Universal Testing Machine Recomendations?

[hendersdc]

My company has added $20k to the budget for a universal testing machine and I would like to get recomendations for a good machine that is around or under this price. My company is a contract engineering firm that works largely in medical electronics and telecom. We don't have any products of our own and every project is different so there is no real typical use case for the tester.

General Requirements:

- Tension and Compression ~200-500 lbs
- Cycle testing on the order of 2 Hz at full load
- Single or dual column
- Travel of about 36 in to allow for fixtures and clamps

Any recomendations would be appreciated. I have talked with an Instron rep already and their most basic machine (single column, ~ 100 lbs) runs about $22k before adding in any fixtures.

 

[MintJulep]

With a bit of searching, you should be able to find a good used machine.

 

[Compositepro]

I got a 20,000 lb United test machine with load cell and computer with basic software at auction for $3,000. United machines are pretty good and you should be able to get a new 1000 lb unit for under $20,000.

 

[CoryPad]

You should be able to get a name brand UTM with 500 lb capacity for $20,000. I recommend obtaining quotes from Instron and MTS (best performance, service, and software), then maybe Zwick or Shimadzu if you need/want more.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[hendersdc]

Thanks for the recomendations guys, I will let you know what I find out.

Cory - I would have thought that I could get a brand name UTM for 20k as well but the Instron rep set me straight.

 

[ApplicationSupporter]

Have you tried Zwick?