Universal testing machine

A universal testing machine (UTM), also known as a universal tester, materials testing machine or materials test frame, is used to test the tensile strength and compressive strength of materials. An earlier name for a tensile testing machine is a tensometer. The 'universal' part of the name reflects that it can perform many standard tensile and compression tests on materials, components, and structures (in other words, that it is versatile). Several variations are in use. Common components include: The set-up and usage are detailed in a test method, often published by a standards organization. This specifies the sample preparation, fixturing, gauge length (the length which is under study or observation), analysis, etc.