What Specifications Should You Consider Before Buying a Universal Testing Machine?

A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is a truly multipurpose instrument that can be used to test the tensile stress and compressive strength of various materials, components and structures, thus explaining its ‘universality’. A UTM can perform a tensile test, compression test, peel test, bend test and puncture test. They are suitable for use in quality control, production, laboratory, R&D or education.

Purchasing a UTM is not very complicated, though a little bit of research definitely helps one in choosing the right UTM; one that serves the exact nature of your requirement.

Here are some of the specifications that you should consider before buying a Universal Testing Machine -

• Mechanical Property to be Measured

Determining the quality characteristics that you need to measure versus the ones that are not important for you, can be the most crucial step towards choosing the right machine. Traditional UTMs can perform most tension, compression, flexure, and peel tests.

• Force Capacity

Determine the maximum load required to perform your tests. This force capacity is what decides the size/frame of your machine which can help you choose between table-top over floor-standing, single over dual column, or electromechanical over hydraulic varieties.

• Maximum Speed Capacity

Choose the maximum speed required to perform the test as this will determine the motor type, the kind of actuator and optimum drive that is necessary to equip the machine with. Static tests and fatigue tests are performed with specific kinds of motors and actuators that allows for speed regulations.

• Grips/Fixtures Required

The grips and fixtures chosen should be solely based on the material being tested and have the capacity to benefit or hurt overall results. However, you should also consider the versatility range of the fixture; while some fixtures like are only limited to one type of specimen, others are more flexible.

• Capability of Calculation and Data Analysis

Figure out the calculations necessary to test your specimen and go for the systems that match the ability to perform those calculations. While almost all machines can display and save peak load data, real time graphs and advanced calculations can be performed by advanced testing systems that offer built-in ASTM/ISO testing analyses.

• Range of Functions Offered

While it is enough for you to test for propertied like tension and compression of a specimen today, your testing requirements may expand in the future. By opting for an all-encompassing system that can perform a variety of functions/tests, you can optimize long run costs.

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