Plastometrex achieves internationally recognised ASTM standard

When Dr Jimmy Campbell and his colleagues first began developing Profilometry-based Indentation Plastometry (PIP), the ambition was simple: to create a faster and more flexible way for measuring the mechanical properties of materials.

Today, that vision has become a reality. PIP is available through a range of commercial testing solutions and, significantly, is now backed by an internationally recognised testing standard. Through his work with Plastometrex, Dr Campbell has helped secure ASTM E3499-25, providing engineers and researchers worldwide with a standardised approach to obtaining mechanical property data using PIP technology.

This achievement marks the culmination of years of research, industry collaboration, and technical validation. According to Plastometrex, support through the Future Leaders Fellowship programme helped accelerate the process significantly, enabling the company to achieve international standardisation in around three years rather than the decade such developments can often take.

Accelerating the journey to international recognition

PIP testing was developed to address challenges associated with conventional tensile testing, which can be time-consuming, costly, and difficult to perform on small samples or in-service assets.
The technology extracts stress-strain curves from indentation test data, enabling engineers to obtain mechanical property information quickly, whilst unlocking important insights that conventional testing may have otherwise missed.

As the technology matured, Plastometrex worked closely with customers, researchers, and industry partners to demonstrate the reliability and repeatability of the method. Extensive validation studies helped build confidence in the technology and supported the development of ASTM E3499-25.
The publication of the new standard provides organisations with greater confidence in adopting PIP testing and creates a recognised framework for its use across industries.

Turning research into real-world impact

Support from the Future Leaders Fellowship programme enabled Plastometrex to continue developing and validating the technology while engaging with international standards bodies and industry stakeholders.

The company collaborated with organisations including Airbus, Nikon, Renishaw, and the National Physical Laboratory as part of the standardisation process. Today, Plastometrex’s PIP technology is being used across sectors including aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure, helping engineers access accurate mechanical property data not just more efficiently, but in ways which would not have been possible with traditional testing methods.

The publication of ASTM E3499-25 is expected to accelerate adoption further, providing a trusted and globally recognised route to mechanical property testing with PIP.

Securing an ASTM standard is a major step in that journey. It validates the rigour of the science; recognises the work of the experts involved and gives industry confidence to enjoy the benefits that PIP offers.

– Dr Jimmy Campbell, Chief Technology Officer, Plastometrex

Looking to the future

With international standardisation now in place, Plastometrex is focused on expanding adoption of PIP technology across regulated industries and global markets.

The company believes the new standard will help organisations integrate innovative testing methods into existing workflows more easily while improving confidence in and comparability of results.

As industries continue to seek faster and more flexible approaches to materials testing, Plastometrex is well positioned to support the next generation of engineering innovation.

Strengthening leadership through Future Leaders Fellowship support

Alongside supporting the development of the technology itself, the Future Leaders Fellowship programme provided a platform for Dr Campbell to grow both the business and its international impact.

The programme helped accelerated research, validation, and industry engagement activities that were critical to securing ASTM recognition.

The result is not only an internationally recognised standard, but a stronger pathway for innovative UK-developed technologies to reach global markets and deliver real-world impact.