50kN Universal Testing Machine

Machine Specifications

The 50kN or 11,000lb. universal testing machine is used for tensile and compression testing. The cross-head and load cell are designed to work in both directions, allowing the machine to test under almost any ASTM procedure. 

 

Key specifications: 50 kN (11,240 lbf) capacity; 1 m (39.4 in) total stroke; test speeds up to 500 mm/min; 205 mm (8.1 in) column clearance. Longer stroke and wider frames are available.

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ASTM D3167 - Floating Roller Peel Test

ASTM D5035 - Textile Tensile Testing - Grab

ASTM E8 - Tensile Testing on Metal

ASTM D5379 - Iosipescu Shear Testing

 

Customization

The testing machine can be outfitted with a number of different grips and fixtures according to the desired testing procedure. Along with grips, the machines can also include a full array of extensometers, environmental chambers, and video-based strain gauges.

 

Quality

All Galdabini machines are fabricated and certified under ISO 9001:2008 quality standards and include a 1-yr. manufacturer's warranty.

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After-Sales Support

Each Galdabini machine is fully supported by means of the TeamViewer program. Galdabini technicians can remotely diagnose the system over the internet, anywhere in the world. Galdabini machines are used every day in over 100 countries. 

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Calibration verification and general maintenance can be performed on-site by any force calibrator.

 

What fits inside 50 kN (11,240 lbf)

The 50 kN Quasar is the workhorse benchtop for metals and composites. Typical peak loads, worked out from strength × cross-section:

• ASTM E8 round specimen, 6 mm diameter, steel at 600 MPa: about 17 kN.

• ASTM E8 sheet specimen (12.5 × 3 mm) at 500 MPa: about 19 kN.

• Quasi-isotropic carbon laminate, ASTM D3039 (25 × 2.5 mm) at 600 MPa: about 38 kN.

• Floating roller peel, ASTM D3167: under 1 kN.

• Iosipescu shear, ASTM D5379: usually a few kilonewtons.

 

Why 205 mm of column clearance helps

The 50 kN frame is wider than the 25 kN, with 205 mm (8.1 in) from the load axis to the column. That leaves room for larger wedge grips, composite fixtures, a safety shield and an environmental chamber running from −80 to +280 °C.

 

Grips and fixtures for this size

A typical 50 kN metals and composites lab runs manual or hydraulic wedge grips, a floating roller peel fixture, an Iosipescu shear fixture, compression fixtures for D6641 and four-point bend fixtures for laminates. An extensometer is needed for modulus and yield.

 

50 kN or 100 kN?

Both use the 205 mm frame, 1 m stroke and 500 mm/min top speed. Choose 50 kN when nearly all specimens break below 40 kN. Choose 100 kN for 12.5 mm round steel bars, unidirectional carbon coupons and structural fasteners. Our buyer's guide covers the full method.

 

Setting up composite tests

Composite coupons are sensitive to grip damage and misalignment. Use bonded tabs or grips with fine serrations for D3039, check alignment before a test series, and fit strain gauges or an extensometer for modulus. For compression to D6641, the combined loading fixture must sit square on hardened platens, and an environmental chamber lets you test hot/wet conditions inside the same frame.

 

Frequently asked questions

Is a 50 kN machine enough for ASTM E8 metal testing?

For sheet and small round specimens, yes. A standard 12.5 mm diameter steel bar at 500 MPa needs about 61 kN, so full-size round specimens need a 100 kN frame or larger.

Can the 50 kN Quasar run ASTM D3039 composite tests?

Yes for most woven and quasi-isotropic laminates. Unidirectional carbon coupons can exceed 50 kN and are better suited to the 100 kN frame.

What is 50 kN in pounds?

50 kN equals 11,240 lbf.

Can the 50 kN frame test composites at temperature?

Yes. The 205 mm frame takes an environmental chamber running from −80 to +280 °C, with grips and fixtures rated for the chamber.