Calibrated testing results are crucial for companies who wish to prove the quality and safety of their products. Calibration of universal testing machines in Germany allows companies to ensure that force measurement is always reliable and precise. This guideline will provide information on why calibration is important, the process of calibration of universal testing machines, standards such as DIN EN ISO 7500-1, documentation, and selection of proper testing devices for Germany.
Why is Universal Testing Machine Calibration Important in Germany?
Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is one of the devices used for testing tensile strength, compressive strength, elongation, yield strength, among others. However, due to the passage of time, many variables that may affect the accuracy of the tests conducted using this device include aging of the load cell, wear and tear of the machine, and others.
Measurement reliability is especially important for manufacturers in Germany since the results of tests may help ensure quality control, accept products, conduct research, get certification, or meet customer demands.
As such, Universal testing machine calibration in Germany must be considered as an essential element of measurement management in the laboratory, not just equipment maintenance.
ISO 7500-1:2018 DIN EN is the German version of ISO 7500-1:2018 regarding the calibration and verification of static uniaxial tension and compression testing machines. It entails general inspection, calibration of the force measuring system, and verification of machine performance based on the class requirements.
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What Are the Steps of the Universal Testing Machine Calibration Process?
The precise steps of the universal testing machine calibration process will vary depending on the machine design, the chosen standard, measuring range, and other factors in the laboratory environment. In general, the steps can include:
- Visually and mechanically inspecting the machine, including its grips, fixtures, force frame, connections, and force application mechanisms.
- Inspection of the force measuring system, which includes the load cell and other components used for measurement.
- Application of forces as references across the measuring range by using appropriate reference equipment.
- Comparison of the indicated force with the reference values.
- Analysis of the deviations and assessment of the machine according to the accuracy class.
- Documenting calibration findings, including equipment identification, reference standards, environmental conditions, and relevant information.
- Calibration certificate: Issue appropriate documentation showing the calibration results and status.
Verification under the ISO 7500-1 standard requires, among other things, an overall machine inspection, calibration of the force-measuring system, and verification of the performance characteristics within the selected class.
Universal Testing Machine Calibration: Important Parameters
Area of calibration | What is calibrated | Importance of the parameter |
Force measuring | Displayed force vs. reference force | Provides accurate measurement of strength |
Load cell | Response to measurement | Provides accurate measurement of force |
| Mechanical system | Machine parts and force application parts | Identifies mechanical problems |
Measurement range | Measurement performance at specified forces | Avoids incorrect measurements under various loads |
| Extensometer | Elongation/strain measurement if any | Better measurement of elongation and strain |
| Documentation | Results of calibration and traceability | Provides documentation |
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Calibration of Tensile Testing Machine for Manufacturing
Calibration of the tensile testing machine is necessary when the manufacturer relies on the results of tensile testing for verification of materials, components, welding, plastics, metals, or the final product.
The calibrated tensile testing machine will help the laboratory know whether any change that occurs in the tensile strength is real or a result of the testing system.
In case the manufacturer uses tensile and compression testing machines, calibration of the universal tensile testing machine must consider the entire force measurement system and the testing setup.
Calibration of Universal Testing Machine Standards
The calibration of the universal testing machine system must be done in compliance with the testing requirements, not just on the basis of checking the machine.
In Germany, DIN EN ISO 7500-1:2018 would be particularly significant when dealing with static uniaxial tension and compression testing machines. As DIN Media explains, this is the latest German revision of EN ISO 7500-1:2018.
While laboratories need to use accredited calibrations, DAkkS states that calibration laboratories are accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 to allow for accurate measurements.
Firms are expected to always verify the particular standards, accreditation, measurement range, uncertainty requirements, and certificate requirements.
What Does a Universal Testing Machine Calibration PDF Need to Contain?
Those who search for a universal testing machine calibration PDF or universal testing machine calibration procedure PDF will find that a list is insufficient.
The useful documentation must contain the following information:
- Universal testing machine model name and its serial number
- Load cell or force measurement system
- Date of the calibration
- Measurement range
- References and standards
- Results of calibration
- Uncertainty of measurement, where necessary
- Environmental conditions, where necessary
- Standard or procedure used
- Criteria of acceptance
- Status of calibration
- Identification of the calibration organization
A universal download testing machine calibration procedure PDF can be a reference document, but it cannot serve as a substitute for the respective standard or accredited calibration.
UTM Calibration: When Is Calibration Required?
There is no set interval for all UTMs. The calibration interval needs to be chosen based on the manufacturer’s recommendation, relevant standards, laboratory quality policies, use, risks, past calibration experience, and customer demands.
The following situations would also call for calibration:
- Major repairs to the instrument
- Replacement of load cell
- Moving the instrument to another location
- Major changes in the mechanical structure
- Unusual test readings
- Possible measurement errors
- Prolonged intense use of the instrument
Regarding calibration of the universal tensile tester, maintaining calibration history can enable laboratories to track trends and check if the chosen interval is still suitable.
Selection of Universal Testing Machine Supplier in Germany
The process of calibration is just one component to ensure proper testing of materials. To select a universal testing machine supplier, a manufacturer needs to consider:
- Testing capacities required
- Tensile and compression
- Accuracy of load cell
- Compatibility of extensometer
- Software/data management
- Grips/fixtures available
- Test standards for use
- Technical support
- Calibration documentation
- Installation/training
- Availability of spare parts
TESTRON provides a wide variety of universal testing machines, which include servo electronic machines from 30 kN to 300 kN, benchtop machines, and electro-hydraulic servo machines up to 2000 kN.
How Much Is a Universal Testing Machine?
The universal testing machine price is based on things like maximum capacity, machine design, control system, load cell arrangement, extensometer, fixturing, software and automation, etc.
Rather than comparing prices, German makers should consider the total value offered by the machines in terms of accuracy, repeatability, technical support, calibration needs, serviceability, and life cycle.
It is important to develop a good universal test machine calibration approach while estimating costs of ownership.
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Conclusion
Good mechanical testing does not only require good machinery. Periodic testing and correct calibration of the universal testing machine in Germany can assist manufacturers in gaining trust in the accuracy of the measurement results achieved with such machinery.
Proper calibration according to the relevant standards and requirements, proper documentation of the calibration, use of the appropriate reference materials, and qualified calibration service can all assist in enhancing the process of quality control in Germany. When planning a new lab or updating the existing machinery, it is advisable to choose both the appropriate UTM and the correct calibration strategy.
TESTRON supplies a wide selection of universal testing machines for tensile and material testing applications.
Related: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Tensile Testing Machine Prices in 2026
