United Testing DFM Series Floor Model Universal Test Machine (UTM), 100-600 kN

Universal testing machine

Manufactured by United Testing Systems, our advanced materials testing brand, the DFM Series is a family of high-capacity floor-model universal testing machines available in four force capacities: DFM-100 (100 kN), DFM-150 (150 kN), DFM-300 (300 kN) and DFM-600 (600 kN). All four variants share the same core architecture – dual column load frame, twin ball screw drive with closed-loop servo controls, and interchangeable load cell system. 

Used by aerospace and defense structural testing laboratories, automotive tier-1 crash and durability testing programs, construction materials testing operations working with steel, concrete and composites, heavy fastener QC teams, composite materials R&D groups, and university and government research laboratories – the DFM Series supports Tensile Testing, Compression Testing, Flexibility Testing, Adhesion Testing and Creep to Fail Testing across plastics, rubber, textiles, metals, composites, adhesives, bolts, screws, fasteners, wood products and related materials. 

DragonFly UTS software is included with every frame, pre-configured with a large test method library covering ASTM, ISO, BS, EN, GB, DIN and related standards. The DragonFly UTS DAQC4 Hardware Controller supports standard data acquisition rates of 1,000 Hz, and plug-and-play expansion modules allow additional external channels for extensometers, strain gauges, laser and video capture systems.

Why it matters

Defensible force verification to ASTM E4 and ISO 7500-1. Speed accuracy ±0.1% of set speed, position accuracy the greater of 0.025 mm or 0.025% of movement – conforming to ASTM E4 and ISO 7500-1 so QC data stands up under external audit. 

DragonFly UTS software with pre-configured test methods. Icon-based test method builder, workflow management tools, test template library and intuitive import/export – all pre-configured at the factory to your specific requirements before the machine arrives. 

One-keystroke test operation plus safety and cycling features standard. Pre-load, test, stop and return operations initiated with one keystroke; ergonomic manual jog controls; test speeds selectable on-the-fly; automatic stop-on-break and over-limit protection; repetitive cycling (fatigue) modes standard.

DFM Series Frames for universal testing solutions

DFM Series Frames are universal testing machine capable of performing a wide range of testing applications, including tensile testing, compression testing and flex testing. They can be used for the full spectrum of testing, from the basic to the highly complex. Several models in different forces make up the DFM Series – DFM-100, DFM-150, DFM-300 and the DFM-600.

DFM Series Frame applications

Ideal for performing tension, compression, or advanced materials testing applications, DFM Series frames are the ideal choice when testing materials such as plastic, rubber, textiles, metals, composites, adhesives, bolts, screws, fasteners, wood products, and related material. 

Simple and easy to use, DFM Series frames are known for the durability, dependability, and overall lower cost of ownership compared to many other brands on the market today. 

DFM Series Frame and international standards 

The DFM Series conforms to international standards for testing machine force verification: 

• ASTM E4 – Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines 
• ISO 7500-1 – Metallic materials – Calibration and verification of static uniaxial testing machines – Part 1 
• DragonFly UTS test method library covering ASTM, ISO, BS, EN, GB, DIN and related standards – specific methods pre-configured at factory 

UTM test machine with DragonFly software 

All DFM Series UTM’s come equipped with DragonFly UTS software, for the ultimate in ease of use. Test methods are pre-configured at the factory based on your unique requirements. 

What is DragonFly UTS? 

DragonFly UTS is our next generation platform designed to provide all of the latest features that a modern UTM requires in a powerful but easy-to-use package. Using an intuitive workflow-based user interface, it supports all types of UTM users, from R&D labs to quality control personnel in production environments. 

Improved user experience 

From the first screen the operator sees to the final data analysis and reporting screen, DragonFly UTS is designed to provide a smooth, intuitive, and easily repeated workflow-based environment unique to UTM users and applications. 

DragonFly UTS Hardware Controller 

DragonFly UTS is more than just new software. Along with our innovative software, we have also developed our next generation DAQC4 Hardware Controller to provide the most reliable and highest quality data and machines control possible from our UTM’s. 

Test method library  

DragonFly UTS comes complete with a large library of test methods to get you up and running quickly. Test methods can easily be imported or exported between systems running DragonFly UTS, making it easy to share methods and data across systems.  

Choosing the right universal testing frames 

Four force capacity variants share the same dual-column architecture, DragonFly UTS software and DAQC4 hardware controller: 

• DFM-100 – 100 kN maximum force. Higher-load fasteners, mid-range composites, structural testing. 
• DFM-150 – 150 kN maximum force. Automotive component testing, construction fasteners, composite panels. 
• DFM-300 – 300 kN maximum force. Steel testing, heavy composites, larger structural components. 
• DFM-600 – 600 kN maximum force. Top of the DFM range before stepping up to DHFM hydraulic models (600-2,000 kN). 

Taller or wider custom frames can be manufactured to accommodate specialized sample sizes – contact us for custom frame specifications. 

Compression Test Machine & Tensile Strength Machines

A compression Testing Machine (CTM) is used to measure the compressive strength of a material. The CTM is designed to apply a compressive load to the sample until it fails. A universal testing machine (UTM), also known as a universal tester, materials testing machine or materials test frame, is used to test the tensile strength and compressive strength of materials.

Looking for other universal test machines or test frame models?  

We have a range of other UTMs and frames to suit a wide range of applications.  

• DSTM (Low-Capacity Electromechanical Table Models) – 5kN, 10kN, 20kN, 25kN 
• Explore our DTM (Medium-Capacity Electromechanical  Table Models) – 50kn, 100kn 
• Explore our DHFM (High-Capacity Hydraulic Models) – 600kn, 1000kN, 2000kN 

Universally renowned UTM machine knowledge  

We like to share the lessons learnt over 55 years of making universal testing machines. Why not check out this blog that covers the basics of UTM machine testing? Or this one, which outlines some of the different types of universal testing machines and how they can help your R&D and quality control. A blog on Static vs Dynamic Testing might also be of interest.

What happens after you enquire

When you enquire about the DFM Series, our United Testing Systems specialists will confirm your typical test force range (helping you choose between DFM-100, 150, 300 or 600), your specific sample geometries and whether standard or custom frame dimensions are needed, which standards you test to so DragonFly UTS can be pre-configured with the correct test methods, and what expansion channels you need at day one versus adding later. 

For purchasing teams, we provide the SKU (once populated), quotation turnaround and technical documentation for internal sign-off – including foundation loading data, power supply requirements, and lead time confirmation. 

Service, warranty and ongoing support

Every DFM Series machine is supplied with a 1 year parts and labour warranty as standard – our Industrial Physics group commitment across all brands. Ongoing support focuses on load cell recalibration (typically annual per ASTM E4 / ISO 7500-1), DragonFly UTS software updates, additional test method configuration for new standards or customer specifications, and plug-and-play expansion module addition. To arrange service, order load cells, grips or fixtures, or discuss expansion module configuration, contact our support team. 

Beyond the warranty period, the Industrial Physics global service network provides advice on test method interpretation across ASTM, ISO, BS, EN, GB, DIN standards, cross-verification between DFM Series and other UTS product ranges (DSTM 5-25 kN, DTM 50-100 kN, DHFM 600-2000 kN), and integrating the DFM into a documented QC workflow.