Tensile strength
The highest stress a specimen carries before it breaks.
Useful forPlastics, metals, films, fibresMechanical & Physical
Universal Testing Machine
UTM
A universal testing machine stretches, compresses or bends a specimen at a controlled speed while measuring force and extension. It gives strength, stiffness and elongation for plastics, metals, composites and films.
1 test optionTensile, compression & flexuralStress–strain curves & modulusTypical turnaround 5–7 working days
Universal Testing Machine measurement principleIllustrative
01 / Overview
What is Universal Testing Machine?
The specimen is held between two grips, one fixed and one on a moving crosshead. As the crosshead travels at a set speed, a load cell measures the force and an extensometer, or the crosshead position, records the extension. Dividing by the cross-section and gauge length gives a stress–strain curve.
Changing grips and fixtures lets the same frame run tensile, compression, three-point bend, peel and shear tests to ASTM or ISO methods. Its results, such as tensile strength, modulus, yield and elongation at break, are the basic numbers for material selection, quality control and design.
02 / How it works
How it works
- 01
Specimen is prepared
Dog-bone, strip or bar specimens are cut or moulded to the standard's shape, then measured.
- 02
Specimen is gripped
Its ends are clamped in aligned grips, and an extensometer is attached when needed.
- 03
Crosshead moves
The crosshead pulls, pushes or bends at a set speed while the load cell records the force.
- 04
Curve is analysed
Force and extension become a stress–strain curve, giving strength, modulus and elongation.
03 / What it measures
What it measures
Young's modulus
Stiffness, from the first straight part of the curve.
Useful forDesign data, material selectionYield strength
The stress at which permanent deformation begins.
Useful forMetals, ductile polymersElongation at break
How far the specimen stretches before it fails.
Useful forFilms, elastomers, packagingFlexural strength & modulus
Strength and stiffness of a bar in three-point bending.
Useful forRigid plastics, composites, laminatesCompressive strength
The load a block, foam or tube carries when squashed.
Useful forFoams, blocks, tubes, packaging04 / Test options
Choose the Universal Testing Machine options you need
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05 / Sample requirements
Sample requirements
- Accepted forms
- Dog-bone or strip specimens, bars, films, fibres, foams, small parts
- Specimen size
- As the chosen standard specifies, e.g. ISO 527 type 1A or ASTM D638 type I
- Quantity
- At least 5 specimens per sample and direction, plus spares
- Test details
- State the standard, test mode (tensile, compression, flexural) and speed
- Machining
- Send finished specimens, or discuss cutting them from sheet first
- Specimens cut or moulded to the standard's shape and size
- Free of nicks, voids and burrs, especially in the gauge length
- Label each specimen and mark the moulding or rolling direction
- No cracked, bent or visibly damaged specimens
- No large or high-strength metal parts without discussing first
Hazardous or air-sensitive samples: mention it in your request, and attach the MSDS if you have one.
06 / Results & turnaround
Results & turnaround
What you receive
- Load–extension and stress–strain curves
- Strength, modulus, yield and elongation, per specimen
- Mean and standard deviation for each sample
- Test details: standard, speed, specimen dimensions
- Raw data files
- Report PDF
Turnaround & pricing
Typically 5–7 working days after samples reach the lab.
Price confirmed in your quotation, depending on user type, options and number of samples.
07 / Limitations
When Universal Testing Machine isn't the right fit
Toughness under a sudden impact
Flow of liquids, pastes and gels
Why a specimen failed, or its microstructure
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