Adding Tensile or Fatigue Testing Capability
Tensile testing is usually added with an electromechanical universal testing machine sized to the highest load and specimen type in scope. Fatigue testing generally requires servo-hydraulic or electrodynamic systems with more demanding facility needs. In both cases grips, extensometry, specimen machining and force calibration determine whether results are usable.
Typical equipment
- Universal testing machine with suitable load cells
- Grips, fixtures and alignment accessories for your specimens
- Extensometers (contact or video) for modulus and strain
- Fatigue: servo-hydraulic frame, hydraulic power unit, controller
- Specimen machining capability or an external machining provider
Calibration and service
Plan annual force verification and extensometer calibration, and confirm local service coverage for hydraulic systems before purchase.
Questions to answer before buying equipment
- Which methods or standards must the laboratory run, and at what edition?
- What sample types, sizes and annual volumes are expected?
- Are accredited (ISO/IEC 17025) results required for customers or regulators?
- What utilities, floor loading, ventilation and environmental control does the space provide today?
- Who will calibrate, service and qualify the equipment, and how quickly can they respond?
- Would outsourcing some work until volumes justify the investment be more economical?
Common questions
- Can one frame do both tensile and fatigue testing?
- Servo-hydraulic frames can do both, but electromechanical frames are usually preferred for routine static testing because they are simpler to operate and maintain.