Determining the effects of transverse tension and shear forces under different temperature conditions before and after ageing processes. Special test methods for the suitability of plastic web materials.
Metal profiles with thermal barrier (e.g. aluminum profiles or steel profiles) have been essential for energy-efficient construction in window and facade engineering for years. The new developments towards the thinnest possible web materials in a wide variety of geometric constructions combined with improved thermal properties are versatile.
ift Rosenheim supports profile and bar manufacturers with tests according to DIN EN 14024 in the development of new profiles with thermal barrier and bar materials.
All normative relevant tests can be carried out in our laboratory in combination with the required ageing methods.
The focus is on minimal inspection effort through efficient specimen selection - combined with extrapolations if required. As an accredited test laboratories, ift Rosenheim also prepares the necessary national technical test certificates in accordance with state building regulations on the basis of the tests according to DIBt guidelines.

Testable Products
A distinction is made between three mechanical designs:
- System type A Profile system intended for the transmission of shear forces and where shear failure does not significantly reduce the transverse tensile strength.
- System type B Profile system intended for the transmission of shear forces and in which shear failure impairs the transverse tensile strength (e.g. compound connection using resins or only foamed compound systems).
- System type C Profile system in which the transmission of shear forces is not intended (soft shear compound connection).
Geometric designs that can be tested:
- Symmetrically loaded profiles
- Almost symmetrical profiles with low eccentricity
- Asymmetrical profiles with high eccentricity
- Profiles not symmetrically loaded
Performances of ift Rosenheim for Testing Metal Profiles (e.g. Aluminum Profiles or Steel Profiles) with Thermal Barrier
The test can be carried out under the following temperature categories:
- TC 1 (from -10°C to +70°C)
- TC 2 (from -20°C to +80°C)

Test of Thermal Barrier as per DIN EN 14024, Taking Into Account Various Conditionings
The following tests are used to characterize the consequences of different conditioning on the mechanical properties of the connection over time (durability). They are representative of the thermal barrier material and warrant the suitability of the plastic.
The tests according to DIBt guideline are very similar in content and are therefore not described separately.
This test is carried out on thermal barriers made of UV-sensitive materials that are exposed to UV radiation during use.
The test specimens are stored for a test period of 500 hours under dry conditions at constant UV irradiance according to EN ISO 4892-2. The transverse tensile strength is tested at room temperature before and after ageing at a feed rate of 200 mm/min.
In order to prove the compatibility of a chemical material with the thermal barrier material, a stress cracking test must be carried out. The aim of the test is to cause tensile stress in the thermal barrier material and to evaluate possible additional damage.
To test for stress cracks, the web sections are brought into contact with media selected by the client for a period of 1,000 hours, which may come into conjunction with the web material during use. These are, for example, cutting and drilling oils, acids, alkalis, sealants or common facade cleaning agents. The test is carried out using the pin impression method according to EN ISO 22088-4, method A.
Transverse Tensile Strength
The transverse tensile strength of a profile in new condition is carried out at different temperatures.
The tensile test is carried out according to the corresponding ageing methods M1 or M2 after the shear connection has been separated.
The test specimens are loaded until the plastic web fails.

Shear Strength and Elasticity Constant
When determining the shear strength and elasticity constant, one of the two metal profiles is pushed in parallel. The plastic web is not loaded directly.
The test specimens are tested until the shear connection between the metal-plastic profile fails.

Ageing Method
Test specimens of profiles with thermal barrier must be tested according to the shear failure (shear connection of the metal profiles and the thermal barrier have loosened) and subjected to an ageing method.
The profile sections must be exposed to a constant transverse load for a period of 1,000 hours at a constant temperature. According to the process of aging, the remaining deformation is determined. The transverse tensile strength test is then carried out.
A profile bar of at least 500 mm in length is housed in a ventilated, temperature-controlled chamber. The upper section of the profile is fixed to a rigid support. The profile bar is simultaneously exposed to alternating thermal and mechanical stress. A constant load is applied to the edge of the profile, and an alternating load is also applied. The loads must be applied for a period of 1,000,000 cycles.
This method covers the specifications for artificial ageing specifically for the French market. In connection, the remaining deformation is determined according to the ageing. According to the preparation of the test specimens, the shear strength and the transverse tensile strength are tested at room temperature.
Classification of the Thermal Barrier
The following classification characteristics are shown in the test evidence/report:
- Mechanical behavior - Clause 5.3 according to EN 14024 of profile type A, B or C and the tested temperature category TC1 or TC2
- Suitability of thermal barrier material - Clause 5.2 according to EN 14024 of profile type A, B or C and the tested temperature category TC1 or TC2.
The test evidence/report is provided according to:
- DIN EN 14024
- DIBt guidelines
- RAL

Our Services after Completion of the Test
- Regardless of the result, you will receive a detailed Test report in German and English.
- If the implementation of tests is complete, you will also receive a clear ift-Nachweis in German and English (cover sheet as an abstract).
- Test evidence/report according to DIBt guidelines and RAL is also possible according to client's request.
- You will receive the ift-tested mark free of charge, with which you can market your ift-tested products effectively.

The advantages at a glance
What we need from you for the test
- Test specimens required:
- Metal profile sections with thermal barrier, taken from different profile bars
- Segments of thermal barrier for testing the suitability of plastics
- Special constructions according to coordination
- Required documents:
- Specimen drawings in pdf, dwg, dxf or tif format (view, horizontal and vertical sections) including all relevant dimensions
- If applicable, profile cross-section overview for the selection of test specimens for possible system coverage by means of a subsequent expert statement
- Description of the test specimen (file will be provided when placing the order)
- Material data sheets
- Sampling report