What is a Universal testing machine / Material testing machine?

A universal testing machine is a type of equipment that performs static testing of materials and the like. The static test is a test method in which a force is slowly applied to a test piece, the load is stopped for each constant load or deformation, and the strain and deformation amount of the test piece are measured to check the strength. There are various tests such as tensile test, compression test, bending test, torsion test, peeling test, etc. in the static test, and there is a dedicated testing machine corresponding to each, but the universal testing machine can be used by replacing the jig. It is a test device that can perform these static tests with one unit.

The details of the testing method of the universal testing machine are explained below.

1. Tensile test
In a tensile test, both ends of the specimen are pulled outward. At this time, the material stretches in proportion to the stress. If you continue to apply force, the proportional relationship between stress and strain will break down, and a point will appear where the increase in stress becomes more gradual. This is the "yield point". As more force is applied, the stress continues to rise until the material reaches its limit and breaks. This point is called the "break point." A universal testing machine can accurately measure stress and strain at the yield and break points.

2. Bending test
A bending test is a test that applies bending force to a test piece and measures stress and strain. There are two types of test methods: "three-point bending test" and "four-point bending test." In a three-point bending test, both ends of the specimen are supported and a load is applied to the center. On the other hand, in a four-point bending test, the same load is applied at positions equidistant from both ends of the specimen. In the three-point bending test, the test is performed by pushing the center of a specimen placed on a support stand.

3. Compression test
A compression test (also called a pressure test) is a test in which a test piece is fixed in a testing machine and the strain is measured when a load is applied from above. Load is often applied until the test piece breaks, and when it breaks, pieces of the test piece may fly out. For this reason, contact sensors such as strain gauges are at risk of damage, so non-contact strain sensors such as CCD cameras are recommended.

Through these testing methods, universal testing machines provide detailed analysis of the mechanical properties of materials and are used to evaluate the performance of materials in various application fields.

Application of Universal testing machine / Material testing machine

１．Metals – Steel, aluminum, and other metals are tested for tensile strength, compression, and elongation properties to ensure they meet industry standards for structural applications, such as in construction or automotive manufacturing.
２．Plastics – Different types of plastics, including polymers, are tested for flexibility, tensile strength, and impact resistance to ensure they perform well in packaging, automotive, and consumer products.
３．Rubber and Elastomers – Rubber materials, including tires and seals, are tested for hardness, tensile strength, and elongation properties to ensure durability and reliability in applications requiring flexibility and resilience.

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