for CRB testing. The existing system is operating at full capacity due to high demand. The additional machine will enable test orders to be carried out in parallel in the future, thereby significantly increasing available testing capacity.
“In addition to reliable test results, the availability of those results also plays an important role for many companies,” says Alexander Ebenbeck, Sales Manager for Testing at SKZ. “If development, approval, or certification processes are delayed by long testing times, this can impact the market launch of new products. With the additional testing equipment, tests can increasingly be conducted in parallel in the future. This will free up additional capacity to handle rising test volumes.”
CRB as a Key Component for Modern Plastic Materials
Particularly for modern PE-100-RC materials, the CRB test has established itself as a meaningful method for characterizing resistance to slow crack growth. The method makes it possible to compare materials and evaluate them in terms of their resistance to the failure mechanism relevant to pressure-loaded plastic pipes.
The SKZ has many years of experience in testing plastic pipes and pipe materials and, in addition to the CRB test, offers other testing methods for evaluating slow crack growth, including tests in accordance with ISO 18488 and ISO 13479. This makes it possible to evaluate different material and product requirements within a single testing environment.
By expanding its CRB testing capabilities, the SKZ is responding to the growing importance of this method in standardization, material development, and quality assurance within the plastics and pipe industry.
Further information on pipe testing
Ansprechpartner
Johannes Engert
+49 (931) 4104-139
Zuständigkeitsbereich: Group Manager Pipe Testing Würzburg
Über SKZ - Das Kunststoff-Zentrum:
SKZ is a climate protection company and a member of the Zuse Community. The Zuse Community is an association of independent, industry-oriented research institutions dedicated to improving the performance and competitiveness of industry—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises—through innovation and networking..
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Gaining increasing importance in the plastics and pipe industry: the Cracked Round Bar (CRB) test according to ISO 18489.
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