Tensile Test Report

EPCO's bow and stern eyes are designed for mooring boats in accordance with ABYC H-40.3 and are not intended for lifting boats. The tensile strength of the 304 and 316 series stainless steel used in the production of these products is an important consideration for designers when selecting what style, diameter and material that is used in their product.

EPCO engaged a major midwestern university to conduct tests to report its findings as to the points of failure that were obtained while doing three different tests. The tests were done on a straight pull tensile test (Figures 1 & 2 Tensile Test), an edge pull (Figures 3 & 4 Edge Pull) and a side pull (Figures 5 & 6 Side Pull). The tests were conducted from June 10 - August 18, 2003.*

The tests were done on randomly selected production samples of both 304 and 316 series stainless steel bow eyes. Fixtures for each series of tests were fabricated at the university to accommodate tensile, side pull, and edge pull on the bow eyes. Copies of material certifications were provided with the test samples.

Figure 1 Tensile Test	Figure 2 Bow Eye Tensile Failure
Figure 3 Edge Pull	Figure 4 Bow Eye Edge Failure
Figure 5 Side Pull	Figure 6 Side Pull Failure

The representative samples of 304 and 316 series stainless steel that were tested were EPCO part numbers:

• 151 5/8" diameter—cut thread
• 113 1/2" diameter—cut thread
• 164 .446" diameter—roll thread
• 123 .331" diameter—roll thread

Failure Loads for Bow Eyes—August 27, 2003
Tensile (lbs)	TYPE	151	113	164	123
	304	47,000	31,400	31,900	18,000
	316	36,300	28,800	29,900	16,800
Edge (lbs)	TYPE	151	113	164	123
	304	18,400	18,900	11,200	7,500
	316	21,100	21,000	14,500	11,200
Side (lbs)	TYPE	151	113	164	123
	304	6,400	3,900	10,600	6,000
	316	32,300	3,400	3,500	11,700

June 10, 2003 - August 18, 2003

Test Conclusion

"Tensile tests results and edge pull test results correlate to expectations of material behavior for a single test situation. Side pull tests are not as conclusive, even with a second series of tests. However, with an appropriate factor for safety, side pull results can be used." —quote from test report on August 27, 2003

*Complete Test Report (PDF)

Statement of Compliance
All the products that EPCO produces meet or exceed the
requirements for that product as defined by ABYC H-40.