The documentation of material characteristics is a key factor in both quality control and R&D divisions.
Image Courtesy of Mecmesin, a PPT Group company
A universal testing machine (UTM) can carry out a broad spectrum of tests, applying tensile and compression forces and assessing the test specimen’s load-displacement response.
A key component of the system is its adaptable software, which is used to program the testing procedure. This software provides precise control over the machine, allowing quality control methods to be effectively implemented across various industries.
In the following article, Mecmesin highlights various use cases for universal testers, showcasing the diverse range of test samples, loading variations, and industry sectors where this versatile technology meets specific requirements.
Raw Materials for Final Products
Documenting material properties is a crucial aspect of quality control and R&D. Materials testing is a well-established method for evaluating the physical characteristics of raw materials, including metals, plastics, composites, rubber, and even wood.
A material’s mechanical properties define its elastic and inelastic responses at an atomic level when subjected to force. These properties are determined through stress-strain relationships and are measured against test standards grounded in fundamental physics.
One of the most essential materials testing methods involves using a universal tester in tensile mode. In this process, the machine grips a standardized ‘dumbbell’ specimen and applies force until a key event occurs—either the material yields or fractures—marking the completion of the measurement.
A high-capacity twin-column UTM performing a material properties analysis on a metal test piece. Large grips are required to keep the specimen secure under high tensile loads, and an extensometer is an essential instrument to record these low values of elongation accurately. The software screen displays a typical stress-strain curve of an elastic material under tension; showing the characteristic shape we use to calculate fundamental material properties, such as Young’s modulus of elasticity, from salient points on this curve. Image Courtesy of Mecmesin, a PPT Group company
Cooked Materials for Fresh Produce
Food science shares many similarities with materials testing, as the behavior of a test specimen is influenced by the properties of its internal structure. While engineering materials are typically tested to prevent failure in real-world applications, food testing focuses on ensuring and controlling how a product breaks down during consumption.
The primary tool for measuring a food product’s physical properties is known as a "texture analyzer," but at its core, it functions as a universal tester. By using specialized hardware fixtures and software, these systems apply controlled deformation to the sample. The measured results are then analyzed to determine attributes that correspond to established sensory qualities, such as texture and mouthfeel.
Test standards in food science tend to be more subjective, as they are often based on sensory perception. While taste and smell play a crucial role in food evaluation, they are not physical attributes and, therefore, cannot be measured with a universal testing machine. Instead, terms like "soft," "crisp," "tender," and "chewy" describe a food’s mouthfeel.
In texture analysis, measured values are typically assigned a pass/fail status based on expert judgment from an internal sensory panel. However, certain food sectors rely on precise numerical values to maintain consistency in grading.
For example, meat tenderness is assessed using industry-standard blades in a shear force test, while the firmness of thickening agents like gelatin and hydrocolloids—referred to as "Bloom strength"—is measured to guide concentration recommendations for labeling and formulation.
Food processors use texture analysis to refine ingredient selection, improve formulation practices, and provide clear preparation instructions for consumers. Additionally, packaging manufacturers benefit from studying how a product’s texture changes over time, helping them assess and optimize shelf life.
The ideal texture of fresh bread is defined by its softness. Consumers associate freshness with how easily the bread compresses—whether when biting and chewing or simply pressing it by hand while making a sandwich. A universal tester equipped with a compression probe is used to measure this softness by pressing into the bread. The resulting curve shape provides food scientists with data to confirm whether the texture meets the required standard. Key metrics such as peak force and the area under the curve create a comprehensive texture profile, helping differentiate between test batches. This test, known as Texture Profile Analysis (TPA), simulates two chew cycles by applying compression twice, offering valuable insights into the bread’s overall texture. Image Courtesy of Mecmesin, a PPT Group company
Since many cosmetic products are applied to the skin, their texture—often described as "finger feel"—can be quantified using universal tester measurements. Additionally, the physical texture of semi-solid products like creams and lotions plays a crucial role in their flow efficiency, whether through packaging dispensers or production channels such as filler-line nozzles.
Regulatory compliance is also a key consideration in this industry. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the safety, efficacy, and security of various products, including food and cosmetics.
Specifically, Section 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 11 establishes guidelines for using electronic records and signatures. As a result, universal testing systems used in these sectors must include software that supports compliance with these regulations.
Manufactured Products for Functional Performance
Finished products must undergo quality assurance testing to ensure they meet performance standards and regulatory requirements. While universal testers are often associated with high-load industrial applications, such as testing metallic raw materials, their versatility makes them a valuable investment for any manufacturing business committed to quality.
In the cosmetics and personal care industry, where competition is fierce and customer loyalty is essential, product performance and packaging durability are critical. Consumers expect products to function effectively, feel luxurious, and withstand daily use.
A cosmetics brush manufacturer takes advantage of the versatility of a universal tester to quality-check the retention integrity of the bristles. Offering a range of brushes for different cosmetic product applications, the use of bespoke fixtures to consistently locate each brush design geometry to be aligned with the bristle tuft upper grip. This flexibility of one aspect of the system enables the same ferrule and adhesive integrity test method to be implemented for the entire product offering. Image Courtesy of Mecmesin, a PPT Group company
Wrap Up
The true advantage of universal testers lies in their flexibility—not only in performing quality assurance testing but also in adapting to future needs.
Investing in the core hardware provides a long-term testing solution, while the addition of specialized fixtures and software upgrades ensures continued value. This adaptability allows manufacturers to keep pace with evolving quality standards and industry demands.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Mecmesin.
For more information on this source, please visit Mecmesin.