Wire & Prestressing Strand Testing Machines
Hydraulic universal testing machines configured for tensile testing of steel wire, prestressing strand, cables and wire rope.
Tensile Testing of Wire, Strand and Cables
High-capacity testing machines with specialised grips and long-gauge extensometers for wire and strand characterisation.
Prestressing strand, wire rope and steel cables require high-capacity tensile testing with specialised gripping to prevent premature failure at the jaws. Cermac’s UTM-H (600–2,000 kN) and UTM-E (50–600 kN) machines are configured with hydraulic wedge grips and the TRF600 long-gauge extensometer (600 mm gauge length) for accurate elongation measurement on long specimens.
The system meets EN 15630, EN 10138, ASTM A416 and ASTM A370 requirements for prestressing steel, with automatic calculation of tensile strength, 0.1% proof stress, elongation at maximum force (Agt) and total elongation.
Wire & Strand Testing Features
Hydraulic Wedge Grips
Anti-slip grips for round and stranded specimens that prevent jaw breaks.
TRF600 Extensometer
600 mm gauge length clip-on extensometer for accurate elongation on long specimens.
0.1% Proof Stress
Automatic Rp0.1 determination for prestressing steel per EN 15630.
High Capacity
600 to 2,000 kN for testing multi-wire strands and large cables.
Strand & Single Wire
Test both individual wires and complete 7-wire strands on the same machine.
Standard Calculations
Automatic tensile strength, proof stress, Agt, total elongation and Rm/Rp ratio per EN 15630.
Testing Standards
Steel for the prestressing of concrete — test methods.
Prestressing steels — strand, wire and bar specifications.
Steel strand, uncoated seven-wire for prestressed concrete.
Standard test methods for mechanical testing of steel products.
Underlying tensile test method — metallic materials.
Prestressing steel — test methods.
Applications
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Precast concrete — prestressing strand QC for pre-tensioned and post-tensioned elements.
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Bridge construction — strand and cable testing for stay cables and suspender ropes.
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Steel wire manufacturing — production QC and certification of wire rod, wire and strand.
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Mining — wire rope and cable testing for hoisting and hauling applications.
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Third-party labs — ISO 17025 accredited testing of prestressing materials.
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Energy — guy wires for transmission towers and wind turbine cables.
Machines & Accessories in Action
Why Choose Cermac
Since 1983, Cermac S.r.l. has designed and manufactured material testing machines at our ISO 9001:2015 certified facility near Milan, Italy. Direct access to the engineering team, fast spare parts and responsive technical support.
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 — we design the complete system around your laboratory workflow.
Our engineering team works directly with you to identify the optimal solution for your materials and testing standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What extensometer is used for strand testing?
The TRF600 clip-on extensometer with 600 mm gauge length is designed specifically for long specimens like prestressing strand.
Can I test both single wire and 7-wire strand?
Yes. The same UTM-H with appropriate grips handles individual wires, 3-wire and 7-wire strands.
What is the maximum test force?
Up to 2,000 kN with the UTM-H series — sufficient for the largest prestressing strands.
How is slippage prevented?
Hydraulic wedge grips with serrated inserts clamp progressively — the higher the load, the tighter the grip.
Request a Quote for Wire & Strand Testing
Tell us about your testing requirements and our team will respond within 24 business hours.