Instron 5800R Tensile and Compression Test System

Description: Instron model 4505 load frame with a series 5800 retrofit

Location: Instrumentation Lab

Access: Please contact the Lab Coordinator, Marya Schnedeker to schedule.

SAFETY: Proper machine shop attire should be worn at all times by the operator. Do not touch the machine as it is performing a test. 

What is an Instron Test System?

The Instron Test System is a stand-alone, fully digital, single-axis controller that is packaged as a tower. It uses a motor encoder and a load cell to collect data during tension, compression, and 3-point bend tests.

Available Testing Protocols and Data Outputs:

  Calculations
Tension
(stress and reverse stress)		 Absolute Peak
Local Peaks
Preset Points
User Calculations
Modulus (9 types)
Yield (5 tyles)
Break (6 types)
Slack/Compliance Correction
Poisson’s Ratio
Area Reduction
Break Location
Compression Same as Tension Calculations, but also provides comprehensive values
3-Point Bend Same as Compression

Major Components

Machine Capabilities

  Specification
Tower Height 1978 mm
Tower Width 1105 mm
Tower Depth 708 mm
Load Capacity ±100 kN
Available
Load Cells
  • ±0.5 kN
  • ±1 kN
  • ±10 kN
  • ±100 kN
Maximum Force ±100kN
Speed Maximum: 1,000 mm/min
Minimum: 0.001 mm/min
Total Crosshead Travel 1079 mm
Position Measurement Accuracy ±0.02mm or 0.05% of displayed reading
Load Weighing
Accuracy		 ±0.04% of the reading down to 1/100 of load cell capacity
±0.05% of the reading down to 1/500 of load cell capacity
Strain Measurement
Accuracy		 ±0.05% of the reading down to 1/50 of full scale with an ASTM E83 class B or an ISO 9513 class 0.5 extensometer
Available Extensometers
  • Gauge Length: 1″, Travel: +0.5″ / -0.1″
  • Gauge Length: 0.5″, Travel: +0.25″ / -0.25″

How Does the Intron Test
System Work?

A load cell is installed in the top of the load frame, and a material specimen is held in place inside the Instron tower using fixtures and grips. Once a testing protocol has been initiated, the center crosshead will travel vertically, propelled by large lead-screws located inside the columns. DO NOT TOUCH THE MACHINE AS IT IS MOVING. The speed, distance, and direction of travel is determined by the testing protocol which has been programmed by the operator beforehand. The Instron is capable of performing tension, compression, and 3-point bend tests.

Tension Test

During a tension test, the material specimen (typically in the shape of a dog-bone or coupon) is held securely in the jaws of upper and lower wedge grips. In a standard configuration, the upper grip is attached to the load cell while the lower grip is attached to the fixed base plate of the crosshead. The crosshead will travel downward while the upper grip and load cell remain stationary. An Extensometer gauge may be clipped to the material specimen cross section to record a more accurate strain measurement (pictured above).

Compression Test

During a compression test, the material specimen (shape varies based on test requirements) is held in place by a vise grip fixture attached to the base plate of the crosshead. A compressive load is applied to the specimen by a platen that is attached to the load cell. The crosshead will travel upward while the platen and load cell remain stationary.

3-Point Bend Test

During a 3-point bend test, the material specimen (typically in the shape of a coupon) is placed across a support cylinder fixture that is attached to the base plate of the crosshead. A compressive load is applied directly to the center of the specimen by a loading anvil that is attached to the load cell. The crosshead will travel upward while the loading anvil and load cell remain stationary.

Data Collection

Data can be collected in the form of Extension, Load, Time, and Strain:

  Data Collection Method
Extension From the Crosshead / Actuator travel
Load From the Load Cell
Time From the software controller
Strain From Extension readout or an Extensometer clipped to specimen

Next Steps: