WHAT IS A UNIVERSAL TESTING MACHINE? WHAT ARE ITS USES?

A universal testing machine is popularly known by many other connotations such as a

universal tester, material test frame or a material testing machine. It is an equipment which
is most commonly used for testing the tensile and compressive strength of elements put
into it. The word “Universal” is used in its name to denote that the machine could perform
many standardized tensile tests and compression tests on various materials and various
structures that are available all around the world.
There are various designs in which Universal Testing Machines are available for usage. The
most common components of that are provided by all Universal testing machine
manufacturers include:
 Load Frame: It usually consists of two strong supports for the frame of the machine.
 Load cell: It is composed of any means that would measure the amount of load
required in the machine.
 Cross head: The cross head is used to move the machine in upward or downward
direction.
 Output device: This records the output of the tests that are performed on various
elements.
 Means to measure extension or change on form: It is used to measure the change in
the shape, form and structure of the metal when force is exerted upon it.
 Conditioning: It involves devices that could be used to create favorable atmospheric
conditions to carry out the test like maintaining a proper pressure, temperature,
humidity, etc.
 Other components, like text fixtures, product holding jaws, sample making
equipments, etc.
Universal testing machines are used to carry out various different tests on the elements to
check their quality and suitability for industrial usage. These tests are as follows:
1. Tensile test: This test helps in understanding the tensile strength of the product. it
helps in determining the amount of force or pressure that the material could
undertake without breaking into pieces.
2. Compression test: Compression tests help the manufactures in understanding the
extension power of the material. It helps in determining to what extend a material
or element could be compressed so that it does not breaks.
3. Adhesion test: Adhesion test helps in determining the ionic strength of the elements
that are being tested. It helps in determining what type of bonds the element could
form with other materials to which it is exposed. This helps in pairing most
compatible elements with each other.
4. Bending test: A bending test helps in determining the level to which an element
could be bended for use in industrial purposes. This helps in selecting the more
flexible elements for the required jobs.
Universal testing machines could be used to perform test on various material like steel,
iron, bronze, silver, etc. Universal testing machines could be bought at various prices in the
market. However, the used of these machines improves the performance of industrial
processes. It also helps in reducing the chances of mistakes and accidents in the industries.
Universal testing machine price could be afforded by most industrialists and hence it
should be used in most operations, if possible.