Tensile testing
Compare strength and deformation under a tensile load.
Material Properties · Strength & Durability
Universal Mechanical Testing (UTM)
Measure tensile or compressive response using specimen geometry, grips or platens, loading conditions and result definitions agreed for the material.
- Price
- from£28 per sample, excl. VATA £45 service fee applies to orders under £300, excluding VAT.
- Turnaround
- 8–12 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Zwick Z250MTS C45.105
- Typical outputs
- Load-extension or load-displacement curveAgreed tensile or compressive propertiesSpecimen geometry and test-condition record
Why this test
Understand how your material carries a load
Measure tensile or compressive response using specimen geometry, grips or platens, loading conditions and result definitions agreed for the material.
Compression testing
Understand load-bearing behaviour under compression.
Other loading
Discuss a material, fixture or loading condition outside the routine routes.
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the instrument
The specimen, fixtures and measurement route depend on the material and the result you need.
Tensile testing
Compare strength and deformation under a tensile load.
- Best used when
- Compare strength and deformation under a tensile load.
- Typical result
- Agreed tensile strength, yield, elongation or modulus.
- Preparation note
- Provide specimen geometry, gauge length, cross-sectional area, grip details and strain-measurement requirements.
Compression testing
Understand load-bearing behaviour under compression.
- Best used when
- Understand load-bearing behaviour under compression.
- Typical result
- Agreed compressive strength, modulus or load-displacement response.
- Preparation note
- Provide specimen height, cross-sectional area, platen contact and deformation limit. Consider buckling and end effects.
Other loading
Discuss a material, fixture or loading condition outside the routine routes.
- Best used when
- Discuss a material, fixture or loading condition outside the routine routes.
- Typical result
- A separately agreed measurement and reporting scope.
- Preparation note
- Supply a drawing, expected load, fixture requirements and the question the test must answer.
Common outputs
A result package matched to your test
Properties, measurement conditions and reporting limits are confirmed before testing.
Recorded for the accepted specimen IDs and loading programme.
Calculated only where the specimen geometry and selected measurement support them.
Includes the dimensions and conditions needed to interpret the agreed results.
Stress in MPa and strain are reported only where specimen geometry and the agreed measurement support them. Tensile elongation, yield and modulus or compression strength and modulus follow the selected method. Special fixtures and local strain measurement require separate review.
Sample requirements
What to send
Provide representative, clearly labelled specimens and identify the loading direction and applicable method.
| Test route | Specimen information | Preparation and measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile | Material, drawing, gauge length and cross-sectional area | Confirm machining, grip geometry, loading rate and strain measurement. |
| Compression | Material, height, cross-sectional area and end-face condition | Confirm platen contact, alignment and deformation limit. |
| Specialist scope | Drawing, expected load, loading direction and required comparison | Agree fixtures, preparation and feasibility before dispatch. |
Dimensions should be supplied in mm. State the standard and number of replicates. Do not dispatch restricted or unstable material before acceptance.
Questions and answers
Common mechanical testing decisions
Confirm the details that affect preparation, measurement and interpretation.
Should I select tensile or compression testing?
Select the loading mode that matches how your material is used and the property you need to compare. If unsure, describe the application in the configuration.
Which specimen dimensions are required?
Provide material, specimen drawing, dimensions in mm, gauge length or compression height, cross-sectional area, expected load and applicable standard. Confirm machining, grips or platens and strain measurement.
Are all mechanical properties included?
Stress in MPa and strain are reported only where specimen geometry and the agreed measurement support them. Tensile elongation, yield and modulus or compression strength and modulus follow the selected method. Special fixtures and local strain measurement require separate review.
When does turnaround begin?
8–12 working days is the indicative laboratory period after technical acceptance and receipt of all required samples and information. Preparation, special conditions and shipping can extend the overall schedule.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope UTM correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth
UTM analysisfrom£28
A £45 service fee applies to orders under £300, excluding VAT.
Typical turnaround: 8–12 working days
Configure & Book