Universal testing machines are the equipment used for determining both mechanical and physical properties of different types of materials through measurement and analysis of their performance under compressive/tensile forces in distinct testing methods. Universal testing machines are also called universal testers. The “Universal ” refers to the testing equipment as they can perform standard compression and tensile testing on components and materials.
Why is mechanical testing equipment needed?
Mechanical testing equipment is the device that is used for tensile, compressive, adhesion, fatigue and vibration testing. Due to the evolving importance of quality assurance and control processes in most production sectors, it is constantly demanding for mechanical testing equipment on every production level of varied industrial markets. Why is mechanical testing performed? The answer is to administer the quality and to serve dual purposes – products-safety assurance & product-endurance examination.
What are universal testing machines?
The reason for calling this testing machine “universal” is because it can perform different types of tests. Each test can be quickly performed by just an individual testing machine. Isn’t that beneficial? Most test types done are – compressive strength and tensile strength. You can use universal testing machines for creep tests, flexural tests, friction tests and many more. Universal testing machines can test all sizes, shapes & materials. In most scenarios, what it needs is to change between the varied test types, sizes & shapes of the grips that are deployed on the universal testing machine. This equipment is versatile and therefore becomes best for those manufacturers who need the usage of the same testing equipment for distinct types of testing or even testing different kinds of products. For example, Plastic manufacturers can use the same machine for testing plastic components and film along with DIN. Industries that want the best-quality universal testing machine can get in touch with a trustable supplier.
What are the main components of a universal testing machine?
A proper universal testing machine has two main parts and they are 1. Loading Unit 2. Control Unit. The positioning of the specimen object and load exertion are held in the “Loading unit”. The disparity in the applications of load and test results are received from the “Control Unit”.
Different types of mechanical testing performed by universal testing machines:
As told earlier mechanical testing is the destructive kind of testing which uses dynamic and static forces for exhibiting materials’ properties. Mechanical testing includes several testing types:
1. Tensile testing
Tensile testing is performed on UTM (Universal testing machines). Here in this test, the particular specimen is administered to uniaxial tensile forces in a most controlled manner. This tensile testing help users access the properties:
> Ductility –
> Yield strength
> Young’s Modulus
> Poisson’s ratio (μ).
2. Hardness strength
The surface property of any material is the hardness that exhibits the resistance of any material against penetration, indentation, scratching etc. the major hardness test are mentioned below:
a)Rockwell test
Rockwell testing is used especially for macro-hardness tests. This test is usually defined as the test which uses indentation loads equal to or below 1 kilogram-force.
b) Brinell Hardness test
In this test, you will be required to use steel balls for making an impression under a particular load in the specified material.
c) Vickers Hardness test
Vickers hardness test is the test done for measuring materials’ hardness mainly the small parts & thin sections. It comprises a light load & diamond-shaped indenter.
3. Impact/toughness test
Impact or toughness tests are performed at high energy and strain rates absorbed by the specimen materials by breaking the specific specimen is considered as toughness testing of material. Two types of impact tests are there: a) Charpy test and b) Izod test.
4. Bending test
The bending test is the qualitative test which is used for analyzing the soundness as well as ductility of the specimen. The bending test is used for controlling the quality of welded joints. Rectangular-shaped specimens are supported on both ends in the bending test. The load is then vertically applied either at one or two points. Contact a top supplier of universal testing machines.
5. Fatigue test
The fatigue test is done for measuring the reduction in strength and stiffness of a particular specimen under several loading processes. It helps in determining the entire number of loading cycles to failure. This test is performed through recurrent tension-tension, tension-compression, compression-compression and many other combinations of loading.
6. Shear test
The shear test is used for determining the materials’ shear strength which is the ultimate shear stress that the material can bear. The shear test plays a pivotal role in bolts and screw designing.
Hopefully, you have liked this post about universal testing machines and what this equipment is capable of doing. The importance of mechanical testing is increasing. It is leading to the rise of testing machines. While purchasing one, always go for a good quality which can provide error-less and accurate results.