1.1   This test method covers the determination of mechanical behavior of polymeric biomaterials by small punch testing of miniature disk specimens (0.5 mm in thickness and 6.4 mm in diameter). The test method has been established for characterizing surgical materials after ram extrusion or compression molding (1-3)2; for evaluating as-manufactured implants and sterilization method effects (4, 5); as well as for testing of implants that have been retrieved (explanted) from the human body (6, 7).