UMT Universal Mechanical Tester

Accuracy & Versatility without Compromise

Tribology & Mechanical Testing

Innovation with Integrity
Universal Mechanical Tester
— Proven Innovation
Bruker’s UMT Universal Mechanical Tester is the most versatile mechanical test
tool on the market. Thanks to a wide range of interchangeable drives and fixtures,
samples can be tested under multiple different wear patterns on a single test platform.
With fast-changeover fixtures, transforming from one configuration to another takes
mere minutes. Advanced servo control and patented force sensor designs allow all
of this versatility to be achieved without compromising industry-leading accuracy
and repeatability.
The first UMT model debuted in 2000 and rapidly became the standard
for tribology and mechanical test labs around the world. Now in its third
generation, there are over four hundred systems in use globally in the
research laboratories of industry leaders, top universities, and national labs.

The majority of instruments available for tribology testing are single-

function testers , and by definition none are designed with the same range
of modularity as UMT. Within minutes the platform can be transformed
from rotary to reciprocating motion, from sub-newton to kilo-newton force
measurement, or to environmental testing from room temperature up to
1000°C. Advanced, intuitive software allows users to program complex
motions and to control applied forces with unprecedented accuracy to
simulate real-world conditions. Materials scientists and researchers around
the world choose UMT for its:

„„Broader test capabilities

„„Fast changeover between configurations

„„High accuracy and repeatability

„„Real-time control and data analysis software

”Our work at a university research laboratory places a very high premium on the
universal nature of the UMT. The reconfigurable nature of the platform, along with the
extensive options and accessories, allows for specialized testing and operation.”
—Professor John A Patten, West Michigan University
Single-Platform Testing of
Multiple Parameters
Infinite Options for Motion

UMT offers users infinite combinations of synchronized motion control for both upper
and lower samples. The upper sample can be translated along any axis or rotated.
Motion can occur either unidirectionally or in a programmed combination of axes
and speeds. The lower sample has a wide range of available motion control. Linear
translation is available in X and Y axes, as well as fast reciprocating linear motion for
fretting and wear tests. Changeover from reciprocating to rotary motion takes just a
few minutes and the lower sample can be rotated along the vertical axis (pin-on-disk)
or horizontal axis (block-on-ring). Since all of the motions are precision controlled,
tests can be designed to maintain constant position, constant force, constant motion, Rotary Drive
or any possible combination.

Unique Sensing Technology

UMT features patented force sensor designs that are optimized to generate highly
accurate force readings. Force sensors are available in multiple ranges from 1 to
100mN all the way up to 10 to 1,000N. The platform can also be configured with
torque sensors up to 22N-m. Two-axis sensors are frequently used to monitor friction
and normal forces simultaneously, and sensors can be combined to measure multiple
forces. UMT has the capacity to receive input from sixteen unique sensors with
16-bit resolution and data rates up to 200kHz.
Reciprocating Drive
Widest Range of Standard Test Configurations

UMT and its drives and accessories can be configured to conduct over 20 standard
ASTM, ISO or DIN tribology tests. The most common are:

„„Pin/Ball-on-Disk „„Crossed Cylinders

„„Disc/Plate-on-Disc/Plate „„4-Ball Test

„„Indenter-on-Plate

These tests can be performed dry or in liquid, at room temperature or at elevated

Linear Drive
temperatures, and under humidity or in vacuum.

Advanced Scratch, Indentation and Materials Testing

The same UMT platform that is used for tribology testing can easily be configured
as a scratch or indentation tester to determine mechanical properties of materials
and coatings. By replacing the conventional sensors with our proprietary micro- or
nano-heads, and adding any combination of advanced sensors (Electrical Contact
Resistance, Acoustic Emission, etc.), the system can accurately and reproducibly
measure hardness, Young’s modulus, and tensile and von Mises stresses of coatings
and bulk materials. In addition, the adhesion strength and bulk properties of coatings
can easily be determined using micro-scratch techniques. Block-on-Ring Drive
One Platform, Specifications

Endless Possibilities
Friction/Load Sensing

Low range 5 to 500mN

© 2013 Bruker Nano Surfaces Division is continually improving its products and reserves the right to change specifications without notice. B1000, Rev. B1
Resolution 50μN

Rotary, Linear, Reciprocating, Abrasive, Fretting, High range 10 to 1000N

Wear
Galling, Seizure Resolution 50mN

Torque Sensing
Friction Static, Dynamic, Stick-slip
Low range 0 to 0.17 N-m

Resolution 8x10-4N-m
Lubricity Hydrodynamic, Mixed, Boundary
High range 0 to 22.6N-m

Temperature, Humidity, Vacuum, Gases, Resolution 0.01N-m

Environmental
Corrosive Atmospheres Motion & Controls

Max lateral travel 75mm

Scratch Adhesion, Delamination, Hardness
Resolution 0.25μ

Speed 0.002 to 10mm/s

Indentation Young’s Modulus, Storage Modulus, Hardness
Max. vertical travel 150mm

Multi-axis, Tension, Compression, Torsion, Resolution 0.5μm

Strain
Elasticity, Plasticity, Creep Speed 0.002 to 10mm/s

Wear-depth accuracy 5μm

Customized Flexibility Reciprocating Test- High Load

Max. travel 75mm

Apart from the standard tribology and mechanical property
Position resolution 1μm
tests, UMT users find huge benefit in adapting the platform for
custom tests on real parts. Highly adabptable tests include: Speed 0.01 to 100mm/sec

Max. Load 0.5kN

„„Automotive & Aerospace „„Disk Drive Media
Pin/Ball-on-Disk Test - High Speed
„„Microelectronics „„Composite Materials Max. speed 5,000rpm

Max. normal load 1kN

„„Electrical Components „„Lubricants & Additives
Max. friction force 127N @ 80rpm
„„Metals, Ceramics „„Thin Films & Coatings Block-on-Ring Test - High Speed

Max. speed 5,000rpm

„„Bio Materials, Medical „„Polymers & Elastomers
Max. load 1kN
„„MEMs, Optics „„Paper & Fabric Max. friction force 110N @ 5,000rpm

Bock-on-Ring Test - High Load

Max. speed 1,500rpm

Max. load 1kN

Max. load 1kN @ 1,500rpm

Environmental Test Chambers

Temperature Controller Standard

150°C, 350°C &

Test Chambers
1000°C

Vacuum, Inert Gas & Humidity See data sheets

Bruker Nano Surfaces Division

Campbell, CA • USA
Phone +1.408.376.4040/866.262.4040
[email protected]
www.bruker.com