Universal Testing Machines, or UTMs, help manufacturers test the mechanical properties of materials. This helps enhance workplace and product safety. It also helps reduce costs by helping avoid expensive product recalls and regulatory fines. Installing UTM may be costly, but its long-term value outweighs upfront costs.
A UTM or Universal Testing Machine is an apparatus built for checking the mechanical properties of items. The toughness and flexibility of materials are tested. Controlled forces, like bending, tensile, shear, and compression, are applied to samples, and the responses are measured. So, a universal test machine is used by metal manufacturers to ensure product quality and compliance with standards.
Understanding the Role of a Universal Testing Machine
You must have already learned that universal testing machine systems are used for measuring the mechanical properties of materials by applying a controlled force and measuring the response. This process is essential for determining the critical characteristics of metal.
How It Works
A UTM works by applying regulated forces on a sample material. Various fixtures and grips are used for applying different types of forces precisely. The material response is measured next. It involves measuring the deformation or the reaction force when you put the load.
What It Measures
A UTM will help you test tensile and yield strengths, modulus of elasticity, and elongation before fracture. So, a universal material testing machine will generate data that can help you create a stress-strain curve.
On a stress-strain chart, “stress” is shown on the Y-axis against “strain” on the X-axis. With data and visualisations from material testing, you can get insights into the durability, reliability, and performance of metal under different stress conditions.
What Tests are Done
Here are the mechanical tests that you can configure your universal testing machine to perform.
| Mechanical Test | How It Is Done |
| Tensile: | The sample is pulled to understand how much it resists pulling forces. |
| Compression: | The sample is compressed to understand how much it can resist compressive loads. |
| Bending/ Flexural: | The sample is bent to understand how much ending force it can withstand. |
| Shear: | The sample is sheared to understand how much force is needed to cause its layers to slide past each other. |
Table 1: Types of mechanical tests suppressed by UTMs
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a UTM
Here are the factors to consider when choosing universal testing machine systems.
| Factors to Consider | What To Ask Myself? |
| Load Capacity (Specific Materials/ Metal Testing) | The force of the machine must be suitable for your target materials. If you want to test metals, you may need hydraulic or servo-hydraulic UTMs to generate high forces. |
| Machine Type (Electromechanical/ Hydraulic) | Electromechanical UTMs are suitable for low-force testing of materials like elastomers, plastics, and textiles. Hydraulic UTMs can produce high force, making them suitable for testing concrete and metals. |
| Measurement Reliability (Accuracy/ Consistency) | A measurement taken by a UTM must be close to the true value, accurate, and consistent. The precision and accuracy levels must be aligned to your organisation’s specific reporting and testing needs. |
| Software and Digital Integration (Data/ Workflow Management) | You need a UTM featuring software for data management, analytics, and reporting.You will benefit from a UTM that can integrate with systems like Non-Contact Video Extensometers to automate data collection. |
| Grips and Fixtures (Material/ Test Compatibility) | You must choose fixtures and grips that are designed to securely hold specific materials for various tests. |
| Testing Standards (ASTM/ ISO) | Ensure compatibility of the system with ASTM standards like ASTM E4 for calibration and ASTM E8/E8M for testing.Ensure compliance with ISO testing standards, such as 17638 and 3452-2. |
| Versatility (Range of Tests) | Make sure the UTM supports a range of testing, including tension, bending, compression, and shear. |
Table 2: Factors to consider when choosing UTMs
Industry Standards and Compliance
It is important that your UTM system follows industry standards like ASTM, ISO, and EN. These standards- followed by industry giants like Testron– make UTMs better and safer by providing benchmarks for performance and processes.
The standards also ensure that the testing process is reliable and consistent. Systems that are compatible with the industry standard can reduce risks like workplace incidents and potential fines.
Common Applications in Metal Manufacturing
Here are the common applications of UTMs in metal manufacturing.
- Testing steel and alloy: A UTM determines the tensile strength of metals and alloys. UTMs are also used for testing bending, shear, and compressive strengths.
- Testing aerospace and vehicle components: UTMs are used for verifying the durability and strength of metal components used to manufacture ground and aerospace vehicles. This helps manufacturers meet safety standards.
- Testing structural elements and construction materials: UTMs are used for testing the flexural properties and load-bearing capacity of structural elements like steel bars and beams. They are also used for evaluating the mechanical properties of construction materials.
- Testing components supplied to the energy sector: UTMs are used for measuring the mechanical behaviour of metals used in electrical wires, pipelines, and heavy machinery, ensuring they remain safe and reliable during continuous operations.
Cost vs. Value: Making a Smart Investment
UTMs can be significantly costly upfront. This is due to the high universal testing machine price. However, you will feel a substantial value of UTMs in the long term. This is due to the reduced product failure and recall rates you will enjoy. You will also notice reduced warranty claims and improved quality control.
Your organisation will be able to save costs and strengthen its reputation. Investing in UTMs also means you will receive training and support from the equipment vendor. Make sure you are investing in an upgradable system to make it future-proof.
Ready to Install a UTM?
Choosing the right Universal Testing Machine is not just a technical decision. It also requires making strategic choices. Choosing the right UTM requires carefully considering use case, test compatibility, industry standards, load capacity, digital integrations, and more. It will help you make your metal manufacturing process safer, reliable, and compliant.
The long-term value that a UTM can create will outweigh the initial installation costs. So, get a universal tensile strength testing machine from a reputed supplier like Testron this week!
