# Plastometrex > Plastometrex develops non-destructive mechanical testing systems for metals. Its proprietary technology, Profilometry-based Indentation Plastometry (PIP), extracts full stress-strain curves from a simple indentation in minutes, delivering yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, work-hardening behaviour, and uniform elongation. PIP combines the speed and flexibility of hardness testing with the stress-strain data of tensile testing. The method is formalised under international standard ASTM E3499-25. Plastometrex was founded in 2019 by former University of Cambridge materials scientists and is based in Cambridge, UK. PIP testing was commercially launched in 2021 with the PLX-Benchtop. The company's systems are used across additive manufacturing, aerospace, defence, energy, automotive, medical devices, research, and education by organisations including NASA, Airbus, Nikon, Renishaw, Leonardo Helicopters, and NPL. ## Key facts about PIP testing - PIP (Profilometry-based Indentation Plastometry) measures the mechanical properties of metals by extracting a full stress-strain curve from an indentation. - It works in three steps: (1) a hard spherical indenter creates an indent, (2) the 3D residual indent profile is measured, (3) accelerated inverse finite element analysis fits a stress-strain curve to the profile. - A test takes only a few minutes, versus a typical tensile-test turnaround of around five working days. - PIP is effectively non-destructive, requiring only a small indent on a locally flat surface rather than a machined, destroyed coupon. - PIP returns yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, work-hardening behaviour, and uniform elongation, the same fundamental properties as a tensile test. - It can test small, irregular, and complex parts, including welds, heat affected zones, thin sections, and additively manufactured walls, down to 0.75 mm thick, with indents as close as 1.5 mm apart for high-resolution property mapping. - PIP can be applied to all metals and probes the bulk material response rather than individual grains. - PIP testing is formalised under international standard ASTM E3499-25, approved October 2025 and published November 2025. ## Products - [PLX-Benchtop](https://www.plastometrex.com/products/plx-benchtop): Compact benchtop system that extracts metal stress-strain curves in minutes from small and irregular specimens, and maps properties across parts or welds. - [PLX-HotStage](https://www.plastometrex.com/products/plx-hotstage): Add-on module for the PLX-Benchtop that generates metal stress-strain curves at temperatures up to 800°C in minutes. - [PLX-Portable](https://www.plastometrex.com/products/plx-portable): Field instrument that measures yield and tensile strength directly from in-service assets, non-destructively. The only tool obtaining mechanical properties in-situ using a standardised method (ASTM E3499-25). - [CORSICA+](https://www.plastometrex.com/corsica): Subscription delivering continuous software updates, exclusive features, and expert application engineering support. ## Technology - [What is PIP?](https://www.plastometrex.com/what-is-pip): Technical explanation of the PIP method and its three steps. - [Explore PIP Testing](https://www.plastometrex.com/explore-pip-testing): Overview of PIP testing, its use cases, validation, and the ASTM standard. - [PIP vs Tensile Testing](https://www.plastometrex.com/pip-vs-tensile): Comparison of PIP and conventional tensile testing. - [PIP vs Hardness Testing](https://www.plastometrex.com/pip-vs-hardness): Comparison of PIP and conventional hardness testing. - [Performance / Validation Data](https://www.plastometrex.com/interactive-validation-data): Interactive comparison of PIP yield and tensile strength data against tensile test values. - [AM Savings Calculator](https://www.plastometrex.com/am-cost-time-calculator): Tool comparing the cost and time of tensile testing against PIP. ## Applications - [Material Development](https://www.plastometrex.com/applications/material-development): Screen and optimise new alloys faster. - [AM Parameter Development](https://www.plastometrex.com/applications/additive-manufacturing-parameter-development): Dial in additive manufacturing build parameters with reliable mechanical property data. - [AM Part Qualification](https://www.plastometrex.com/applications/additive-manufacturing-part-qualification): Qualify additively manufactured parts in minutes. - [Failure Analysis](https://www.plastometrex.com/applications/failure-analysis): Investigate failure modes with full stress-strain data at high spatial resolution. - [Reverse Engineering](https://www.plastometrex.com/applications/reverse-engineering): Extract material properties from small and complex parts. - [Research](https://www.plastometrex.com/applications/research): Overcome testing bottlenecks across a wide range of metals. - [Teaching](https://www.plastometrex.com/applications/education): Bridge the gap between theory and practice in the classroom. ## Resources - [Case Studies](https://www.plastometrex.com/resources/case-studies): Real-world applications of PIP testing. - [Blog Articles](https://www.plastometrex.com/resources/blog-articles): Articles on mechanical testing, PIP, and industry topics. - [Technical Articles](https://www.plastometrex.com/resources/technical-articles): In-depth technical explanations of the method. - [Research Papers](https://www.plastometrex.com/resources/research-papers): Peer-reviewed research featuring PIP testing. - [Brochures](https://www.plastometrex.com/resources/brochures): Product and method brochures. - [Events and Webinars](https://www.plastometrex.com/resources/events-and-webinars): Upcoming and on-demand events. - [Videos](https://www.plastometrex.com/resources/videos): Video demonstrations and explainers. ## Company - [About](https://www.plastometrex.com/about): Company background and team. - [News](https://www.plastometrex.com/news): Latest announcements and developments. - [Testimonials](https://www.plastometrex.com/testimonials): Customer perspectives. - [Contact](https://www.plastometrex.com/contact): Get in touch. ## Contact and actions - [Book a Demo](https://www.plastometrex.com/book-a-demo): Arrange a demonstration of PIP testing. - [Request a Quote](https://www.plastometrex.com/request-a-quote): Request pricing. - [Get in Touch](https://www.plastometrex.com/contact): General enquiries.