Introduction

Importance of Tensile Testing Machines in Material Analysis

Tensile testing machines play a vital role in evaluating the strength and durability of materials across industries. Whether it’s determining the tensile strength of metals, plastics, textiles, or other materials, these machines provide essential data for product development and quality control.

Overview of Different Types of Tensile Testing Machines

There are several types of Tensile Testing Machines available, here are some of the most common ones:

1. Touch Screen Controlled Tensile Tester: These machines come with a touchscreen interface that allows easy setup and operation. They often can conduct a variety of tests like tension, compression, bend, flexure, etc.
2. Single Column Tensile Tester: Compact and lightweight, they are ideal for low-load testing up to 1KN. They are used for testing small and thin samples like fibers and micro components.
3. Dual Column Tensile Tester: They have a higher capacity and conduct testing for larger and tougher samples including steel, hard plastic, etc. They support comprehensive mechanical tests in tension and compression mode.
4. Universal Testing Machines (UTMs): These machines are highly versatile and can conduct tensile, compression, bend, shear, tear, cyclic, and flexure tests. They are designed for both destructive and non-destructive testing.
5. Servo-Hydraulic Tensile Testing Machine: They are designed for high-stress, high-cycle applications and are suited for operating under harsh conditions and high loads.
6. Portable Handheld Tensile Testers: These are compact, easy to use, and can be used on-site to do quality control checking and quick inspections in the field.
7. Automatic Tensile Tester: These machines, with automated control systems, increase test efficiency and repeatability, avoiding potential human error. Remember to choose the appropriate Tensile Testing Machine depending on the nature and strength of the material to be tested, the operating environment, and the specific testing standards you have to comply with.

Understanding Tensile Testing Machines

Universal Mechanical Tester: Features and Advantages

The universal mechanical tester is a versatile machine capable of performing various mechanical tests, including tensile, compression, and flexural tests. Its flexibility and precision make it a valuable tool for comprehensive material testing.

Advantages of ChiuVention’s tensile tester

Variety of functions

Tensile strength meter has different types, suitable for various industries to test the material, to meet the needs of users. And there are different types of single and double column tensile testing machines, such as electronic, computerised, computerised servo, hydraulic and so on.

Wide range of force values

Depending on the needs of different industries, we can match different force transducers and stroke ranges with different types of tensile testing machines, with force ranges as small as N and as large as KN.

Accurate test precision

Precision issues, including force accuracy, speed accuracy, deformation accuracy, displacement accuracy. These accuracy values can reach ±0.5.

Cost-effective

Ball screw configuration, although the price is usually slightly more expensive, but on its transmission rate, the use of life, accuracy and other characteristics of the overall thinking, cost-effective is very high.

Fabric Tensile Strength Tester: Uses in Textile Industry

Fabric Tensile Strength Tester has a wide range of application prospects in the field of textile quality testing. With the continuous development of textile technology, a variety of new fibres and textiles continue to emerge, such as high-performance fibres, smart textiles and so on. These new textiles are different in material, structure and performance, so it is necessary to use the tester to carry out the corresponding performance evaluation and quality testing. In addition, for textiles that have already been put into use, they also need regular quality testing and maintenance to ensure that they always maintain good performance and safety. Therefore, textile tensile testing machines will play an increasingly important role in the field of textile quality testing.

Choosing the Right Tensile Testing Machine

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Tensile Testing Machine

Selecting a tensile testing machine involves careful evaluation of various factors related to the testing needs, specimen properties, and organizational requirements. Here are some key factors to consider:

Type of Material: The type of material you plan to test significantly influences the choice of machine. Different materials like textiles, metals, plastics, rubber, etc., require different levels of force for testing.

Testing Standards: Depending on the industry and the region, specific testing standards would be applicable. The tester must meet those stipulated standards.

Maximum Force Required: The maximum load or force the samples can withstand is a critical factor in choosing the machine. Depending on this, one may need to opt for a single column (for lower force) or a dual column tester (for higher force).

Accuracy: The machine should deliver reliable and accurate results. Look for machines with high-precision measurements and the ability to detect fine changes.

Test Speed: This refers to the speed at which the test is performed. Different materials respond differently to speed, and the correct rate of testing can affect the material properties.

Environment: Consider the environment in which the tester will be used. Some testing may require controlled temperature or humidity conditions.

Ease of Use: The interface of the tester should be user-friendly. Automated software with pre-built test methods can make it easier to train new operators.

Service and Support: After-sales support, including technical support, servicing, calibration, and potential upgrades, is an important factor in selecting a manufacturer.

Price and Budget: While quality should never be compromised, it’s equally crucial to consider the overall costs including the machine, accessories, installation, support, maintenance and any potential future upgrades.

Safety Features: The machine should have safety features like emergency stop buttons, overload protection, etc.

Comparing UTM Testing Machine Prices for Budget-Friendly Options

The price of universal mechanical tester varies according to brand, model, configuration and other factors. Generally speaking, the first level of universal mechanical tester price is higher, the second and third level price is relatively low. The price of single arm and double arm is even different.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting Tensile Tests

• Sample Preparation: According to the standard used, select the appropriate leather samples and prepare the samples according to the required size.
• Fixture Setting: Install the pneumatic fixture on the universal material tension machine, and make sure the distance between the fixtures is suitable for the size of the selected sample. Ensure that the fixtures are parallel and that the long axis of the fixture holding the sample is parallel to the direction of tension.
• Sample clamping: Place the prepared leather samples between the pneumatic clamps, make sure the samples are flat and without wrinkles so that their long axis is parallel to the tension direction.
• Start the test: Start the tensile machine and begin to separate the clamping points at the rate specified in the standard, which will apply the tensile force to the sample.
• Monitoring the test: During the test, the change in load value is continuously monitored. When the sample reaches the rupture point and breakage occurs, the tensioner will record and display the corresponding load value.
• Stop the test: once the sample ruptures, immediately stop the test. At this point, record the load required to make the sample rupture as the breaking strength.
• Calculate the breaking strength: The breaking strength is usually expressed in standardized units (e.g. Newtons/mm or lbf/in), and the breaking strength is calculated based on the recorded load value and the dimensions of the sample.

Maintenance and Calibration of Tensile Testing Machines

Importance of Regular Calibration for Reliable Results

When you purchase an electronic tensile testing machine, it is usually calibrated by the manufacturer’s certified service technician as part of the installation procedure. After completing this initial calibration, you can be confident that you can use the material testing machine immediately. It is operating at its optimum and giving you accurate material testing results for your products.

However, over time the electronic universal tester may become less accurate due to external influences. Perhaps you suddenly realize that you are not getting the test results you expected, or maybe you never noticed the small errors in the measurement. However, the measurement has an impact on the quality of your product, and eventually, your customers may notice the difference in product quality before you realize the error. When this happens your company will suffer a loss in terms of property and reputation.

Tips for Proper Maintenance to Ensure Longevity and Efficiency

Daily Maintenance

The power-on sequence of the host and computer of the universal tensile strength machine will affect the initial setting of the computer’s communication, so please follow the above power-on sequence strictly.

Warm up the machine for 5 minutes after each start-up, and wait for the system to stabilize before carrying out the test work. If the machine has just been switched on and needs to be switched on again, ensure at least 1 minute interval. Use and Maintenance of Tensile Testing Machine Fixture and Transducer.

After replacing the fixture, first of all, pay attention to adjusting the adjustable stop ring.

When doing the test with a small force transducer, be sure to adjust the position of the adjustable retaining ring so as not to damage the small force transducer by operating error. When changing the small force transducer, must remember to change the test software, otherwise it is easy to overload and damage the small force transducer with large deformation when not in use, please put the two collets into the protective device, or rotate it open, so as not to move the beam in the process of moving the collets hit.

Maintenance during use

During the test, do not move away from the testing machine. During the test, don’t press other buttons on the control box except the stop button and the emergency stop switch, otherwise, the test will be affected.

After the test, be sure to turn off all power supplies. Remember that the power cord should not be plugged or unplugged with electricity at any time, otherwise the electrical control part will be easily damaged.

Common Questions About Tensile Testing Machines

What Is the Cost of Tensile Testing Machines?

The price of Universal Tensile Testing Machines varies depending on the brand, model, configuration, and performance.

Generally speaking, the price of domestically produced universal tensile testing machines is between 50,000-200,000 RMB, while the price of imported brands is between 20-2 million RMB. These prices are also only a reference, with market fluctuations, the specific price should consult the equipment supplier. Of course, the price is not the only measure, users should choose the product that meets their needs and budget.

How to Choose Between Single Head and Dual Column Tensile Testers?

There are many aspects between Single Head and Dual Column Tensile Testers, in the case that the force value of the test is not very large, customers will still choose the economical Single Head Tensile Testers. If the test accuracy, test speed, test material requirements of customers choose double-column tension machine. In short, regardless of the choice of single-column tensile strength machine or double-column tensile strength machine, are based on their own needs, to consider its practicality.

What are the Differences Between Single Head and Dual Column Tensile Testers?

Similarity

Power System

Tensile Strength Testers are powered by Servo Motors and Servo Drives as well as Worm Gear and Rod Reducers and Ball Screws.

Control System

Pulse command control for greater accuracy and ease of control.

Data processing

Curve graphic processing can be carried out, support for multi-sensor, video and image interface, flexible data processing.

Control method

All are computer software controls, belonging to the same set of software.

Difference

Differences in the number of load-bearing columns

Single-column tensile testing machine has a column, and a double-column tensile testing machine has two columns.

Difference in bearing tension

Double-column tensile testing machines can carry more tension, in general, most of the products below 5KN use single-column, and for more than 5KN most of the products use double-column tensile testing machines. Therefore, the double-column type can be applied to a wider range of material testing.

Volume difference

Because the double-column tester is large and occupies a relatively large space. Single-column tester is small, easy to move, and can be placed on the desktop. Single-column tensile testing machine stroke will not be too long, but the double-column tensile testing machine is a double screw, you can make the stroke higher, and the motor power requirements are also higher.

   

What Are the Key Features to Look for in Tensile Testing Machines?

When searching for a tensile testing machine, there are some key features that you need to consider to ensure that it can perform the necessary tests accurately, consistently, and efficiently. Here are some of them:

• Determine what tests need to be done.
• Determine the maximum test force of the material.
• Determine whether the function meets the requirements.
• Determine whether the test stroke and test speed are consistent.
• Determine the brand of the core spare parts of the machine.
• Determine whether the accuracy of the machine meets the requirements.
• Determine whether the brand is directly sold by the manufacturer and whether the after-sales service is guaranteed.
• Compare prices and choose a brand with a good reputation.

Detailed explanation can be checked in this article.

How to Interpret Tensile Test Results Accurately?

Tensile tests yield a lot of data, and analyzing this data can help us understand the properties of the material being tested. Several factors should be kept in mind when evaluating test results:

Evaluation of material properties and residual strain.

Whether each piece of data is consistent with the expected results.

Whether there are data anomalies or points of inconsistency that can be explained

Whether a complete and accurate result has been produced.

Conclusion

In the fast-paced world of industrial production, ensuring the strength and durability of materials is imperative. Tensile Testing Machines serve as invaluable tools in this process, offering insights that inform the development and quality control of various materials. Understanding the nuances of these machines, including their features, pricing, maintenance, and calibration requirements, can help professionals make an informed choice. Additionally, knowing how to accurately interpret tensile test results can significantly contribute to product development, ultimately leading to the creation of high-quality, long-lasting products. This knowledge not only boosts efficiency and productivity but also fosters innovation, a critical attribute in the constantly evolving field of materials science.