Dynamic Vise Grip for Composites 100 kN – Fatigue Rated

100 kN vise grips for fatigue testing of polymer composites

The UGC-VG-060 is a heavy vise grip built for dynamic and fatigue tests on polymer composite specimens up to 100 kN (22,480 lbf). Fatigue work is unforgiving on grips: any play in the jaws lets the specimen shift slightly every cycle, which shows up as noise in the load signal, fretting at the tabs and premature failures in the grip area. This design removes that play by clamping the jaws with a row of cap screws, so the hold stays rigid through long fatigue runs. It is aimed at composites labs, aerospace and automotive suppliers, and research groups qualifying fiber-reinforced laminates.

How it works

The specimen sits between bolt-clamped wedge jaws, and several cap screws are tightened to lock them in place. Once torqued, the jaws cannot creep or rattle, which is what gives backlash-free clamping under tension-tension cycling. An engraved scale on the grip lets the operator center each specimen in the same position, which matters for keeping bending out of thin laminates. The body is nickel-plated steel, and the grip is rated for both static and dynamic loading at the full 100 kN.

Versions for hot and cold testing

• Pull-rod version: extends the grip into a temperature chamber so the specimen can be tested from -70 to +180 °C while the load cell stays outside

• Water-cooled version: integrated cooling keeps heat from reaching the load cell and actuator, over the same -70 to +180 °C range

Typical applications

Polymer matrix composites, fiber-reinforced laminates, fatigue testing and high- or low-temperature testing are the core uses. The grip suits specimens for static tests such as ASTM D3039 and ISO 527-4, and for tension-tension fatigue work such as ASTM D3479. Our environmental chambers pair with the pull-rod version.

Choosing the right setup

Fatigue tests need a dynamic test system, so this grip is normally installed on the customer's servo-hydraulic or electrodynamic frame. For static strength tests on the same specimens, it also fits a 100 kN Galdabini benchtop universal testing machine. Coupling and specimen size are set on request, and adapters cover most actuator and load cell threads. If your loads are lower, the UGC-VG-160 fatigue fixture is a lighter 30 kN option; other dynamic grips are listed under fatigue grips.

Share your specimen width and thickness, test temperature and frame coupling, and we will specify the chamber or water-cooled build: request a quote.