Universal Testing Machine - Universal Tensile Tester

Universal Testing Machines (UTMs), also known as tensile testers or universal tensile testers, are essential tools for testing the mechanical properties of a wide variety of materials—such as plastics, metals, composites, and rubber. These machines are critical for ensuring compliance with international standards like ASTM and ISO, regardless of the industry you’re in.

However, with many models and configurations available, selecting the right UTM for your specific application requires careful consideration. Whether you're upgrading your current system or investing in a new one, making the right choice will ensure accurate results, long-term usability, and return on investment.

Here are the key factors to consider before purchasing a Universal Testing Machine:

1. Compliance with ASTM and ISO Standards

Understanding the relevant testing standards is the first step. Most materials and products are tested according to defined procedures in ASTM or ISO standards, which specify:

• Test speed and preload requirements

• Grip separation and alignment

• Required fixtures and load cells

Choosing a machine that fully supports your target standards ensures test validity and regulatory compliance. Make sure the system you select is compatible with your most critical test protocols.

2. Material Type and Dimensions

The physical characteristics of your test specimens—such as material type, shape, size, and mechanical behavior—directly impact your equipment selection.

For instance:

• Thin films and elastomers may require lower capacity, high-sensitivity systems.

• Metals and reinforced composites may need high-load, rigid-frame machines.

At Qualitest, we provide machines tailored for everything from delicate medical plastics to high-strength structural alloys.

3. Required Load Capacity

UTMs are available in a wide range of load capacities, typically from a few newtons to several hundred kilonewtons. It's important to select a machine that can handle the maximum expected test load with room for future testing needs.

Depending on your load requirements and space availability, options include:

• Tabletop electromechanical machines (for lower loads and compact setups)

• Floor-standing or hydraulic models (for high-capacity or high-volume testing)

4. Test Types You Plan to Conduct

A true universal tester should accommodate all the test methods you need now—and in the future. Common mechanical tests include:

• Tensile and compression tests

• Flexural and bend testing

• Tear, shear, and peel testing

• Torsion or cyclic loading

Qualitest’s UTM solutions are modular and configurable, making it easy to switch test setups or add capabilities as your lab grows.

5. Versatility and Long-Term Use

Choosing a UTM that supports multi-purpose testing ensures long-term value. While you may need tensile testing today, your future needs might include impact, creep, or bend tests. Selecting a machine that is easily upgradable or reconfigurable helps reduce cost and ensures your investment remains relevant.

We offer systems that support a wide range of fixtures, extensometers, environmental chambers, and software upgrades—giving you true flexibility without needing to replace your machine.

Why Choose Qualitest?

At Qualitest, we work closely with our clients around the world to provide them with the latest testing technology that is versatile and cost effective. Our customized Universal Testing Machines can be used for multiple tests and can be easily modified if needed.

Contact our sales team to learn more about our machines and support services.

Universal Testing Machines (UTM) also know as Tensile Tester are used to perform various critical functions in the manufacturing and testing industry. From tensile testing to compression testing, Qualitest’s wide range of Tensile Testers are used for different purposes by our clients around the world.

These machines can perform a variety of tests on a diverse range of materials, components, and structures. Most UTM models are modular, and can be adapted to fit customer needs.

Universal Testing Machine Usage 

Tensile Testing: One of the most common uses of a UTM is tensile testing.The machine is used to determine the strength of the material and how much it can be stretched. It is also used to check how much tension the material can absorb before reaching its breaking point. Explore Qualitest’s tensile testing equipment

Bend Testing: Another common use of a UTM is bend testing. The UTM can be used to measure the flexural strength and flexural modulus of a material.These tests are largely conducted to determine the ductility or strength of a material.A basic bend test is performed on a UTM by placing a specimen on two support anvils and bending it through applied force in order to measure its properties. Explore Qualitest’s range of Bend testing equipment.

Compression Testing: Bend Testing  Another common use of a UTM is bend testing. The UTM can be used to measure the flexural strength and flexural modulus of a material.These tests are largely conducted to determine the ductility or strength of a material. A basic bend test is performed on a UTM by placing a specimen on two support anvils and bending it through applied force in order to measure its properties. Explore Qualitest’s range of Bend testing equipment

Shear Testing: Shear testing involves applying force to a material in a parallel direction. These tests are often used to determine uniformity of the material. The most common use of a shear test is to determine the shear strength, which is the maximum shear stress that the material can withstand before it shears or slides apart.

Beyond the above mentioned most common tests, UTMs can be used for various other purposes. Qualitest’s team of experts can help you navigate through our range of equipment and help you with the best product suitable for your needs. Contact us today!.

Considerations When Choosing A Universal Testing Machine

A lot of us may be wondering what to consider before getting a UTM. There are various factors to consider to ensure the UTM meets all your requirements. Here are a few big ones:

1. All materials in the market must comply with the various international standards. Therefore, it’s crucial to determine the  ASTM or ISO standard first.
2. It’s also important to determine the maximum load needed to test thematerial. That will help you select the right Universal Tensile Tester,small or big. The force capacity of the UTM ultimately determines the size of the system.
3. You must also determine what purpose you will be using the UTMs for.For instance, you may need it for sheer and bend testing today, but for tensile testing in the future. Having a foresight will help you choose theright UTM and reduce cost.
4. The maximum speed needed to conduct the test must be determined before purchasing a UTM. It’s an important factor to consider for static tests versus dynamic fatigue tests.
5. Grips or fixtures need to chosen based on overall requirements of your material test. Depending on the type of specimen being tested, the grips or fixtures purchased could be beneficial or hurt overall results.Therefore, it’s best to have a foresight on this as well.

There are various other considerations that one must make before purchasing a Universal Testing Machine or Tensile Tester. Qualitest can help you make the right choice With our extensive testing supplier network and mature understanding of customer needs, we serve the industry as a one-stop-shop for reliable cutting-edge testing instruments.

For more information, write to us at sales@qualitest-inc.com