If you want to know how a material responds to tensile, compressive, or transverse stresses, then you need a universal testing machine (UTM). Because the machine is capable of conducting so many different kinds of tests across so many different types of materials, it has been given this name. Using the UTM, one is able to carry out a variety of tests, such as the peel test, the flexural test, the tension test, the bend test, the friction test, the spring test, and so on.
In this article, we will go over the primary characteristics of the components of the UTM machine as well as the tasks it performs.
See also: Types of building materials
UTM machine: What is a universal testing machine?
Source: Pinterest
A universal testing machine, often known as a UTM machine, is a kind of testing machine that applies a tensile, compressive, and transverse load on a sample in order to determine the mechanical characteristics of that material. A universal testing machine can perform a variety of tests by only requiring the user to change the grips and fasteners that are attached to it. Metals, concrete, rubber, and textiles are some of the materials that may be tested using this machine.
UTM machine: Components
A universal testing machine is made up of two primary components, which are as follows:
-
Loading Unit
Within the loading unit, both the configuration of the test sample and the application of the load are maintained. The following items make up the various parts of a UTM loading unit:
-
Load Frame
Universal testing machines may have a single- or double-supported load frame, depending on the requirements of the test. The compression test sample is placed on a table, which is part of the load Frame’s upper crosshead. The lower crosshead is also a part of the load Frame.
-
Lower Crosshead and Upper Crosshead
In order to secure one side of the test sample, the upper crosshead is often used. The load frame has a moveable crosshead that may be adjusted in height by loosening the crosshead’s screws. There’s a central notch that tapers on both crossheads. This opening has a set of racking jaws designed to secure and retain the tensile test sample.
-
Elongation Scale
A scale that measures elongation is included with the loading unit, and it is used to determine how far the lower table has moved in relation to the top table.
-
Control Unit
The control unit is the source of the information used to determine the changes in the load application and the related test result. The following are the primary elements that make up the control unit of a universal testing machine:
-
Hydraulic Power Unit
The load unit’s primary cylinder receives constant oil pressure from the unit’s oil pump. This motion aids in the uniform loading of the specimen. An electric motor and a sump provide the power for the operation of an oil pump that is part of a hydraulic power unit.
-
Load Measuring Unit
This device is equipped with a pendulum dynamometer, which consists of a small barrel with a piston that works in sync with the steady flow of oil. The piston and pendulum are linked by a pivoting lever. If you apply enough force to the specimen, the pivot lever will bend. The amount of load shown on the dial is determined by the amount by which the pointer is displaced.
-
Control Devices
Both electrical and hydraulic systems may be used for the controls. Switches on the unit’s electric controls allow for vertical and horizontal crosshead movement. The Right Control Valve and also the Left Control Valve are the two halves of any hydraulic control system. For the purpose of applying stress on the sample, a right control valve is employed. Withdrawing pressure is accomplished by turning the control knob to the left.
UTM machine: Types
-
Single-column UTM machines
Source: Pinterest
The loading capacity of these machines may vary from a few grams to roughly 500 kilograms, and they are commonly used on a tabletop. The vast majority of column machines are electrically powered and controlled by means of a miniature servo-electric motor.
-
Double-column UTM machines
Source: Pinterest
Due to its unique construction, a dual-column UTM machine is sometimes known as an H frame. The H frame design is so sturdy that it was used to create the first universal testing equipment. In terms of weight, these devices can handle anything from 500 to well over 100,000 kg.
Electrical or servo-hydraulic mechanisms may power double-column UTMs. Extremely rigorous experiments of structural materials in production settings are often best accomplished using hydraulic equipment. The speed and stroke length of electro-mechanical machines may be adjusted to accommodate a wide variety of experiments, making them ideal for use in research and development settings.
How to choose the right universal testing machine?
To begin selecting a UTM machine for the particular test suite, you must first ascertain the size of your samples and the amount of force required to test them. With these considerations in mind, you’ll be able to choose the appropriate frame size. Compression testing on big containers, for instance, may not need a great deal of force, but it does necessitate evaluating the whole sample.
After settling on an acceptable capacity and frame size, you may go on to think about the uses and extras that would best serve your needs. Is there a way to run your system manually? Do you need test recording software that can handle many tests at once? Decisions in this area will be impacted by the workload and the state of your present testing infrastructure.
UTM machine: Uses
The following are just some of the most prevalent applications for UTMs:
-
Tensile testing
A tensile test is among the most typical uses of UTM, and it involves pulling a material apart until it breaks. This helps determine the material’s strength, how much it can be stretched, and how rigid it is.
-
Compression testing
A tensile test’s polar opposite is a compression test. A universal testing machine may be used to squeeze an item until it reaches a certain density, travels a certain distance, or cracks.
-
Peel testing
The average peel force of a material may be determined by performing a test called a “peel test,” which is similar to a “tensile test” but involves separating two materials that were previously bonded together.
-
Bend testing
In a bend test, the span of material is held at both ends while the machine exerts a force in the centre of the span until the material either breaks or travels a predetermined distance. The flexural strength and flexural modulus of a material are determined through bending tests.
-
Puncture testing
In order to determine a material sample’s level of resistance to being punctured during a puncture test, the sample is prodded until it is punctured.
FAQs
What are UTM machines used for?
UTM machines are used in the quality assurance or research and development phases of a vast array of products and services. UTM machines may offer findings that precisely measure the qualities of the tested material, providing manufacturers or designers with the information they need to determine whether or not the sample is acceptable for the intended use.
Are industry standards met when testing using UTMs?
UTM machines are designed with the purpose of assisting users in the process of testing a broad variety of components to ensure that they conform to a number of industry requirements. In addition, they are occasionally employed for testing materials for which there is no established technique of standard testing.
What kind of materials can be tested using UTM machines?
The qualities of a broad variety of materials, including rubber, foam, plastics, and polymers, as well as wood, metals, and textiles, may be evaluated using universal testing machines owing to their adaptability.
