Universal Testing Machine (UTM) – Precision Testing for Diverse Applications
The Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is an essential tool for evaluating the mechanical properties of materials across various industries. Engineered for accuracy and versatility, the UTM facilitates a range of tests, including:
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Tensile Test
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Compression Test
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Bending (Flexural) Test
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90° Peel Test
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180° Peel Test
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Wire Crimping Test
1. Tensile Test
Purpose: Assess the material's strength and elongation under tension.
Procedure:
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Specimen Preparation: Cut the material into a standardized shape, often a dogbone or dumbbell form, to ensure uniform stress distribution.
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Mounting: Secure the specimen between the upper and lower grips of the UTM.
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Testing: Apply a uniaxial tensile force at a constant rate until the specimen fractures.
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Analysis: Record the force and elongation to generate a stress-strain curve, determining properties like ultimate tensile strength and elongation at break.
2. Compression Test
Purpose: Determine how a material behaves under compressive forces.
Procedure:
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Specimen Placement: Position the material between two parallel plates (platens) of the UTM.
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Loading: Apply a compressive force gradually until the specimen deforms or fractures.
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Measurement: Monitor the force and displacement to calculate compressive strength and modulus.
3. Bending (Flexural) Test
Purpose: Evaluate the material's response to bending forces.
Procedure:
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Setup: Place the specimen on two supports (3-point or 4-point bending).
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Loading: Apply a load at the midpoint or specific points, depending on the setup.
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Observation: Measure the deflection and calculate flexural strength and modulus.
4. 90° Peel Test
Purpose: Measure the adhesive strength of bonded materials.
Procedure:
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Preparation: Bond two materials together and clamp one end of the bonded interface in the UTM.
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Peeling: Apply a force to peel the materials apart at a 90° angle.
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Evaluation: Record the force required to peel the materials to assess peel strength.
5. 180° Peel Test
Purpose: Assess the adhesive strength with a full reversal peel angle.
Procedure:
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Setup: Bond the materials and clamp the free end in the UTM.
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Peeling: Apply a force to peel the materials apart at a 180° angle.
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Analysis: Measure the force during the peel to determine adhesive strength.
6. Wire Crimping Test
Purpose: Verify the mechanical strength of crimped electrical connectors.
Procedure:
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Specimen Placement: Secure the crimped wire terminal in the UTM fixture
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Loading: Apply a tensile force to the wire until the crimped connection fails.
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Assessment: Measure the force required to break the crimp to evaluate its strength.
Test Elongation with a Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
The Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is a versatile solution for testing the elongation and mechanical performance of materials under various conditions. Whether performing a tensile test, compression test, bending test, 90° peel test, 180° peel test, or wire crimping test, the UTM precisely measures how much a material stretches, deforms, or displaces before failure. This makes it an essential tool for industries that require accurate elongation data for product design, material validation, and quality assurance.
How Elongation is Tested in Each Application:
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Tensile Test Elongation: Measures how far a material can stretch before breaking. The UTM records elongation as a percentage of the original length.
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Compression Test Elongation: While primarily for compressive strength, the UTM also measures the degree of shortening and deformation—crucial for materials like foam and rubber.
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Bending (Flexural) Test Elongation: Assesses material flexibility and strain across the outer fibers during bending. The UTM calculates flexural strain at maximum deflection.
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90° & 180° Peel Test Elongation: These tests measure the stretching and elongation of adhesives or bonded surfaces as they are peeled, helping assess bond strength and ductility.
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Wire Crimping Test Elongation: Evaluates how much the crimped wire and insulation stretch before separation—critical for electrical reliability.