What is a Universal Testing Machine?

Home / Product Features / What is a Universal Testing Machine?

A universal testing machine (UTM), is used to test the tensile strength (pulling) and compressive strength (pushing), flexural strength, bending, shear, hardness, and torsion, providing valuable data for designing and ensuring the quality of materials. (Wikipedia)

In this context, “universal” means the machine is designed to handle a wide range of mechanical evaluations within a single system. By swapping out fixtures and accessories, it can adapt to different materials, force requirements, and industry standards, making it a flexible, multi-purpose testing platform.

How Does a Universal Testing Machine Work?

A universal testing machine applies a controlled force to a material specimen and precisely measures how that material responds.

Testing begins by mounting a prepared specimen between the appropriate grips or fixtures. In tensile testing, the material is clamped between upper and lower grips. In compression or bending tests, it is placed between platens or support fixtures.

The machine’s crosshead moves vertically to apply force to the specimen. The motion is powered by either an electromechanical drive system or a hydraulic actuator. Test speed is precisely controlled to meet ASTM, ISO, or other standard requirements, as material behavior can vary depending on loading rate.

As the test runs, a load cell continuously measures the applied force, while an encoder, transducer, or extensometer tracks how much the material stretches, compresses, or bends. Together, these measurements provide the data needed to determine key mechanical properties such as strength, modulus, and elongation.

A digital controller regulates the test using closed-loop PID feedback, ensuring accuracy and repeatability. The software records data in real time, generates stress-strain curves, calculates mechanical properties automatically, and stores results for analysis, reporting, and compliance documentation.

Types of Tests Performed with a Universal Testing Machine

Image of eXpert 7600 and eccentric roller grips holding elastomer sample for ISO 37 testing

Tensile Test

Measures how materials behave when pulled apart, determining strength, modulus, and elongation.

Image of eXpert 5000 system with foam specimen and compression platens attached

Compression Test

Evaluates how materials perform under crushing forces and compressive loads.

Image of FF-T high capacity bend fixture

Bend Test

Measures a material’s ability to resist deformation under bending loads.

Image of ASTM D5379 shear fixture on eXpert 2600 test system

Shear Test

Evaluates internal sliding resistance between bonded layers.

Image of eXpert 7600 and peel fixture performing ASTM D3330

Peel Test

Measures adhesive bond strength between materials.

Image of sample and grips for ASTM F543 testing

Torsion Test

Assesses resistance to twisting forces.

Image of eXpert 5000 system with Coefficient of Friction fixture

Friction Test

Measures surface resistance during sliding motion.

Components of a Universal Testing Machine

Diagram of Universal Testing Machine components

1. Load Frame

The load frame provides rigid vertical support for the crosshead and test area. Its stiffness minimizes deflection during testing, ensuring accurate force application and repeatable results.

2. Upper Crosshead

The upper crosshead travels vertically to apply load to the specimen. Its motion is precisely controlled to meet defined speed or displacement requirements for standardized testing.

3. Load Cell

Mounted between the crosshead and the grip assembly, the load cell measures applied force and converts it into an electrical signal for accurate calculations.

4. Upper Grip

This fixture clamps the material to ensure proper alignment and prevent slippage during load application.

5. Specialized Test Fixture

In this diagram, a climbing drum fixture is used per ASTM D1876 to measure adhesion force. The fixture can be swapped with other grips and fixtures to accommodate different test types.

6. Lower Grip/Anchor Point

Works with the upper grip to clamp the sample in place and prevent slippage.

7. Digital Controller (MTESTQuattro)

This external controller manages closed-loop feedback between the load cell, crosshead, and software. It ensures precise regulation of load, displacement, or strain during testing.

8. Monitor/Software Interface

The connected computer displays live force-displacement data, generates stress-strain curves, and calculates mechanical properties. Software stores results for reporting and compliance documentation.

Types of Universal Testing Machines

Universal testing machines vary by drive system, frame configuration, and force capacity. Selecting the right system depends on your materials, load requirements, and testing standards.

By Drive System:

Electromechanical

Electromechanical universal testing machines use a servo motor and precision ball screw mechanism to convert rotational motion into controlled linear movement of the crosshead. This design allows highly accurate control of test speed, displacement, and load, making them well suited for standards based tensile, compression, and flexural testing.

ADMET’s Electromechanical Universal Testing Machine Offerings:

eXpert 7600 eXpert 2600 eXpert 5600
Image of eXpert 7601 universal testing machine with compression platens
Image of metal sample loaded into wedge grips on eXpert 1000

Hydraulic

Hydraulic universal testing machines use a servo-controlled hydraulic pump, valve, and actuator to apply force through pressurized fluid. This system enables the generation of very high loads, making hydraulic frames well suited for testing metals, structural components, fasteners, and other high strength materials.

ADMET’s Hydraulic Universal Testing Machine Offerings:

eXpert 1600

By Frame Configuration:

Dual Column

Dual column systems provide increased structural rigidity and higher force capacity compared to single column frames. The dual support design enhances stability and alignment during testing, making these machines suitable for mid- to high-force applications and larger specimens. They are commonly used in materials laboratories requiring versatility across tensile, compression, and flexural testing of metals, composites, and engineered materials.

ADMET’s Dual Column Universal Testing Machine Offerings:

eXpert 2600 eXpert 1600
Image of eXpert 2654 with EN 14651 test fixture attached
Image of eXpert 7600 universal testing machine with friction test fixture

Single Column

Single column systems are compact, space-efficient machines designed for lower force testing applications. They are ideal for benchtop use in laboratories evaluating plastics, films, textiles, medical components, and light-duty materials. Their smaller footprint and streamlined design make them well suited for routine quality control and educational environments where space and moderate load capacity are key considerations.

ADMET’s Single Column Universal Testing Machine Offerings:

eXpert 7600

By: Hazel Salazar | Published on: March 10, 2026 | Last Updated: June 15, 2026

Just Ask!

Have a question about universal testing machines?

We’re ready to help!

Contact Us Today
spiral arrow graphic

Buying Guides

  • Fatigue Testing Buying Guide

    Not all fatigue testing systems are created equal. ADMET’s buying guide breaks down the critical specifications and features engineers need to evaluate before investing in a fatigue testing setup.

  • Material Testing Labs

    ADMET offers testing machines and retrofits to help material testing labs expand their mechanical testing capabilities and meet client requirements.

  • Materials Research and Development

    Learn why material research and development professionals across the world use ADMET universal testing machines, controllers, and fixtures.

  • Quality Control Testing

    ADMET’s goal is to help manufacturers in their quality control testing by increasing efficiency of their in-house testing processes. Learn more now.

  • Tensile Grip Buying Guide

    Performing tensile tests requires a firm grip on your samples. Selecting the most suitable grip is crucial for obtaining accurate measurements of tensile properties like tensile strength, yield, peak load, elongation, and tensile modulus.