2.5kN Universal Testing Machine

UTM

The 2.5kN or 500 lb. single column machine is ideal for low force testing. The benchtop machine fits into a tight workspace in any laboratory or manufacturing environment. This size machine is ideal for testing plastic, rubber, and textiles. Common tests include:

 

ASTM D5035 - Textile Tensile Testing

ASTM D790 - Plastics Flexural Strength

ASTM D412 - Rubber Tensile Testing

ASTM D3330 - Tape Peel Testing

 

Customization

The system can be customized with different load cells, grips, and accessories based on the testing application. Galdabini universal testing machines are easy to operate with the Graphworks 6 software.

 

Quality

Each Galdabini machine is manufactured with the highest quality standards. The manufacturing process is ISO 9001:2008 certified and the systems require virtually no maintenance besides annual calibration. 

 

 

In Stock!

Universal Grip stocks the 2.5kN machines at its facility in Salem, MA. This system can arrive the same week an order is placed, complete with load cell and basic testing fixtures. 

 

Key specifications: 2.5 kN (562 lbf) capacity; 1 m (39.4 in) total stroke; test speeds up to 1,000 mm/min; 101 mm (4.0 in) column clearance. Longer stroke frames are available.

 

What fits inside 2.5 kN (562 lbf)

The 2.5 kN Quasar is built for specimens that break at a few hundred newtons, where a larger frame would waste most of its load cell range. Typical peak loads, worked out from strength × cross-section:

• Rubber dumbbell, ASTM D412 Die C (6 × 2 mm, about 20 MPa): roughly 240 N.

• Plastic film strip, ASTM D882 (25 × 0.1 mm, about 50 MPa): roughly 125 N.

• 1 mm spring-steel wire at 2,000 MPa: roughly 1.6 kN.

• Woven fabric strip, ASTM D5035 (25 mm wide): usually 200 N to 1.5 kN.

• Pressure-sensitive tape peel, ASTM D3330: a few newtons to about 50 N.

Because the frame is single-column, the area around the load axis stays open, which makes it easy to load film, tape and fabric by hand. The trade-off is a 101 mm (4.0 in) column clearance, so wide fixtures and large chambers belong on the dual-column 5 kN frame.

 

Speed and stroke for stretchy materials

With up to 1,000 mm/min and 1 m of stroke, the 2.5 kN frame can pull elastomers, films and foams to break in one pass. Rubber at 600 to 800% elongation needs several hundred millimetres of crosshead travel, so stroke matters more than force on this machine.

 

Grips and fixtures for this size

Most 2.5 kN systems run pneumatic grips for films and textiles, vise or wedge grips for small plastic and wire specimens, a 90° or T-peel setup for adhesives and tapes, and small compression platens for foam. Add a clip-on or video extensometer when you need modulus.

 

2.5 kN or 5 kN?

Choose the 2.5 kN for low-force work that will stay under about 2 kN. Move to the 5 kN if you also test rigid plastics such as ASTM D638 Type I bars, need wider fixtures, or plan to add a temperature chamber. For a full sizing method, see our buyer's guide.

 

Getting accurate low-force results

At this size, small things move the numbers: specimen alignment, grip pressure on soft materials and the weight of the grips themselves. Zero the load cell with the upper grip fitted, use pneumatic grips with rubber-faced jaws for films so they do not tear at the jaw line, and pick a crosshead speed from the standard rather than the machine maximum. For peel and tape tests, record the average force over the steady part of the curve, not the first peak.

 

Frequently asked questions

What can a 2.5 kN universal testing machine test?

Films, rubber, textiles, tapes, foam, fine wire, sutures and other specimens that break below about 2 kN. Typical standards include ASTM D412, D882, D5035, D3330 and D1876.

Is a 2.5 kN tester accurate at very low forces?

Yes, as long as the load cell is sized to the job. Many labs pair the frame with a lower-capacity load cell for peel and film tests so the readings sit well inside the calibrated range.

Why is the 2.5 kN frame single-column?

A single column keeps the front and sides open for fast, hand-loaded tests. If you need wide fixtures, a large chamber or more than 2.5 kN, the dual-column 5 kN frame is the next step up.

How fast can the 2.5 kN Quasar run?

Up to 1,000 mm/min, twice the top speed of the larger benchtop frames, with 1 m of total stroke for high-elongation materials.