To check the mechanical properties of any material, a Universal Testing Machine is chosen. However, the two most common universal testing machines, hydraulic and electromechanical, have vast applications in different industries, both in terms of versatility and precision. The choice, however, lies in the type of requirement , testing budget and the material’s properties.
This blog delves into the differences between hydraulic universal testing machine and electromechanical Universal testing machine, which will guide you in making an informed choice for your industry.
What is a Universal Testing Machine (UTM)?
A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is a testing device used to measure the tensile, compressive, and bending strength of various materials. UTMs play a crucial role in ensuring the durability and quality of products, ranging from metals and polymers to construction materials.
Key Differences: Hydraulic vs. Electromechanical Universal Testing Machines
Feature | Hydraulic UTM | Electromechanical UTM |
| Mechanism | It uses hydraulic pressure to apply force. | Utilises servo motors and advanced load cells for precision. |
| Force Capacity | It is ideal for high-force applications like metal and construction materials. | Best for low to medium-force applications such as polymers and textiles. |
| Precision | It offers moderate accuracy but is sufficient for high-capacity testing. | High precision with accuracy up to ±0.5%. |
| Applications | Metals, composites, and large-force construction materials. | Polymers, textiles, small components, and research applications. |
| Cost | Lower initial cost for high-capacity tests but higher operational costs. | Higher upfront cost but more energy-efficient and lower maintenance. |
| Flexibility | Limited to specific testing parameters. | Wide range of testing speeds and capabilities with advanced controls. |
Hydraulic Universal Testing Machines
Hydraulic UTMs, such as Testron’s TT-C Computerized Hydraulic Universal Testing Machine, are powerful and have high force capacities. They are frequently used in construction, aerospace, and automotive industries.
Advantages:
- It is easy to conduct tests of high-capacity
- They are ideal for large and heavy materials like metals and composites
- They are relatively economical for high-force testing applications.
Disadvantages:
- Less accurate compared to electromechanical machines
- It is more expensive to run because of hydraulic fluid and system maintenance.
Read more: Guide to Hydraulic Universal Testing Machines
Electromechanical Universal Testing Machines
Electromechanical UTMs, such as Testron’s TT-50EDW Electromechanical Universal Testing Machine, are versatile and accurate, making them perfect for various applications.
Advantages:
- Better accuracy with sophisticated load cells and servo motors.
- Ease of use with live data capture and reporting.
- Capable of testing fragile materials such as polymers and textiles.
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial cost.
- Capacity is limited for very high-force applications.
When to Use Hydraulic Universal Testing Machine
- High Capacity Testing: Suitable for testing metals, concrete, and other construction materials.
- Cost-benefits: Lower pretesting investments on high-force testing
- Industrial Uses: Construction, Aerospace and Car industry
For example, Testing strength properties in large metal bridge beams or skyscrapers beam-to-beam
When an electromechanical Universal Testing Machine makes it
- Precision Testing: Ideal for materials requiring high accuracy, such as polymers and textiles.
- Versatility: Suitable for multiple testing types with customisable parameters.
- Industries: Research and development, manufacturing, and quality control labs.
For example, textile fibres in sportswear can be measured for their elongation and tensile strength.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a UTM
Factor | Hydraulic UTM | Electromechanical UTM |
| Testing Force | High-force materials. | Low to medium-force materials. |
| Precision | Moderate. | High precision. |
| Testing Frequency | Ideal for repetitive, high-load tests. | Suitable for varied and precise tests. |
| Material Type | Metals, composites. | Polymers, textiles, small components. |
| Budget | Lower upfront cost. | Higher initial investment, better ROI. |
Why Testron’s UTMs?
TT-C Computerized Hydraulic Universal Testing Machine
- It can handle high-capacity tests.
- Compliant with ASTM, ISO, and JIS standards.
- It is suitable for large construction materials’ tensile, compressive, and bending tests.
TT-50EDW Electromechanical Universal Testing Machine
- Its accuracy is ±0.5%.
- Advanced software for real-time data acquisition and reporting.
- It is perfect for diverse materials, from textiles to construction composites.
Trusted Clients: Schneider Electric and Siemens Energy are big brands that rely on Testron’s UTMs for quality control.
Which UTM is Right for You?
Select between a hydraulic UTM machine and an electromechanical testing machine, depending on your requirements and budget. Testron offers solutions tailored to the needs of your industry.
Contact Testron today to view our high-quality testing machines and find the right fit for your business.
Request a demo or consultation today to upgrade your quality assurance!
Related: Choose the Right Universal Testing Machine in the USA
Testron’s advanced UTMs are designed to provide precision and reliability for all your testing needs. Contact us today to transform your quality assurance processes!
FAQs
Hydraulic universal testing machines use pressure for high-force testing, and electromechanical UTMs use servo motors for exact, diversified applications.
Hydraulic Universal testing machines are used by laboratory, construction, aerospace, and automotive industries to test metals, composites, and large materials.
Electromechanical universal testing machines offer better accuracy and are suitable for fragile materials such as polymers and textiles.
The price of the electromechanical universal testing machine depends on its features and capacity. Contact Testron for a customised quote.
Yes, Testron specialises in customised solutions to meet specific industry growth requirements.
Testron’s advanced UTMs are designed to provide precision and reliability for all your testing needs. Contact us today to transform your quality assurance processes!
