Shimadzu UH-X/FX Series Electro-Hydraulic Servo Universal Testing Machine

Overview

The Shimadzu UH-X/FX Series Electro-Hydraulic Servo Universal Testing Machine is a high-stiffness, force-controlled mechanical testing system engineered for precision static and quasi-static mechanical characterization of structural and engineering materials. Built upon a closed-loop electro-hydraulic servo architecture, it integrates digital pressure transducers with real-time PID feedback control to deliver stable, repeatable load application across full-scale capacity ranges—from 200 kN to 2000 kN. Unlike traditional manually regulated hydraulic testers, the UH-X/FX series employs an adaptive hybrid hydraulic power unit (Hybrid Source) that dynamically modulates pump output based on instantaneous load demand, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining responsive actuation. This design supports ISO 7500-1 Class 1 accuracy compliance and aligns with ASTM E4, ISO 7500-1, and JIS B 7721 verification standards for force measurement systems. Its rigid four-column frame, preloaded crosshead guidance, and integrated thermal management ensure minimal deflection and long-term dimensional stability—critical for high-reproducibility tensile, compression, and flexural testing in quality control and R&D environments.

Key Features

• Electro-hydraulic servo control with dual-mode operation: displacement-, load-, and strain-rate control modes fully programmable via embedded controller
• Hybrid hydraulic power unit reduces average power consumption by up to 82% (UH-500KNXh variant), meeting ISO 50001-aligned energy efficiency benchmarks
• Low-noise hydraulic source (UH-FX configuration) achieves sound pressure levels ≤65 dB(A) at 1 m—suitable for shared laboratory spaces requiring acoustic compliance
• Large-format color LCD touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-based navigation and real-time graphical display of load-displacement, stress-strain, and time-history curves
• Onboard data acquisition independent of external PCs: test sequences, raw channel data (load, displacement, extensometer), and metadata stored directly to USB flash media
• Optional hand-held crosshead jog box enables fine positional adjustment without accessing the main console—enhancing operator safety during fixture setup and specimen alignment
• Semi-automatic micro-adjustment function ensures precise stress ramping and strain rate stabilization per ISO 6892-1:2019 Annex D and JIS Z 2241:2022 requirements for metallic tensile testing

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UH-X/FX platform accommodates standardized and custom specimens across metallurgy, civil engineering, and composite materials sectors. Standardized grips support round and flat metallic specimens per ASTM E8/E8M and ISO 6892-1; compression platens conform to ASTM C39/C39M (concrete), ASTM D695 (rigid plastics), and JIS A 1108 (cementitious materials). Flexural fixtures comply with ASTM D790 and ISO 178 for beam bending tests on wood, fiberboard, and asphalt mixtures. All mechanical components—including load cells, displacement transducers, and hydraulic actuators—are traceably calibrated to national metrology institutes (NMI) and documented per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. The system supports GLP-compliant audit trails when paired with optional Shimadzu LabSolutions UT software, including electronic signatures and 21 CFR Part 11–ready user access controls.

Software & Data Management

Embedded firmware enables autonomous test execution, real-time curve overlay, and pass/fail evaluation against user-defined limits. Data export formats include CSV, XML, and proprietary .UTD files compatible with Shimadzu LabSolutions UT v3.x and third-party analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python Pandas). Optional PC-based LabSolutions UT adds advanced features: multi-channel synchronized acquisition (up to 8 analog inputs), automated report generation with configurable templates (PDF/Excel), statistical process control (SPC) dashboards, and secure database archiving with versioned backups. All software modules adhere to ISO 13485 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles—supporting electronic records integrity, role-based permissions, and immutable audit logs for regulatory submissions.

Applications

• Metallic material qualification: Tensile strength, yield point, elongation at break, reduction of area per ASTM E8, ISO 6892-1, and JIS Z 2241
• Construction material validation: Compressive strength of concrete cylinders (ASTM C39), asphalt mixtures (AASHTO T245), and masonry units (ASTM C140)
• Wood and engineered timber testing: Modulus of rupture and elasticity in bending (ASTM D143, ISO 3133)
• Load-hold and creep testing: Constant-force dwell protocols for weld integrity assessment and high-temperature alloy evaluation
• Calibration reference use: As a master machine for verifying secondary force standards per ISO 376

FAQ

What standards does the UH-X/FX series comply with for force calibration?
It conforms to ISO 7500-1 Class 1, ASTM E4, and JIS B 7721 for static force measurement system verification.
Can the system perform strain-controlled testing on metallic specimens?
Yes—strain control mode operates from 0.1% to 80%/min and meets ISO 6892-1 Annex D requirements for controlled strain-rate tensile testing.
Is external PC connectivity required for basic test execution?
No—USB-based standalone operation allows full test definition, execution, and data storage without any external computer.
What safety certifications apply to the hydraulic power unit?
The UH-FX low-noise unit complies with CE Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and IEC 60204-1 for electrical safety and noise emission limits.
How is traceability maintained for calibration records?
Each system ships with NIST-traceable calibration certificates; optional LabSolutions UT provides electronic calibration logbooks with digital signatures and revision history.