Universal Testing Machine

A universal testing machine (UTM), also known as a

universal tester, materials testing machine or materials
test frame, is used to test the tensile stress and
compressive strength of materials.
It is named after the fact that it can be perform many
standard tensile and compression tests on materials,
components, and structures.
Components of Universal Testing Machine
A Universal Testing Machine consists of two main parts:
 Loading Unit- the arrangement of the test specimen and
the exertion of the load.
 Control Unit- the variations in the application of the load
and the corresponding test result.

1.Loading Unit
consists of the following components:
1.Load Frame
-the load frame of a universal testing machine can be
made either by single support or by double support. The
load frame consists of a table(where the specimen is
placed for the compression test), upper crosshead, and
lower crosshead.
2.Upper Crosshead and Lower Crosshead
-the upper crosshead is used to clamp one end of the
test specimen. The lower crosshead in the load frame is
the movable crosshead whose screws can be loosened
for height adjustment and tightened. Both the
crossheads have a tapered slot at the center. This slot
has a pair of racked jaws that is intended to grip and hold
the tensile test specimen.
3.Elongation Scale
-the relative movement of the lower and upper table is
measured by an elongation scale which is provided along
with the loading unit.
2.Control Unit
consists of the following components
1.Hydraulic Power Unit
-consist of an oil pump that provides non-pulsating oil flow
into the main cylinder of the load unit. This flow helps in the
smooth application of load on the specimen. The oil pump
in a hydraulic power unit is run by an electric motor and
sump.
2.Load Measuring Unit
-this unit has a pendulum dynamometer unit that has a
small cylinder with a piston which moves with the non-
pulsating oil flow. The pendulum is connected to the piston
by pivot lever. The pivot lever deflects based on the load
applied to the specimen. This deflection is converted to the
load pointer and displays as the load on the dial.
3.Control Devices
-the control devices can be electric or hydraulic.
Electric control devices make use of switches to
move the crossheads and switch on/off the unit. A
hydraulic control device consists of two valves,
Right Control Valve and Left Control Valve. A right
control valve is used to apply load on the
specimen. The left control valve is used to release
the load application.
Functions of Universal Testing Machine

The main functions of UTM are to test the mechanical

properties of materials. The standard tests performed
by UTM are:

1.Tensile Stress
-is defined as a stress, which is measured as force
per unit area. It is the most common type of test used
to measure the mechanical properties of a material.
Tensile test is widely used to provide a basic design
information on the strength of materials.
2.Fatigue Test
-a machine part or structure will fail, if improperly
designed and subjected to a repeated reversal or
removal of an applied load at a stress much lower than
the ultimate strength of the material. This type of time-
dependent failure is reffered to as a cyclic fatigue
failure such as suspended bridges, rails, or airplane
wings. The failure is due primarily to repeated cyclic
stress from a maximum to a minimum caused by a
dynamic load.
3.Torsion Test
-when a member of any cross sectional shape is
subjected to a torque along its longitudinal axis, the
torque tends to produce a rotation in the member with
respect to its longitudinal axis. This rotation causes
twist the in member and this state is known as torsion.
Torsion testing is widely used for evaluating the elastic
modulus, strength, shear modulus, shear strength and
other properties of materials.
4.Bending Test
-a bending test, also known as a bend test, is used to
determine the strength of material by applying force to
the item in question and seeing how it reacts under
pressure. Typically the bend test measures ductility,
the ability of a material to change form under pressure
and keep that form permanently. In certain cases the
bending test can determine tensile strength.
5.Compression Test
-are used to determine how a product or material
reacts when it is compressed, squashed, crushed or
flattened by measuring fundamental parameters that
determine the specimen behavior under a
compressive load.

Types of Compression Testing

• Flexure/Bend
• Spring Testing
• Top-load/Crush