Buying a Tensile Testing Machine: Key Considerations

When purchasing a tensile testing machine, also known as a universal testing machine, it is crucial to tailor the system precisely to your specific testing requirements. This is the only way to optimize costs and achieve accurate, reproducible test results.

Key criteria include technical specifications such as maximum test force, the required test room, and the type of specimen clamping. Accessories and the performance of the testing software also play a central role. In addition to the right testing system, the manufacturer’s service, particularly maintenance and calibration, is a key factor in the selection process.

Finally, personalized consultation regarding standards, testing tasks, and materials is crucial for configuring the appropriate testing system.

1. Check the machine's technical specifications

Testing machine with different symbols for characteristics — When selecting a universal testing machine, attention should be paid to maximum test force, test speeds, and test room dimensions

Maximum Test Force (Capacity): The selected force capacity should be sufficient to safely test your strongest specimen without unnecessarily oversizing the machine. Machines with very high test force ranges are generally more expensive and not always necessary.
Test Speed: A wide and flexibly adjustable speed range increases the machine’s versatility for different materials and standards.
Test room (stroke): Ensure that the available test room or stroke is sufficient to securely clamp the specimen and allow for elongation until failure. For materials with high elongation, such as plastics, extended test rooms should be considered.
Accuracy: The load cells and strain gauges (extensometers) used must comply with applicable standards, such as ISO 7500-1, to ensure reliable and standard-compliant results.

Single-column tensile testing machine inspekt solo and double-column tensile testing machine inspekt duo

Single-column vs. dual-column systems:
- Single-column machines: Cost-effective, space-saving, and ideal for lower test forces (up to approximately 2.5 kN) and smaller specimens. Typical applications include textiles, elastomers, adhesive bonds, paper, and cardboard.
- Two-column machines: Offer greater rigidity and larger test rooms and are suitable for higher forces and more demanding materials such as metals, plastics, ceramics, composites, or components like pipes.

Benchtop vs. Floor-Standing Models:
Benchtop models (e.g., machines from the inspekt solo and inspekt duo series) are compact and space-saving and are suitable for lower test forces. Floor-standing models from the inspekt table or inspekt series, on the other hand, are designed for higher forces and larger specimens.

Quick Checklist for Selection

What material needs to be tested (e.g., plastic, metal, textile)?
Which standards must be followed for testing (ISO, ASTM, DIN)?
What is the maximum test force required?
How does the specimen behave under load (e.g., high elongation)?
Are conditioning systems for special test conditions required (e.g., climate chambers, high-temperature furnaces)?

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2. Choose the right accessories

Grips (clamping tools) or specimen holders:
These must be precisely tailored to the specific material and specimen geometry. Examples include wedge type grips for thin metals, screw type wedge action grips for plastics, hydraulic grips for reinforcing steel, or special peel test fixtures for adhesive bonds.
Extensometers:
Suitable strain measurement is essential for precise measurement results. Extensometers, also known as strain gauges or strain sensors, measure changes in length or width directly on the specimen. Strain is determined based on this deformation. Depending on the material and requirements, various systems are available, includingtactile long-distance extensometers, clip-on extensometers, andoptical, non-contact measurement systems.

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Various grips and extensometers — Depending on the material, different grips or extensometers are used for testing

3. Choose user-friendly testing software

Intuitive operation:
The testing software should be easy to set up and allow for quick configuration of test sequences.
Compliance with standards:
The testing software should support automated test sequences in accordance with common standards such as ISO, ASTM or DIN, thereby simplifying the testing process and enhancing safety.
Data analysis and export:
The collected data should be easy to export and process further.

The various types of tests that can be performed using LabMaster — LabMaster is the right software for every testing procedure

4. Find the right manufacturer with the right service

An employee of Hegewald & Peschke demonstrates a tensile testing machine — Comprehensive consulting and training services for your testing staff

Service Technician for Remote Maintenance — Maintenance, calibration, spare parts supply, and software support from a single source

Maintenance & Calibration:
Look for a manufacturer that offers a comprehensive range of services. Regular calibrations, visual inspections, and maintenance tasks such as cleaning and lubrication ensure the long-term accuracy and service life of the testing machine. Hegewald & Peschke offers these services as part of maintenance contracts.
Technical Support:
Our expert staff, available by phone, provides quick assistance with spare parts, the replacement of wear parts, or repairs by our service technicians.
Spare Parts Supply:
Long-term availability of spare and wear parts is crucial for sustained operation. Hegewald & Peschke guarantees a spare parts supply for at least 10 years, including electronic and control components.
Software Support:
A testing machine is only as powerful as its software. Regular updates and free application support from Hegewald & Peschke ensure that you can always work at peak performance.

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5. Get personalized advice if you have any questions

Do you have any questions, or would you like a no-obligation consultation regarding your testing requirements or a specific quote for a testing system?

Please feel free to contact us. Together, we’ll configure the ideal testing system for you.

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