You may have heard of universal testing machines, also known as tensile testing machines. But what are these machines? What are they used for? And do you need one? The universal testing machine is a laboratory instrument capable of printing forces of various types and different intensities on materials. It is defined as universal due to the wide range of possible uses, but in the past, it was known more simply as a "traction machine" or "dynamometer".

Universal testing machines are designed to certify the mechanical properties of materials, components and products. They can be actuated by electromechanical or hydraulic means to perform different tests, such as tensile, compression, bending, peel and tear.


Importance of Universal testing machines


Universal testing machines test materials such as plastics, metals, elastomers, and composites. This means they are used for many purposes and in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, packaging, and biomedical.



Universal Testing Machine is a versatile and essential part of any product design and manufacturing process because it ensures that the materials used and the final product meet the required specifications. To ensure consistency between different manufacturers, specifications for testing different materials and products are often governed by national and international standards organizations such as ISO and ASTM.


Universal testing machines are used during various stages of product development; during the research and development phase, they can determine what materials should be used. After production, they are used by quality control laboratories to verify the quality of a product before it goes on the market. For example, tire manufacturers must ensure that elastomers meet their elasticity requirements and confirm that the rubber used in tires will perform well under various temperatures and conditions.


Also Read:- A Guide to Using Universal Testing Machine


Universal testing machine manufacturer must ensure that the composite materials used to build an aircraft wing will flex properly without breaking. The metal used in construction must be strong enough to support the weight required by the project design.


And everything in a consumer product, including the screen on your phone, must be durable and impact resistant. Some products, such as medical devices, have a high cost of failure. These products are highly regulated by government agencies such as the FDA and must pass rigorous tests before they can go on the market. Universal testing machines can perform several important mechanical tests, such as tensile, compression, peel, tear, friction, bending and shearing.


How the universal testing equipment kinds are differentiated


Universal testing machines can have three different operating principles:

  • Hydraulic

  • Electromagnetic

  • Tire


The most common are those with a hydraulic principle, while those with a pneumatic principle are the rarest. Regarding the construction characteristics, the computerized universal testing machine varies greatly depending on the model, and it is only possible to summarize some of the versions on the market exhaustively. Finally, universal testing machines can be distinguished by the intensity of the machine's developable force, ranging from a few hundred N to 1000 kN or more.