How Do I Use a Test Machine?

 

i) First establish which test machine that you need for your intended purpose. WSMTL has test machines with capacities from 100 lbs to 1,000,000 lbs and a wide range of load rates. You generally want to apply loads at 10% to 90% of the rated capacity of the load cell in the test machine. Some of the test machines are very easy to operate and others are more complicated. Talk to John Dreger, Bill Lang or Professor Steve Cramer about your needs.

ii) You need to fill out a project registration form. See left frame of website under Research requests.

iii) You need to receive training and authorization from John Dreger or Bill Lang to use any of the labs test machines. You don’t hop into the driver’s seat of a car for the first time and expect to drive it on the highway, right? The WSMTL test machines have the same capability to injure as a vehicle if not properly operated. Once your project registration has been received, schedule an appointment with Bill or John. Training probably won’t take too long depending on your previous level of testing knowledge.

News & Research

Capabilities

• Hydraulic Accuators
• Screw Driven Machines
• Vibration
• Stress Analysis
• Asphalt
• Information Request

Contacting Us

Wisconsin Structures & Materials Testing
Laboratory
University of Wisconsin-Madison
1415 Engineering Drive
Madison, WI 53706-1691

Tel: 608/265-8214
Fax: 608/265-8213
E-mail: wsmtl@engr.wisc.edu