Whether performing routine tensile testing, measuring Poisson’s ratio, or conducting full-field strain analysis, correct sample marking is essential for reliable, repeatable strain data. This article provides a comprehensive guide to sample marking for video extensometers, explains how digital image correlation (DIC) works, and outlines best practices for achieving high-quality strain measurements across a wide range of materials.

If you’re trying to choose between a video (non-contact) extensometer and a clip-on (contact) extensometer, the best answer depends on what you test, how often you change specimen types, your accuracy needs, your risk tolerance for damaging samples, and—very often—budget.

Learn when to use an extensometer and why it is important for tensile testing on a universal testing machine.

A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is a mechanical-testing instrument designed to apply controlled axial forces (and sometimes other modes of loading) to material specimens and then measure the specimen’s response (force, displacement, strain, deformation, failure) under well-defined conditions.

One of our bollard grips for our Stringing Together our Ropes, Strings, and Wire Grips ASTMs Blog Post

A Beginner friendly Guide to Universal Grip's Adapters

Manual Force Tensile Testing Machine

Universal Grip’s Thermal Environmental Chambers are engineered to provide controlled hot and cold test environments for tensile, compression, flexural, peel, shear, and other mechanical tests.

Universal Grip is at the forefront of innovation with its fully automated robotic cells for tensile testing

What is Tensile Testing and Why is it Important? What Type of Equipment do I need to perform Tensile Testing?