A universal testing machine (UTM) applies tension, compression, flexure or bend loading to a specimen through a single load frame, reporting load and extension against the applicable standard. NL Scientific builds UTMs from 500 N desktop frames to 2000 kN servo-hydraulic systems for metals QC, rebar and prestressing strand, and factory floor acceptance testing.
What a Universal Testing Machine Does
A load frame, crosshead and actuator apply controlled force while a load cell and extensometer record load and displacement. Swapping grips, platens or a bend fixture lets the same frame run tension, compression and flexural tests — the distinction from a dedicated compression machine is the interchangeable tooling and tension capability.
Capacity Guide
| Tier | Capacity | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop / benchtop (Servotec) | 500 N – 50 kN | Wire, plastics, small components, QC labs |
| Mid-range servo-hydraulic | 100 kN – 300 kN | Rebar up to ~25 mm, structural steel sections |
| High-capacity servo-hydraulic | 600 kN – 2000 kN | Large-diameter rebar, structural connections, factory acceptance testing |
| Multi-wire strand | 1200 kN | 7-wire prestressing strand to ISO 15630-3 |
Desktop & Benchtop Tensile Testing (500 N – 50 kN)
The Servotec digimatic range covers wire, polymer, thin sheet and small-component tension at bench scale. NL Scientific manufactures the Servotec UTM 500N (Desk Top), 1000N (Digimatic, Single Column), 3kN, 5kN, 10kN & 20kN (Double Column) and 50kN (Twin Column) models.
Mid-Range Servo-Hydraulic (100 kN – 300 kN)
For rebar and structural steel sections within normal reinforcement diameters: the Universal Testing Machine 100kN (Servo Fully Automatic), 200kN (Twin Column) and the Electro-Hydraulic Servo Control UTM 300kN.
High-Capacity Servo-Hydraulic (1000 kN – 2000 kN)
NL Scientific’s factory-floor and large-rebar line: the 600kN, 1000kN, 1000kN (6KS), 1500kN and the 2000kN (6KS) — our highest-capacity servo-hydraulic UTM, built for large-diameter reinforcement and structural acceptance testing to ISO 6892-1 and ASTM E8/E8M.
Multi-Wire Strand & Rebar Tensile Testing (ISO 15630)
Prestressing strand and reinforcement testing to ISO 15630 needs strand-specific anchorage grips rated to full breaking load. NL Scientific manufactures the Electro-Hydraulic Servo Control UTM (Multi Wire Strand) 1200kN for 7-wire strand to ISO 15630-3, alongside the full steel testing range including mechanical extensometers and grip adaptors.
Standards & Accreditation
NL Scientific universal testing machines are built to ISO 6892-1 (metallic materials — tensile testing at room temperature), ASTM E8/E8M (tension testing of metallic materials) and ISO 15630 (steel for reinforcement and prestressing of concrete). Every machine ships with calibration traceable through our ISO/IEC 17025 (SAMM 835) accredited laboratory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a UTM and a compression testing machine?
A UTM has grips and a tension load path in addition to compression platens, so it runs tensile, bend and compression tests on one frame. A dedicated concrete compression machine only loads in compression and is not fitted for tension grips.
Which UTM capacity do I need for rebar testing?
Capacity depends on bar diameter and grade: smaller diameters (up to ~16–20 mm) typically run on 100–300 kN frames, while larger diameters and higher-grade bar need 600 kN or above. Multi-wire prestressing strand to ISO 15630-3 needs the 1200 kN strand-grip configuration.
Need the right capacity for your laboratory? Contact NL Scientific for a quotation — Asia’s leading manufacturer of civil engineering and material testing equipment, shipping worldwide.
