Everything You Should Know About Universal Testing Machines

1. Everything You Should Know About Universal Testing Machines Universal testers or universal testing machines are used to determine the compressive and tensile strengths of materials. The ‘universal’ aspect of the name depicts their ability to perform many different standard compression and tensile tests on structure, components, and materials, making them some of the most versatile machines in the industry. Universal testing machines can be used to measure the applied force and the resulting deformation it will cause to various materials. One of their most common applications is testing the strength of reinforcing bars when placed under tension. Universal testing machines are typically made up of components like the load frame, which consists of single or two strong supports, a load cell or force transducer to measure the load, and a movable cross head, which is programmable or set at a constant speed. The machines have a means of measuring deformation and extension. For instance, most tests require measuring the response of the specimen to the cross-head’s movement. At times, extensometers are used to confirm deflection of a sample under test. Universal testing machines come with an output device to show the test results. Modern ones have a computerised interface for printing or on-site analysis. The machines may come with conditioning controls to match certain environmental or pressure conditions. Some test methods may require components like holding jaws for the specimen, test fixtures, and equipment for making samples. The use of universal testing machines usually depends on the type of test that must be done. A countries standards organisation provides the guidelines for a specific test method, and these typically depict how samples must be prepared, the gauge length, fixturing, analysis, and other factors crucial to the test. Universal testing machines require the specimen to be placed between the extensometer and grips. Some machines may not have an extensometer, allowing them to record the displacement between the cross heads where the specimen is found. Universal testing machines range in size and specifications. Some are small tabletop devices, while others are large enough to handle capacities of more than 54MN. Some machines can accommodate optional accessories, so they can be used for other tests like flexural strength and CBR. Modern universal testing machines are automatic and come with user-friendly control systems and motor or hydraulic stages.