Universal testing machines (UTMs), also called universal testers, can perform a variety of tests used to measure the compressive and tensile strength of materials. These tests can include, but are not limited to: standard tensile test and compressive tests, seal strength tests, bond strength tests, bend tests, puncture tests, and spring tests. Often, the test to be used for a particular material type is specified by a standards agency, such as the ASTM International standards agency.
Components of a universal testing machine commonly include a load frame for support, a load cell for force measurement measurement, an upper and lower crosshead to hold the test product, a mechanism for measurement of extension, and a device for reading measurements. When purchasing a machine, it is important to consider each of these individual components to ensure they are optimized for the sample of interest, the capacity needed, and whether there will be a need for environmental control conditions.