Composite Material Testing Machines
Electromechanical testing machines with specialised grips for tensile, compression and flexure testing of carbon fibre, glass fibre, FRP, FRCM, geogrids and advanced composites.
Why Composite Materials Need Specialised Testing
Standard metallic grips can crush, slip or misalign composite specimens — invalidating your results.
Composite materials — carbon fibre, glass fibre, FRP, FRCM, aramid laminates, geogrids and technical textiles — are among the most challenging materials to test. They are highly anisotropic, often thin, and sensitive to clamping pressure. Standard grips designed for metals can introduce tab failure, crushing, stress concentrations and misalignment that make results unreliable.
Cermac has developed a range of specialised composite gripping solutions — modular, with interchangeable anti-slip inserts, progressive clamping and axial alignment control — designed to maintain specimen integrity and deliver repeatable stress-strain curves even on the most sensitive materials.
Combined with the UTM-E electromechanical testing machine (Class 0.5, 24-bit control, 0.001–500 mm/min) and high-resolution extensometers, the result is a system that produces accurate, standard-compliant data on even the most demanding composites.
Composite Testing Capabilities
Tensile Testing
Tensile properties of unidirectional and multidirectional laminates, flat coupons, textile reinforcements, geogrids and mesh per ISO 527-4/5 and ASTM D3039.
Compression Testing
Compressive properties of laminates with anti-buckling fixtures per ISO 14126 and ASTM D3410/D6641. Prevents Euler buckling on thin, high-stiffness specimens.
Flexure Testing
3-point and 4-point bending of composite laminates and sandwich panels per ISO 178, ASTM D790 and ASTM D7264.
Peel & Shear Testing
Lap-shear (ISO 4587 / ASTM D1002) and peel (ISO 8510 / ASTM D1876) for bonded composite assemblies and structural adhesive qualification.
Specialised Gripping
Modular grips with interchangeable inserts for flat coupons, textiles, mesh and irregular-geometry specimens. Progressive clamping and controlled axial alignment.
Precision Strain Measurement
Clip-on extensometers (MFA2, 0.1 µm resolution) and video extensometers (ISO 9513) for accurate measurement on low-elongation, high-stiffness materials.
Composite Testing Standards
Tensile properties of fibre-reinforced plastic composites — unidirectional and multidirectional laminates.
Compressive properties of fibre-reinforced plastics — in-plane compression of laminates.
Flexural properties of polymer-matrix composites — 3-point and 4-point bending.
Flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics.
Adhesive lap-shear testing of rigid-to-rigid bonded assemblies.
Peel testing of adhesive bonds — T-peel and climbing drum configurations.
Applications
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Aerospace — qualification and acceptance testing of carbon fibre laminates, honeycomb panels and adhesive bonds for aircraft structures.
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Automotive — glass fibre, carbon fibre and hybrid composite components for body panels, structural reinforcements and crash elements.
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Construction and civil engineering — FRP bars, FRCM systems, geogrids and geotextiles for structural strengthening and soil stabilisation.
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Wind energy — glass fibre and carbon fibre laminates for turbine blade manufacture.
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Marine and sport — composite materials for boat hulls, masts, bicycle frames and sporting equipment.
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Research — characterisation of new composite formulations, fibre/matrix combinations and manufacturing processes at universities and R&D centres.
Composite Testing Accessories
Composite Tensile Grips
Modular design for flat, textile and mesh specimens. Anti-slip inserts, progressive clamping and axial alignment.
Geogrid & Textile Grips
Wide-jaw grips for geogrids, FRCM nets and technical fibres. Accommodates variable widths without damage.
Anti-buckling Fixtures
Compression fixtures preventing Euler buckling on thin laminates per ASTM D3410 and D6641.
Clip-on Extensometer MFA2
0.1 µm resolution, 2 mm range. Lightweight design for low-elongation composites.
Video Extensometer
Non-contact optical strain measurement. ISO 9513 compliant. Ideal for fragile specimens.
Peel Test Fixture TH105
Per ASTM D3167, EN 1464, ISO 4578. Max. 10 kN, 0–70°C temperature range.
Why Cermac for Composite Testing
Cermac’s electromechanical UTM-E machines combine the high structural rigidity needed for stiff composites with precise closed-loop control for accurate strain measurement at low elongation. Our in-house designed grips solve the critical challenge — holding the specimen securely without introducing artefacts.
The ability to customise grip inserts, jaw profiles and clamping forces means we develop specimen-specific solutions for non-standard geometries — flat CFRP coupons, FRCM mesh, geogrid strips and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a composite testing machine?
A universal testing system configured with specialised grips, fixtures and extensometers to accurately test fibre-reinforced composites — carbon fibre, glass fibre, FRP, FRCM, geogrids and aramid laminates.
Why do composites need special gripping?
Composites are anisotropic, thin and clamping-sensitive. Standard metallic grips can crush, slip or misalign specimens. Cermac’s modular grips use anti-slip inserts, progressive clamping and axial alignment control designed for composites.
What standards are supported?
ISO 527-4/5, ASTM D3039 (tensile), ISO 14126, ASTM D3410 (compression), ISO 178, ASTM D7264 (flexure), ISO 4587, ASTM D1002 (shear), ISO 8510, ASTM D1876 (peel).
What load capacity is needed?
Most composite tests: 5–300 kN. Thin laminates/textiles: UTM-D (0.1–20 kN). Standard coupons: UTM-E (50–300 kN). Thick structural composites: UTM-E (400–600 kN).
Can the machine test at high temperature?
Yes. The UTM-E integrates with electric furnaces and ceramic extensometer arms for elevated-temperature composite testing.
Machines & Accessories in Action
Cermac testing machines and accessories configured for real laboratory applications.
Tailored to Your Laboratory
At Cermac, every testing machine can be fully customised to match your specific requirements. From frame configuration and load capacity to grips, fixtures and software interfaces — we design the complete system around your laboratory’s workflow, materials and testing standards.
Our engineering team works directly with you to identify the optimal solution: the right machine, the right accessories and the right configuration to maximise productivity and ensure compliance from day one.
Every Cermac machine is compatible with a comprehensive range of dedicated testing accessories — extensometers, grips, furnaces, bending fixtures, impact accessories and more. Explore the full accessories catalogue →
Request a Quote for Composite Testing Equipment
Tell us about your composite materials, specimen types and testing standards — our team will prepare a tailored solution within 24 business hours.