ISO 16237:2015

Overview

ISO 16237:2015 specifies specimen geometry and a standardized test procedure for cross‑tension testing of single mechanical joints (single‑lap specimens) for sheet materials up to 4.5 mm thickness. The standard defines how to perform destructive cross‑tension tests to determine joint mechanical characteristics (e.g., maximum force) and classify failure modes for a range of joining methods. The term “sheet” also includes extrusions and cast materials. ISO 16237:2015 excludes civil engineering applications covered by other standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen dimensions (see Table 1 in the standard):
  • Specimen width: 50 mm
  • Specimen length: 150 mm
  • Hole distance (center-to-center): 100 ± 0.2 mm
  • Hole diameter: 20 mm
  • Free clamping length: 54 mm
• Test equipment:
  • Use a tensile testing machine verified per ISO 7500‑1.
  • Simultaneous measurement and recording of force and displacement (crosshead displacement or direct specimen measurement).
  • If crosshead is used, correct for machine stiffness.
• Test procedure parameters:
  • Crosshead separation rate: ≤ 10 mm/min, constant during the test.
  • Perform tests at room temperature until joint failure.
  • Record characteristic values: Fmax (maximum force), displacements at Fmax, at 0.3·Fmax, and at fracture.
• Failure classification:
  • Annex A provides normative drawings and descriptions of typical failure modes for joining methods such as rivets, clinching, screws, self‑piercing and blind rivets, and lock bolts (e.g., rivet pull‑out, shank fracture, neck fracture, thread stripping).
• Test report requirements:
  • Mandatory items include reference to ISO 16237:2015, examiner, joining process and fasteners, materials, specimen dimensions (t1/t2), test equipment and settings, measurement method, force–displacement diagram, statistical results, failure mode and any deviations.

Practical applications and users

ISO 16237:2015 is used to evaluate the strength and failure behaviour of single mechanical joints in:

• Automotive and aerospace manufacturing (prototype and production joint validation)
• Fastener and joining‑technology suppliers (product development)
• Materials and mechanical testing laboratories (quality control and certification)
• OEM quality and R&D teams assessing joining processes such as clinching, riveting, and bolting

The standard helps compare joining methods, optimize joint design, and support supplier specifications by providing repeatable, comparable cross‑tension test results.

Related standards

• ISO 7500‑1 - Verification of static uniaxial testing machines (force measurement)
• ISO 2768‑1 - General tolerances for linear and angular dimensions
• ISO 14272 - Cross‑tension testing of resistance spot and embossed projection welds

Keywords: ISO 16237:2015, cross‑tension testing, mechanical joining, specimen dimensions, destructive testing, joint failure modes, tensile testing machine, single‑lap specimen.