When a manufacturer makes a product, they must know how reliable and strong it is before it reaches the market. To ensure this, universal testing machines (UTMs) come into the scene. These are specialized machines that pull, push, stretch, and bend different materials to see how they behave under force. From metals and plastics to rubber and composites, these machines can test all types of materials. However, due to their rising demand, several manufacturers offer these machines worldwide. Finding the right one can be tricky for anyone. But you need not worry! In this guide, I will discuss the top 10 universal testing machine suppliers in the USA. You will know their services and specialties, so choose the most reliable supplier. So let’s get started.
Top 10 Universal Testing Machine suppliers in the USA
There are many UTM suppliers in the USA. However, each one offers something different. Some companies focus on advanced testing systems, while others are known for custom testing solutions. That’s why choosing the right supplier is important. Thus, to make this decision easier for you, here is the list of the top 10 UTM suppliers in the USA that you can trust.
1- MTS Systems
The most well-reputed supplier of testing solutions is MTS Systems, which started in Westerville, Ohio. It is not a new name in the testing industry, but it has been around since 1966. Initially, the company was known for making simple testing equipment, including UTMs. Gradually, it expanded its work into materials testing, automotive testing, and aerospace testing.
In 2021, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) acquired the MTS Test & Simulation business from Amphenol. This acquisition brought the business into the ITW family. For universal testing, MTS offers its Criterion® and Exceed® electromechanical test systems. These machines perform common tests such as tension, compression, flexure, and shear. Also, they are available in different sizes and force capacities, so you can choose accordingly. The Criterion family currently covers force capacities from 1 kN up to 1,200 kN (269,800 lbf) for UTM.
Another thing that makes the newer Criterion systems especially stand out is their 5,000 Hz data acquisition rate. It means these machines can collect a very large amount of test information in no time. This high speed is handy when engineers are testing stiff, brittle, or composite materials. Besides all this, MTS offers customers the flexibility to build a machine tailored to a specific application. Its Criterion Custom systems include custom fixtures, touchscreen controls, automation, and axial-torsional testing.
2- OTS Technik
OTS Technik is one of the most well-trusted UTM suppliers in the world. It is not limited to a single type of testing machine. But it offers a wide range of product lines. Some of those include its material testing, vibration testing, battery testing, and packaging tests. The journey of OTS began in 1978, when its research and production work began in Taiwan, China. The company later entered mainland China in 1998 and established a second manufacturing base in Dongguan in 2009.
However, it did not stop there. It then expanded its network to include locations in Suzhou, Singapore, Vietnam, the United States, and Europe. Today, it has two main production bases that cover more than 30,000 m². In terms of universal testing, OTS offers these machines with advanced features. One good example of a UTM is the XB-OTS-600 universal material tester. It can be configured for loads from 2 to 500 kgf, with a force accuracy of ±0.5% and a test stroke of up to 700 mm.
It uses a precision load cell, servo motor, and ball-screw drive. The software also allows users to create their own test methods, compare test curves, and analyze results. OTS also builds custom testing machines, which are an important part of its offering. For example, its 100 kN tensile tester can be customized around the required test force, stroke, and specimen size. So different businesses can choose the most reliable tester for their particular applications.
3- Tinius Olsen
Tinius Olsen is a UTM supplier that stands out in the world for offering testing solutions. There is an interesting story behind Tinius Olsen. The company’s actual story began in 1880, when its founder, Tinius Olsen, invented the first universal testing machine. That early invention became the starting point for his business. Today, Tinius Olsen collaborates with modern testing systems used by laboratories and manufacturers. What further makes Tinius Olsen special for a universal testing machine list is the range of tests its machines can handle.
Its systems can perform tensile, compression, flexural, shear, peel, puncture, tear, and friction tests. It means one testing system can often be set up for several different jobs instead of being limited. If you handle smaller and medium-sized laboratory work, it offers its ST Series electromechanical UTM. These models range from 1 kN to 50 kN and can test plastics, films, paper, packaging, adhesives, and medical components.
For much heavier testing, the company has its SL Series hydraulic universal testing machines. This range covers capacities from 300 kN to 3,000 kN, or about 60,000 to 600,000 lbf. Their machines have a sturdy four-column frame. They also feature a patented dual-pressure hydraulic loading system. At the same time, these UTMs can test more than 1,000 specimens in 24 hours.
4- ADMET
ADMET is the UTM supplier that did not start by making complete testing machines. Richard Gedney created the company in 1989 after completing his mechanical engineering studies at MIT. In the early days, ADMET was just focused on developing software and controllers that could upgrade older UTMs.
But this early work gave the founder an understanding of how testing machines work and how engineers actually use them. Later, he used this experience to develop its own complete testing systems. Today, ADMET is based in Norwood, Massachusetts. Here, its systems and software are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA. The company has been in the materials testing business for more than 30 years. It has testing systems in use worldwide.
Manufacturers, research laboratories, and universities use its machines. ADMET’s universal testing machine range is quite broad. Its eXpert 7600 is a compact, single-column machine with a capacity of up to 5 kN. However, the eXpert 2600 is a dual-column system available from 5 to 600 kN. For applications requiring high force, the eXpert 1600 servo-hydraulic system can deliver up to 600 kN. ADMET also offers the modular eXpert 5600. This can be configured for unusual test setups and special customer requirements.
5- ZwickRoell
Now, it comes to ZwickRoell, one of the most experienced suppliers of testing machines in the world. In the 1800s, early companies in the group started making machines to measure materials. Over time, these businesses grew, joined forces, and continued improving their testing technology. The merger of Zwick and Roell in 1992 created the company group known today as ZwickRoell.
With more than 170 years of experience, this company is known as one of the most reputable. Today, ZwickRoell is a family-owned company with around 1,800 employees and a presence in 56 countries. For the U.S. market, ZwickRoell North America is headquartered in Kennesaw, Georgia. Here, it provides sales, service, and testing solutions for customers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
ZwickRoell provides a wide range of universal testing machines. In this way, they meet different customer needs without forcing everyone to buy a single machine. Its product range includes the zwickiLine, ProLine, AllroundLine, and E-series. These UTMs cover forces from very small laboratory tests up to 5,000 kN. Additionally, the company’s major strength is its modular design. It means you do not have to choose a machine based only on what you need today. The systems can be expanded with different accessories, environmental chambers, extensometers, and software.
6- Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
This company was basically started in 1875 in Kyoto, Japan. Its founder, Genzo Shimadzu Sr., began making instruments for teaching physics and chemistry. Shimadzu later moved into scientific and industrial equipment. By 1917, the company started making material testing machines as well. That means its experience in this field is more than 100 years. Its connection with the U.S. also has a long history.
Shimadzu basically opened its first New York office in 1963. After that, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. (SSI), another plant, was established in the United States in 1975. Today, SSI is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland. Besides this, it operates a network of regional offices across the country. This gives U.S. customers easy access to local sales engineers, technical specialists, and training. For universal testing, one of Shimadzu’s main products is the AUTOGRAPH AGS-X2 series.
These are precision universal testing machines designed for a wide range of strength tests. Their force measurement can achieve ±0.5% accuracy. At the same time, these machines also support automatic test-force calibration. The AGS-X2 also comes with TRAPEZIUM X-V data-processing software. This is the software that lets you set up tests, control the machine, process results, and generate useful test data. So, in simple terms, whatever you need for a testing solution, Shimadzu offers it under one roof.
7- AMETEK Test & Calibration
AMETEK Test & Calibration is another company that is not limited to a single type of testing machine. Instead, its materials-testing business brings together several established brands. Some of those brands include Lloyd Instruments, Chatillon, Davenport, and Newage. Together, these brands cover everything from UTMs and force gauges to polymer testers and hardness testers. For universal testing, the main name to know is Lloyd Instruments.
Its machines are designed to measure how materials behave when pulled, pushed, bent, or peeled. The range starts with the compact LS1, which handles up to 1 kN, and extends to the LS100Plus, which handles 100 kN. The best part is that the same machine from this company can be used for a variety of jobs. You can change the grips and fixtures to test materials with different shapes and sizes.
When a laboratory does not want to purchase a separate machine for every testing method, these machines become reliable. AMETEK also offers a high-speed option called the LS5HS. This speed is best for industries where repetitive testing needs to be completed quickly. The company also combines its machines with robotic automation. This automation reduces manual work, lowering the chance of operator mistakes.
8- TestResources
If a laboratory needs a testing machine but does not want to pay for features it will never use, TestResources comes into the scene. The company designs its machines around the customer’s actual testing job, budget, and future needs. The company started in 1998, when its founder, Bob Brosch, received its first major order from NASA. The job involved adding computerized servo controls to a very large testing machine. Later, it started making independent testing machines for all types of businesses.
Today, TestResources is based in Shakopee, Minnesota. To this day, it has supplied testing equipment to more than 2,000 customers. Its universal testing machines cover a very wide range of forces. The lower-force 100 Series handles applications from extremely small loads up to 10 kN. However, the 300 Series reaches 500 kN. For much heavier work, the company’s hydraulic systems can reach as high as 2 MN.
Another feature is that TestResources can turn a universal testing machine into a more advanced system. For example, a torsion channel can be added to certain machines. As a result, they perform torsion or combined axial-torsion testing. These upgrades can be added later. It means customers do not always have to buy every feature at the beginning. Even with these advanced features, TestResources still focuses on affordability.
9- Applied Test Systems (ATS)
Now it comes to ATS, which began in 1965. At that time, its founder, Norman L. Carroll, was working as a manufacturing engineer at Westinghouse’s Atomic Fuel Division. He often faced testing problems for which ready-made equipment simply did not exist. Instead of accepting those limits, he started building solutions himself. That experience led him to leave Westinghouse and establish what became Applied Test Systems. ATS first operated from a refurbished barn.
There, a small team handled engineering, manufacturing, and marketing. Its early work was closely connected to Westinghouse. However, the company soon began developing its own range of testing equipment. UTMs, creep and stress-rupture frames, and testing accessories are now part of its catalog. Today, ATS is based in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Here, its manufacturing, engineering, development, and sales operations are located. The company has more than 60 years of experience in materials testing and process heating. Its facility is ISO 9001:2015 certified. For universal testing, ATS offers several machine ranges. Its 900 Series is a compact benchtop option available in 5,000- and 10,000-lb capacities. These machines can perform tension, compression, and flexure tests and take up little laboratory space.
10- Galdabini North America
Lastly, Galdabini North America is a testing machine manufacturer founded in 1890. The company began its journey with the repair and maintenance of textile machinery in Italy. But soon it moved into manufacturing machines for the growing mechanical industry. Its move into materials testing came in 1934, when Galdabini built its first universal tensile testing machine.
Today, Galdabini North America offers U.S. and Canadian customers access to this Italian testing technology. Galdabini has a direct sales and service presence in the USA, based in Michigan. However, its main manufacturing operations remain in Europe. The company also works through a network of partners and distributors around the world. Its equipment has reached more than 10,000 installations worldwide and is exported to about 85% of its market.
It offers a wide range of universal testing machines. Its range includes the Quasar, Quantum, Quasar Mate, and Strike series. These machines cover different force levels and frame designs. Galdabini has a special testing center where customers can see and try the equipment before choosing a machine. Customers can bring their own materials, test them on Galdabini machines, and discuss their needs with engineers. This is very useful for businesses searching for customized UTMs.
Conclusion
Universal testing machines are among the most reliable ways to ensure a product’s strength. Almost every industry from automotive to aerospace relies on these machines. Due to this rising demand, you will find a wide range of UTM suppliers worldwide. However, it does not mean they offer the same quality and services. That’s why, to make your research easier, I have discussed the top 10 UTM suppliers in the USA in this guide. Some of them offer advanced testing machines. Others focus on custom solutions, easy operation, or strong technical support. So, do not choose a supplier only because of its name or price. Look at the machine’s capacity, accuracy, features, software, service, and long-term value.