SEMS Mechanical Testing Labs

The Mechanical Characterisation Laboratory is equipped with an impressive array of state-of-the-art mechanical testing machines.

These advanced instruments are pivotal in evaluating the mechanical properties of diverse materials, from aerospace components to innovative biomaterials and biological tissues.

The facility boasts a wide range of Instron testing systems, such as the high-precision Instron 3342 (0.5kN), the versatile Instron 68TM-10 (10kN) with AVE, and the high-capacity Instron 5900R84 (150kN), among others. These systems apply forces in compression, tension, and torsion, enabling detailed analysis of materials' strength, modulus, and other key characteristics.

In addition to the Instron range, the lab features Mitutoyo's Micro Vickers Hardness Tester for precise hardness measurements and BOSE systems, including a biaxial tester, for more complex mechanical evaluations. This cutting-edge facility supports a wide range of research and industrial testing needs.

Facilities

Screw driven mechanical testing frames for static and quasi static tests

Hydraulic and  Electro-driven mechanical testing machine for dynamic and fatigue tests

 

Instron 3342

Instron 3342
  • Maximum capacity 0.5kN
  • Maximum rate 1000mm/min
  • Additional load cells available for use on this machine: 10N, 50N, 100N
 

Instron 68TM-10

INSTRON 68TM-10
  • Maximum capacity 10kN
  • Minimum speed 0.001 mm/min
  • Maximum speed 2032 mm/min
  • Position control resolution 4.9 nm
  • Frame Axial stiffness  50 kN/mm
  • Additional load cells available for use on this machine:100N, 1kN, 2kN, 5kN,10kN
  • Equipped with Advanced Video Extensometer (AVE)
 

Instron 5900R84

Instron 5900R84
  • Maximum capacity 150kN
  • Maximum rate 750 mm/min
  • Position control resolution 0.0747 µm
  • Frame stiffness 350kN/mm
  • Additional load cells available for use on this machine:100N, 1kN, 2kN, 5kN,10kN, 30kN, 150kN
  • Equipped with environmental chamber (-100°C to 300°C)
 

Instron 5967

Instron 5967
  • Maximum capacity 30kN
  • Maximum rate 1000mm/min
  • Position control resolution 0.0446 µm
  • Frame stiffness  115kN/mm
  • Additional load cells available for use on this machine: 5N, 10N, 100N, 1kN,5kN, 10kN,30kN
  • Equipped with AVE
 

Instron 8801

Instron 8801
  • Maximum capacity 50kN
  • Maximum rate 0.5 m/s
  • Stroke 150mm
  • Max frequency 100Hz
  • Frame stiffness 390kN/mm
  • Equipped with environmental chamber (-100°C to 300°C)
 

Instron 8872

Instron 8872
  •  Maximum capacity 25kN
  • Maximum rate 0.5 m/s
  • Stroke 100mm
  • Max frequency 100Hz
  • Frame stiffness 260kN/mm
  • Additional load cells available for use on this machine:250N, 1kN
 

Instron E1000

Instron E1000
  • Maximum capacity 1kN
  • Maximum rate 0.5 m/s
  • Stroke 60mm
  • Max frequency 100Hz
  • Additional load cells available for use on this machine: 250N
 

Instron E10000

Instron E10000
  • Axial and rotational actuator
  • Maximum capacity 10kN axial/100N.m rotational
  • Maximum rate 0.5 m/s
  • Stroke 60mm
  • Max frequency 100Hz
  • Additional load cells available for use on this machine: 250N, 1kN (linear only)
  • Equipped with environmental chamber (-100°C to 300°C)
 

ElectroForce 5500

ElectroForce 5500

The ElectroForce 5500 test instrument provides characterization and stimulation capabilities for a variety of synthetic materials such as composites and elastomers, biomaterials, tissue samples, and tissue-engineered constructs.

  • 200 N maximum force.
  • Stroke 12 mm
  • Max frequency 20Hz
  • Compact size that fits in an incubator (height of 50.1 cm)
  • ElectroForce zero-friction motor
 

ElectroForce 3300

ElectroForce 3300
  • Axial and rotational actuator
  • High resolution and high accuracy displacement measurement for both the dynamic axial motor and the optional torsional motor
  • Force – Peak/Max Sine: 3 kN
  • Torque – Peak/Max: ± 25 N-m
  • Stroke 25 mm
  • Linear Velocity 0.013 μm/s – 2.0 m/s
  • Frequency 0.00001 Hz – 100 Hz
  • Equipped with environmental chamber (-100°C to 300°C)
 

ElectroForce 4-Motors Planar Biaxial

ElectroForce 4-Motors Planar Biaxial

The Planar Biaxial instruments in the TestBench series are designed to precisely characterise planar samples like membranes, textiles, and skin. Multiple motors can synchronise in various modes for versatile planar loading combinations.

  • Force Range:  0.002 – 200 N
  • Displacement Range: 0.050 – 26 mm
  • Frequency 0.00001 Hz – 100 Hz
  • Hook grips for isolating loading axes
  • Fluid bath 
  • Digital Video Extensometer (DVE) for real-time strain measurements with DIC integrated analysis