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universal testing machine for material testing

Universal Testing Machine Applications: Complete Guide to Common Mechanical Tests

Universal Testing Machines (UTMs) are versatile instruments used in mechanical testing to evaluate the strength, durability, and performance of materials and components. These machines support a broad range of testing methods, making them essential tools for quality control, product development, and research across industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, medical devices, textiles, packaging, and plastics.

In this article, we’ll cover the most common mechanical testing applications performed with a universal testing machine. Each application is explained with practical insight, helping engineers, technicians, and researchers understand how to maximize the use of their UTM system.

✅ Common Applications of a Universal Testing Machine

1. Tensile Test

The tensile test is one of the most fundamental applications of a UTM. It measures the force required to pull a material until it breaks, determining tensile strength, elongation, and modulus of elasticity. It’s commonly used for metals, plastics, rubbers, composites, and textiles.

Typical Standards: ASTM D638 (plastics), ASTM E8 (metals), ISO 527
Key Equipment: Tensile grips, extensometers, test software

2. Compression Test

Compression testing evaluates how materials behave under crushing forces. It determines compressive strength, deformation, and modulus of elasticity. Common in foam, concrete, plastics, and rubber testing.

Typical Standards: ASTM D695, ASTM C109
Key Equipment: Compression platens, alignment tools, displacement sensors

3. Flexural Test (Bend Test)

This test determines a material’s flexural strength and stiffness. UTMs use a three-point or four-point bending fixture to apply force to a sample supported on both ends.

Typical Standards: ASTM D790, ISO 178
Key Equipment: Flexural test fixtures, supports, and rollers

4. Shear Test

Shear testing measures a material's ability to resist sliding forces. It's widely used in adhesive, fastener, and composite testing.

Typical Standards: ASTM D732, ASTM D1002
Key Equipment: Shear fixtures, v-blocks, and custom jigs

5. Tear Test

Tear testing evaluates the force required to tear a material, especially relevant in textiles, rubbers, and films.

Typical Standards: ASTM D624, ASTM D1004
Key Equipment: Tear grips, specimen dies

6. Peel Test

Peel testing is crucial for evaluating adhesive bonds, laminates, and flexible packaging. It includes 90° and 180° peel configurations.

Typical Standards: ASTM D903, ASTM D3330, ASTM D1876
Key Equipment: Peel fixtures, peel tables, clamping grips

7. Adhesion Test

This test measures the force required to separate bonded surfaces. It can include peel, tensile adhesion, and lap shear tests depending on the bonding type.

Typical Standards: ASTM D4541, ASTM D1002
Key Equipment: Pull-off testers, adhesive jigs

8. Bond Test

Bond strength testing evaluates the integrity of adhesives, coatings, and layered composites. It overlaps with adhesion and peel testing.

Typical Standards: ASTM C633
Key Equipment: Specialized grips or jigs, curing setups

9. Puncture Test

Puncture testing determines how much force is needed to penetrate a material. Common in packaging films, membranes, and medical applications.

Typical Standards: ASTM D5748, ASTM F1306
Key Equipment: Puncture probes, die-cut samples, support fixtures

10. Friction Test

This test measures the coefficient of friction between surfaces, critical for materials in sliding or rotating assemblies.

Typical Standards: ASTM D1894, ISO 8295
Key Equipment: Friction sleds, plates, and linear motion systems

11. Indentation Test

Indentation tests assess surface hardness or resistance to penetration. Often applied to elastomers, foams, and coatings.

Typical Standards: ASTM D2240 (durometer), ASTM E384 (microindentation)
Key Equipment: Indenters, hardness probes

12. Fatigue Test

Fatigue testing determines how materials respond to repeated loading over time. Although more common in servo-hydraulic systems, electromechanical UTMs with cyclic modules can perform low-speed fatigue.

Typical Standards: ASTM E466
Key Equipment: Fatigue-rated grips, dynamic control modules

13. Fracture Test

Fracture toughness tests assess a material's resistance to crack propagation. Used in safety-critical structures like pipelines or aircraft.

Typical Standards: ASTM E399, ASTM D5045
Key Equipment: Fracture mechanics fixtures, notched specimens

14. Torsion Test

Torsion testing applies a twisting force to measure shear modulus and torsional strength, important in shafts, wires, and rods.

Typical Standards: ASTM A938
Key Equipment: Torsion drives, rotary actuators, torque cells

15. Axial Torsion Test

Axial torsion combines both axial (tensile/compression) and torsional loads. Used for evaluating stents, tubing, and flexible connectors under multi-axis stress.

Key Equipment: Axial torsion load frames, dual-axis sensors

16. Biaxial Test

Biaxial testing simultaneously stretches the sample in two directions. It’s often used in biomedical devices, films, and elastomers.

Typical Standards: Custom or ASTM E2368
Key Equipment: Biaxial load frames, cruciform samples, dual-actuation controls

17. Planar Biaxial Test

Similar to biaxial testing but performed in a flat plane. Common in soft tissues and elastic films to simulate in vivo mechanical loading.

Key Equipment: Planar biaxial grips, multi-axis control software

🔧 Universal Testing Machine Equipment Overview

UTMs can be configured with a range of grips, fixtures, load cells, and accessories to match the test being performed. Essential components include:

  • Electromechanical or servo-hydraulic frame

  • Load cells sized appropriately for expected forces

  • Grips/fixtures matched to the test type (tensile, compression, peel, etc.)

  • Extensometers (contact or non-contact) for strain measurement

  • Software to control the test and record data

  • Specimen preparation tools (dies, presses, cutters)

Universal Grip Company supplies all of the above equipment tailored to specific ASTM or ISO test methods.

🔍 Common Testing Standards Covered by UTMs

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Universal Testing Machines provide unmatched flexibility in material testing.

  • One frame can perform dozens of tests with interchangeable fixtures and accessories.

  • Proper test setup and specimen preparation are crucial for reliable results.

  • Understanding the full range of UTM applications helps you get the most out of your investment.

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