Richard Moser shows how to use and upgrade toy bricks for the construction of a lightweight
low-cost and easy to reproduce tensile testing setup. Tailored for the characterization of
elastomers and stretchable electrodes the setup is capable of performing stress-strain studies
along with resistance-strain measurements. Based on the underlying theory of material
deformation and rubber elasticity the author applies the setup to mechanically characterize
polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with different grades of stiffness. The versatility of the device
is highlighted with the electromechanical characterization of stretchable thin film metal
electrodes on PDMS. Applications of the author´s setup range from using it as an educational
tool in practical physics and engineering courses over being showcase in scientific exhibitions
to its utilization as an inexpensive and reliable laboratory tool.
