5kN Universal Testing Machine

UTM

The 5kN or 1,125 lb. machine is the lowest capacity dual column testing machine from Galdabini. This machine is ideal for testing plastics, rubber, and bio-medical materials. The dual column design allows for a wide array of grips and fixtures. 

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ASTM D638 - Plastics Tensile Strength

ASTM D695 - Plastics Compression Strength

ASTM D732 - Plastics Shear Testing

ASTM D790 - Plastics Bend Testing

 

Customization

The machine can be outfitted with a large number of fixtures to perform different types of tests. This universal testing machine can perform tensile, compression, bend, shear, puncture, and peel tests. The Galdabini testing system software Graphwork 6 is flexible and very easy to learn. The machines can arrive pre-programmed with the desired ASTM tests. New tests can be programmed easily by using the test setup wizard. 

 

Quality

Galdabini has been manufacturing high quality machines since 1890 and UTMs since the 1930's. The manufacturing process is ISO 9001:2008 certified and the systems require virtually no maintenance besides annual calibration. 

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Key specifications: 5 kN (1,124 lbf) capacity; 1 m (39.4 in) total stroke; test speeds up to 500 mm/min; 175 mm (6.9 in) column clearance. Longer stroke and wider frames are available.

 

What fits inside 5 kN (1,124 lbf)

The 5 kN Quasar is the smallest dual-column frame and covers most unreinforced plastics, elastomers and thin sheet. Typical peak loads, worked out from strength × cross-section:

• ASTM D638 Type I bar (13 × 3.2 mm) in polypropylene at 35 MPa: about 1.5 kN; in ABS at 45 MPa: about 1.9 kN.

• ASTM D790 three-point bend on a 3.2 mm plastic bar: usually under 200 N.

• ASTM D695 compression of a 12.7 mm prism in soft plastics such as PE (20 to 30 MPa): about 3 to 5 kN. Rigid grades such as PC or ABS need 10 kN or more.

• Aluminum foil or 0.2 mm sheet strip, 12.5 mm wide: a few hundred newtons.

• Medical tubing, catheters and sutures: tens to hundreds of newtons.

 

Why dual-column matters at 5 kN

Two columns carry the crosshead on both sides, so the frame stays square under off-centre loads from peel and shear fixtures. The 175 mm (6.9 in) column clearance leaves room for wider grips, a safety shield or an environmental chamber running from −80 to +280 °C.

 

Grips and fixtures for this size

A typical 5 kN plastics lab runs wedge or vise grips for D638 bars, a three-point bend fixture for D790, compression platens for D695, and a shear fixture for D732 punch tests. A clip-on extensometer is needed for tensile modulus to D638 and ISO 527.

 

5 kN or 10 kN?

Both use the same 175 mm frame, 1 m stroke and 500 mm/min top speed. Choose 5 kN when nearly all specimens break below 4 kN, so the load cell works in its most sensitive range. Choose 10 kN for glass-filled plastics, thicker sheet or a mix of materials. Our buyer's guide explains the sizing method.

 

Setting up for plastics testing

For ASTM D638 and ISO 527, condition specimens at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity before testing, measure width and thickness at the narrow section, and run modulus with an extensometer before removing it for the break. Most rigid plastics run at 5 mm/min, while softer grades run at 50 or 500 mm/min, all well inside the frame's speed range.

 

Frequently asked questions

Is 5 kN enough for ASTM D638 plastic testing?

For most unfilled plastics, yes. A Type I bar of polypropylene, PE, ABS or nylon usually breaks between 1 and 3 kN. Glass- or carbon-filled grades can exceed 5 kN, so a 10 kN frame is safer.

What is the difference between the 5 kN and 10 kN Quasar?

They share the same dual-column frame, stroke and speed. The difference is the load cell and rated force, so the 5 kN gives finer resolution on low-force specimens.

Can I add a temperature chamber to the 5 kN frame?

Yes. The dual-column frame takes an environmental chamber for tests from −80 to +280 °C, together with grips and pull rods made for the chamber.

Do I need an extensometer on a 5 kN machine?

Only if you report modulus or strain at yield. Break strength and elongation at break can be measured from crosshead travel, but modulus to D638 and ISO 527 needs an extensometer on the specimen.