Universal testing machines (UTMs) are the standard for quantifying material performance in quality control. These testing machines are used to evaluate a material’s physical properties through controlled testing. This guide is designed to help determine the right system for quality control managers, quality lab directors and materials engineers evaluating quality testing instrumentation and equipment.
Review this universal testing machine selection guide for understanding how these machines work and matching force capacity, test types and compliance requirements to the right machine configuration for your materials testing.
Table of Contents
- What are the main components of a UTM?
- How does a universal testing machine work?
- Which tests does a universal testing machine perform?
- What materials are commonly tested with a UTM?
- What is the difference between single-column and dual-column UTMs?
- How do I choose the right universal testing machine?
- What industry standards do Thwing-Albert UTMs meet?
- Thwing-Albert Universal Testing Machines
What are the main components of a UTM?
Each component plays a specific role in test accuracy and configuration. Understanding the differences helps you evaluate which UTM setup matches your application.
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Main components of a UTM |
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|---|---|---|
| Component | Function | Selection Consideration |
| Load frame | Structural backbone, houses grips and fixtures | Single- or dual-column, based on force range |
| Actuator | Applies controlled force to the specimen | Electromechanical for precision and hydraulic for very high loads |
| Load cell | Measures the force applied throughout the test | Match to the expected force range for accuracy |
| Grips and fixtures | Secure and align the specimen during testing | Selected based on material geometry and load direction |
| Testing software | Controls test parameters and processes data | Look for built-in standard test methods |
How does a universal testing machine work?
UTMs are used to test samples based on industry standards or customer in-house standards to evaluate materials for quality. The universal testing machine secures a specimen between grips or fixtures to meet the specified tensile, compression, peel, COF and flexural strength testing requirements. It applies a controlled load at a defined speed.
As force is applied, the testing instrument continuously measures both the stress being exerted and the strain on the specimen. Testing software captures this data in real time, generating results your lab can use directly for material qualification, batch approval and compliance reporting.
Test speed, grip pressure and preload are all configurable to match the material being tested and the standard required by your application.
Which tests does a universal testing machine perform?
With the appropriate grips, fixtures and software, a UTM can perform a broad range of standardized and custom test applications and optimize lab throughput with automated testing and data collection. The following are among the most common. Custom fixture solutions are available for specialized requirements, including peel, seal, crush and application-specific testing for unique samples.
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Tests UTMs perform |
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|---|---|---|
| Test Type | What it measures | Common Standards |
| Tensile | Stress and strain under tension | ASTM D882, TAPPI T494 |
| Compression | Compressive strength and deformation | ASTM D695 |
| Peel/adhesion | Bond strength between surfaces | ASTM D1876, ASTM D3330 |
| Coefficient of friction | Static and kinetic surface friction | ASTM D1894 |
| Flexural/bend | Stiffness and flexural strength | ASTM D790 |
| Seal strength | Bond integrity of flexible package seals | ASTM F88 |
This table is not a complete list of available test types. Thwing-Albert UTMs support a broad range of additional applications through custom grip and fixture configurations. Each test requires specific grips and fixtures matched to your material — confirm your full testing requirements before specifying a UTM.
What materials are commonly tested with a UTM?
UTMs are used across a wide range of industries and material types. Each application requires specific grip and fixture configurations to produce accurate, repeatable results, so following a UTM selection guide for different material types is recommended.
Material types to test include:
- Flexible packaging: Peel, seal strength and coefficient of friction testing are essential for evaluating flexible packaging materials.
- Plastic film: UTMs evaluate the tensile strength, elongation and seal integrity of plastic film under controlled test conditions.
- Rigid plastic: UTMs test the flexural strength and compressive properties of rigid plastic components.
- Paper and paperboard: Tensile and flexural testing help evaluate the structural properties of paper and paperboard.
- Adhesives: Peeling and shearing tests help test the properties of adhesives.
- Textiles: Testing elongation and tear resistance is essential for evaluating the properties of textiles.
- Composites: UTMs test the strength and bond performance of composite materials.
- Foam: UTMs measure resilience and compressive strength in foam.
What is the difference between single-column and dual-column UTMs?
The structural configuration directly affects load capacity, measurement accuracy and specimen size accommodation.
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Single-Column vs. Dual-Column UTMs |
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|---|---|---|
| Single-Column UTM | Dual-Column UTM | |
| Force range | Up to 5kN | Up to 10kN |
| Best for | Films, foam, textiles and adhesives | Rigid plastics, composites and adhesives |
| Footprint | Compact/benchtop | Benchtop/larger footprint |
| Frame rigidity | Adequate at low load | High rigidity at maximum load |
| Cost tier | Lower initial investment | Higher — price scales with force capacity |
The force range differs by material. Films and flexible packaging typically require 1–5kN. Rigid plastics, adhesives and composites generally fall within the 5–10kN range. Thwing-Albert UTMs support applications up to 10kN maximum capacity.
Single-Column UTMs  Dual-Column UTMs
How do I choose the right universal testing machine?
Every lab has unique testing requirements. Narrow down your options by working through these four considerations:
- Test types: Tensile, compression, peel, COF and flexural testing requirements will determine the control system, grips and fixtures your UTM needs.
- Force capacity: The force capacity of the UTM is important for recording accurate measurements and having a flexible testing machine for the long term. Thwing-Albert UTMs support applications up to 10kN.
- Standards and compliance: Many industry standards require UTMs to meet specifications for distance between grips, speeds and preloads. Getting a UTM that can meet these standards aids compliance.
- Material types: The geometry, expected strength and thickness of the material you’re testing impact the UTM size and grip types you’ll need.
Before you request a quote, ask yourself if you have:
- Listed all test types?
- Identified your force range?
- Compiled your applicable standards?
- Specified specimen geometry?
- Considered future expansion?
What industry standards do Thwing-Albert UTMs meet?
Thwing-Albert UTMs are configured to meet a broad range of ASTM, ISO, TAPPI and other UTM calibration best practices and requirements. Browse our full standards library to find instruments aligned with your required test methods.
Browse the full standards library
Thwing-Albert Universal Testing Machines
Thwing-Albert has manufactured materials testing instruments for over 125 years, making us one of the most experienced testing instrumentation companies in the United States. We specialize in built-to-order UTMs configured to your materials, test types and compliance requirements.
We work with quality control labs and research and development facilities to design precision instruments tailored to your specific application — built to meet your testing needs today with the flexibility to grow over time.
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