Accessories
Tensile and Compression testing machines can use many different types of accessories depending on the type of test involved. All of these accessories involve measurement, sensing, and data acquisition. Advanced testing requires the use of these instruments to acquire very accurate data. For instance, ASTM D790 recommends the use of a deflectometer to accurately measure the deflection or bend of the sample. Other tests, such as ASTM D638, may require an extensometer for strain measurement. R&D scientists may use up to 8 or even 16 individual strain gauges to measure strain, which is a measure of the deformation of the material when it is under stress. Video extensometers have quickly gained popularity over contact strain measurement devices in recent years.
Along with in-test accessories, UGC also offers a complete line of specimen cutting tools and presses.
Adapters
Overview: There are several different types of adapters, brackets, fixtures and mounts that are needed to accessorize a materials testing system. Identifying which adapter you need is easy and Universal Grip can help fit grips onto any testing machine. This page attempts to cover as many of the standard adapters as possible. There are many potential combinations of sex, sizes, and shapes, however UGC has standardized on a male eye end design which attaches to the female couplin...
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Arbor Press
Introduction to Arbor Presses for Cutting ASTM Test Samples Arbor presses are simple, highly effective manual machines that use mechanical leverage to deliver controlled, repeatable cutting force for ASTM specimen preparation. By applying up to 26 kN (approximately 6,000 lbf) of force without any external power source, an arbor press makes it easy to cut precise test coupons from sheet materials using ASTM-specific steel rule dies. These presses are typically bench-mounted for stability. B...
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ASTM Cutting Dies
The Universal Grip Company offers the world's largest collection of ASTM, ISO, DIN, EN, GOST and JIS Cutting dies that are used in conjunction with an arbor press to fabricate standard sample specimens. There are two styles of dies based on the thickness and Shore Hardness of the base material. If you know these values, we can advise on the best die & press to use. We can also accept samples and make some test cuts, free of charge. *Universal Grip Dies can work with any press Rib...
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Environmental Chambers
Universal Grip offers Environmental Chambers for any brand of universal testing machine. Our temperature chambers can attach to the machine in a variety of ways including fixed mount, sliding rail systems, or weighted wheeled sleds. The environmental chambers can also be ordered with a variety of customizations including height, width, depth, and custom temperature ranges. Upgrading a tensile testing machine with a thermostatic chamber can be an expensive endeavor. Most UTM manufacturers...
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Extensometers
Extensometers from Universal Grip Universal Grip offers the industry's widest selection of extensometers for tensile, compression, and flexural testing. Our strain measurement systems are engineered for precision, reliability, and compatibility with virtually any brand of universal testing machine (UTM) or tensile testing machine, including Instron, MTS, Shimadzu, Tinius Olsen, Galdabini, and more. If you need an extensometer for materials testing—whether it&r...
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Extensometer - Clip-on
Universal Grip is a global distributor of Epsilon Extensometers and Strain Gauges We can configure Extensometers for ANY Universal Testing Machine How to use a Clip-On Extensometer The Clip-On Extensometer is one of the most basic types of strain gauges used in conjunction with a universal testing machine. The device uses a Wheatstone bridge configuration to measure the direct strain measurement of the sample. Extensometers are critical for higher level calculations such as Y...
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Sample Die + Press
The Universal Grip Company offers a large collection of premium ASTM specific sample preparation tools. All of our cutting dies are machined using high accuracy 6 axis CNC machines. The dies are heat treated and then hand sharpened. The measurement accuracy of the cutting die designs are within +/- 0.04 which meets and exceeds ASTM, ISO, and other testing standards. Die-cutting arbor presses are also available and are sized and priced based on the amount of force needed. C...
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Marking Tool for Laser Extensometers
Marking Tool for 10, 20, 25, 50mm or 1/2", 1", 2" Gauge Lengths The Gauge Length Marking Tool is used for depositing retro-reflective tape onto ASTM samples. The tape is highly visible to laser extensometers which are used for non-contact strain measurement during tensile testing. A few punch designs are available including either a 2 or 4mm circular dot, or a line which is 1x3.8mm or 2x8mm. The gauge length is adjustable, and there are two versions of the tool, one fo...
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Punch Press for Metal
Preparing metal specimens for tensile testing requires the use of special cutting tools. Universal Grip offers a complete line of sample preparation tools for cutting aluminum, iron, steel and other metals according to ASTM and ISO standards. Depending on the type of metal, different solutions may be more or less appropriate. Presses for cutting metal samples are a large investment and require careful planning. In order for us to offer the best solution, please review and use our Punch Pres...
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Video Extensometers
Video Extensometers starting at $14,999 Video Extensometers with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) have quickly become the preferred method for non-contact strain measurement in the material testing industry. A camera and computer system combined with pixel recognition software algorithms can accurately measure strain in a variety of applications including tensile testing. Strain is the measure of deformation that a material experiences while under stress (force) over time (t) and is ...
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