UNIVERSAL TESTING MACHINE

Module 6 Overview:
Construction materials are usually tested for its
strength. One of the apparatus used in testing is the
Universal universal testing machine because if its versatility.
Learning Outcomes:
Testing At the end of this module, you should be able to:
Machine 1. Know what a Universal Testing Machine is;
2. Know the different parts of UTM;
(UTM): 3. Know the different function of UTM; and
4. Know the commonly used test using UTM.

Universal Testing Machine

Construction A Universal Testing Machine (UTM), also known as
a universal tester, materials testing machine or materials
Materials & test frame, is used to test the mechanical properties
(tension, compression etc.) of a given test specimen or
Testing material by exerting tensile, compressive or transverse
stresses. The machine has been named so, because of
the wide range of tests it can perform over different kind of
Engr. Luis Alfonso R. Tanchico materials. Different tests like compression test, flexural
Special Lecturer test, tension test, bend test, friction test, spring test etc.
09169121330 can be performed with the help of UTM. There are also
latanchico@hotmail.com UTM’s that have been stripped of capabilities or marketed
to a specific sector which have led to the development of
specialized names such as “texture analyzer” for food, “top load compression tester” for packaging
and pipe, and “peel tester” for adhesives, tapes, and labels. Today, a UTM can perform all of these
tests and more. A UTM is a great multi-purpose instrument for an R&D lab or QC
department. UTM’s are the heart of material science and play a critical role in every manufacturing
environment.
There are several types of UTMs under the umbrella of material testing system. We will focus only
on static, axial-loading, tension compression type.

Common Column Types of Universal Testing Machines

Parts of a typical Universal Testing Machine

A universal testing machine consists of two main parts :

A. Loading Unit
B. Control Unit

The arrangement of the test specimen and the exertion of the load is held in the loading unit. The
variations in the application of the load and the corresponding test result are obtained from
the control unit.

A. Loading Unit

The loading unit of a UTM consists of the following components :

1. Load Frame

The load frame of a universal testing machine can be made either by single support (c-frame)
or by double support. The load frame consists of a table (where the specimen is placed for the
compression test), upper crosshead, and lower crosshead.

2. Upper Crosshead and Lower Crosshead

The upper and lower crosshead is used to clamp the ends of the test specimen. The lower
crosshead in the load frame is the movable crosshead whose screws can be loosened for height
adjustment and tightened. Both the crossheads have a tapered slot at the center. This slot has
a pair of racked jaws/clamps that is intended to grip and hold the tensile test specimen. The
movable cross head is controlled to move up or down. Usually this is at a constant speed:
sometimes called a constant rate of extension (CRE) machine. Some machines can program
the crosshead speed or conduct cyclical testing, testing at constant force, testing at constant
deformation, etc. Electromechanical, servo-hydraulic, linear drive, and resonance drive are
used,
3. Elongation Scale

The relative movement of the lower and upper table is measured by an elongation scale which
is provided along with the loading unit.

B. Control Unit

The main components of the control unit in a universal testing machine are :

1. Hydraulic Power Unit

This unit consists of an oil pump that provides non-pulsating oil flow into the main cylinder of
the load unit. This flow helps in the smooth application of load on the specimen. The oil pump
in a hydraulic power unit is run by an electric motor and sump.

2. Control Devices
The control devices can be electric or hydraulic. Electric control devices make use of switches
to move the crossheads and switch on/off the unit. A hydraulic control device consists of two
valves, Right Control Valve and Left Control Valve or Release.

3. Load Measuring Unit or Output Device

A means of providing the test result is needed. Many newer machines have a computer interface
for analysis and printing. Some older machines have dial or digital displays and chart recorders.

A force transducer or other means of measuring the load is required. This unit has a pendulum
dynamometer unit that has a small cylinder with a piston which moves with the non-pulsating
oil flow. The pendulum is connected to the piston by pivot lever. The pivot lever deflects based
on the load applied to the specimen. This deflection is converted to the load pointer and displays
as the load on the dial. The range of load application can be adjusted by means of a knob in the
load measuring unit (0-100 kN; 0-250 kN; 0-500 kN and 0-1000 kN). The accuracy of measuring
unit controls the overall accuracy of the machine.

Periodic calibration is usually required by governing regulations or quality system.

 Means of measuring extension or deformation - Many tests require a measure of the response
of the test specimen to the movement of the cross head. Extensometers are sometimes used.

Functions of Universal Testing Machine

The main functions of UTM are to test the mechanical properties of materials.

UTM can be used to test a wide variety of materials like concrete, steel, cables, springs, steel wires
and chains, slings, links, rope, winches, steel ropes, e

UTM provides the value of load application and the respective displacements. From the observed
value, the load deflection graph is obtained. With the load value in the Y-axis and the displacement
in the X-axis. The displacement is actually the movement of the crossheads during the load
application.
From the load deflection graph, the stress-strain analysis, modulus of elasticity, yield strength of the
specimen tested can be determined.
The set-up and usage of UTMs are detailed in a test method, often published by standards
organizations (ACI, ASTM, etc.). This specifies the sample preparation, fixturing, gage length (the
length which is under study or observation), analysis, etc.
The specimen is placed in the machine between the grips and an extensometer if required can
automatically record the change in gage length during the test. If an extensometer is not fitted, the
machine itself can record the displacement between its cross heads on which the specimen is held.
However, this method not only records the change in length of the specimen but also all other
extending / elastic components of the testing machine and its drive systems including any slipping
of the specimen in the grips.
Once the machine is started it begins to apply an increasing load on specimen. Throughout the tests
the control system and its associated software record the load and extension or compression of the
specimen.
Machines range from very small table top systems to ones with over 53 MN (12 million lbf) capacity.

Commonly Performed Tests in UTM:

Universal Testing Machine or UTM Machine is a very versatile machine, it has the capability to
perform multiple tests.

1. Tensile Test
Tensile test is done in UTM Machine or a dedicated Tensile Testing Machine by gripping/clamping
the test sample at each end and is pulled until it breaks. In Tension mode, the UTM machine will
move in upwards direction vertically. Typically after the tensile test, some parameters like Tensile
strength, % Elongation, Maximum force, etc. are calculated.
2. Compression Test
A compression test is performed in the opposite direction as compared to Tension mode (i.e. the
machine will move downward direction vertically).

For compression test, fixtures called compression platens (of different sizes depending on test
specimen) are used as upper and lower fixtures; followed by placing the test specimen between
these fixtures and compressed up to certain load or extension or till the sample breaks.

Generally, types of materials subjected to compression test are:

 Concrete
 Metals
 Plastics
 Ceramics
 Composites

3. Flexural test or 3-point or 4-point bend Test

Bend test is done in compression mode in Universal Testing Machine where a length of material is
or kept on support at 2 ends (the unsupported length is defined as per standard) and a plunger will
apply the pressure at the center of the material till the certain extension or till it breaks. Final results
calculated are ‘Flexural Modulus’.

4. Bond Strength Test

The bond strength test is performed with the UTM Machine to check the adhesive force between
the two layers of any material.

Final result for the Bond test is measured in the form of ‘average force’; here graph is checked at
the end of the test, if the graph gives out uniform force, then it is concluded that adhesive is properly
applied to the test material/structure and if any peaks/troughs are observed in graph then it is
concluded that the adhesive has not been applied uniformly to the test material.

5. Gliding Force Test

Gliding force test is performed with the UTM Machine to check the smoothness between any 2
surfaces.

This test can be performed in both modes i.e. tension as well as compression, depending on the
test to be performed and the sample to be tested.

Final results Observations are ‘average force’ and graph, which is evaluated to check and
peaks/troughs during the test.

6. Puncture Test
Puncture test is performed in UTM Machine by placing the sample in the bottom fixture where a
certain circular area is secured as secured at the perimeter and the center area is kept hollow (this
is done according to standards).

Then a ‘puncture probe’ is used as an upper fixture and this probe travels downwards until the test
material is punctured. The result calculated is the maximum force required to puncture a material,
this result is called as ‘puncture resistance’.

8. Co-efficient of Friction Test

Friction test is performed to determine the smoothness between two materials by sliding one
material over another at specified test conditions. Results observed after the test is performed are
Static Co-efficient of Friction (starting force) and Kinetic Co-efficient of Friction (average force while
sliding). These results are then related to slip properties of plastic films that are of wide interest in
packaging applications.
Dedicated Coefficient of Friction Tester is also available which gives some additional feature; but it
is possible to successfully perform this test with Universal Testing Machine as in both cases,
sensing device is load cell, which should be of very high accuracy and repeatability.

9. Spring Testing
Spring testing in UTM is a very specialized application. Springs can be tested in Tension as well as
Compression mode, depending on the final application of the particular spring.

10. Shear Test

Shear strength is obtained by placing a specimen in a punch type shear fixture and the punch is
pushed down at a constant rate until the moving portion of the specimen clears the stationary
portion. Shear strength is calculated as force/area sheared.

Apart from above-mentioned tests, there are a lot of other tests which can be performed
successfully using Universal Testing Machine or UTM Machine. It is just a matter of knowing which
tests are exactly needed to be performed for your material and why? Universal Testing Machine is
the all-in-one machine which most used in many of the QC departments and R&D laboratories.
Summary:

The Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is a versatile machine that is used to test the mechanical
properties (tension, compression etc.) of a given test specimen or material by exerting tensile,
compressive or transverse stresses. It has two general main parts, loading and control unit. The
loading unit consists of load frame, upper and lower cross heads, and sometimes elongation scales.
The control unit is composed of hydraulic power unit, control devices, and output device or load
measuring device. The most commonly performed test on UTMs are tensile test, compression test,
and flexure test.

Feedback:

Prior to this learning module you might be wondering how construction materials strength is
determined. Now you know that one of the equipment used is the Universal Testing Machine.

Upon learning things in this module, you must have a grasp on the importance of UTM in the testing
of construction materials. In the succeeding learning modules, we will discuss other important
materials used in construction and the test needed to assure its quality.

Suggested Reading:
Topics on Universal Testing Machine in;

Simplified Methods on Building Construction, M. B. Fajardo Jr., 2001

Elements of Roads and Highways, M. B. Fajardo Jr., 2002

References:

DPWH Standard Specification 1988

DPWH Testing Manual 1988
Simplified Methods on Building Construction, M. B. Fajardo Jr., 2001
Elements of Roads and Highways, M. B. Fajardo Jr., 2002