All about Universal Testing Machines!

What is a universal testing machine?

What is a universal testing machine (UTM), a universal testing machine is used to measure the tensile and compressive strength of different materials.

It’s a helpful, multi-purpose instrument that supports the materials testing processes of organizations across all industries. You’ll find universal testing machines supporting research and development and quality control efforts in laboratories and on factory floors the world over.

Universal testing machines can go by other names: materials testing machine, or a materials test frame, for example. The ‘universal’ part of the title relates to the many types of tests that can be undertaken with these multi-use devices.

Universal testing machines will study the strength characteristics of many types of materials, components and structures – from plastics and polymers through to metals, rubber and textiles. Universal testing machines apply increasing loads to your sample specimens while the control system and software collects data for analysis.

The requirements, setup and best practice instructions for your universal testing machine are usually found in a test method published by an international standards organization such as ASTM or ISO.

Industrial Physics universal testing machines (UTMs)

 Our industry-leading universal testing machines are programmed with up to a 100 different tests. They give you unparalleled control over tension (pull testing), compression and flexibility testing on a variety of parts, components and test samples.

Table model universal testing machines

Our convenient table model frames are surprisingly powerful – generating force from 5 kN up to 100 kN. Click here and here to find out about some of the models that we make.

They’re ideal for many material types and we can create bespoke instruments to suit the needs of your operation…just ask!

Find out more about our latest table mounted universal testing machine by clicking here.

Floor model universal testing machines (UTMs)

If you have large parts and components to test, or just stronger materials, our floor mounted universal testing machines are a great choice. They can generate powerful forces from 100kN to 600kN, while our servo-hydraulic frames take things to a whopping 2,000 kN.

Find out more about our latest floor mounted universal testing machine by clicking here.

United Multiple Sample Test System

 Test up to six samples at once and increase your testing labs productivity with the United Multi-Sample testing system.  It’s not officially a universal testing machine but has a similar purpose and works wonders with high-volume, repetitive testing of plastics, rubber, film or elastomers. It comes with three to six stations and the unique angled frame configuration makes for better, simple sample loading.

Click here to find out more.

Get help choosing a UTM with Industrial Physics

For help choosing the right Universal Testing Machine or guidance when it comes to customizing a new machine, why not talk to our experts? Not only do we stock high quality testing solutions across brands including United Testing Systems but with almost 100 years of experience in the test and measurement field, we’re well placed to guide you at every step of the way. Ready to find out more? Get in touch. 

The Industrial Physics range of universal testing machines is second-to-none and we’d be delighted to talk to you about any of the models that we make, or our wider materials testing products and services. Browse through our universal testing machines here!