Grips and Fixtures for
TensileMill Testing Machines
Grips & Fixtures for Universal Testing Machines
Grips and fixtures are essential components used with universal testing machines (UTMs). They hold the specimen in place and transfer the applied load during tensile, compression, flexural, shear, peel, and puncture tests. Proper gripping helps maintain specimen geometry and supports testing according to ASTM, ISO, and other relevant standards.
How Grips & Fixtures Complete Your Testing System
Grips and fixtures are essential components used with universal testing machines (UTMs). They hold the specimen in place and transfer the applied load during tensile, compression, flexural, shear, peel, and puncture tests. Proper gripping helps maintain specimen geometry and supports testing according to ASTM, ISO, and other relevant standards.
TensileMill CNC provides a selection of grips and fixtures for both electromechanical and servo-hydraulic UTMs. Each configuration is matched to the material and test method, covering applications from films and elastomers to metals and composite laminates. Options include wedge grips for high-strength metals, pneumatic grips for frequent test cycles, and flexural fixtures for 3-point and 4-point bending setups.
The available designs accommodate different specimen shapes and sizes. Many models support interchangeable jaw faces, such as smooth, serrated, or rubber-coated surfaces. Certain mechanisms increase clamping force with rising load, helping the specimen stay secured without crushing or slipping during testing.
Selecting appropriate grips and fixtures allows the UTM to function as a versatile testing platform for research, production, and standards-based quality control. These accessories are used in test methods such as ASTM E8 for tensile properties, ASTM D695 for compression, and ISO 178 for flexural evaluation, supporting consistent measurements under controlled testing conditions.
Models in This Lineup
Side Action Grips
Side Action Tensile Grips for General Clamping Applications
Side action tensile grips are mechanical clamps used for tensile testing of plastics, metals, textiles, rubber, and composite specimens.
Snubbing (Capstan) Grips
Snubbing Grips for Wire and Cable Tensile Testing
Snubbing grips, also known as capstan grips, are used for tensile testing of wires, ropes, fiber bundles, and electrical cables that tend to slip during loading.
Self-Tightening Grips
Self-Tightening Grips for Deformable and Elastic Materials
Self-tightening grips increase clamping force as tensile load is applied.
Eccentric Roller Grips
Eccentric Roller Grips for Thin and Flexible Samples
Eccentric roller grips are self-tightening fixtures used for tensile testing of thin films, rubber sheets, flexible plastics, and other low-strength materials.
3-Point Bending Fixtures
Bending Fixtures for Standard 3-Point Flexural Testing
Bending fixtures, also referred to as flexural test fixtures, are used with universal testing machines to carry out 3-point and 4-point bend tests.
Compression Fixtures
Compression Fixtures for Axial Load Testing of Rigid Specimens
Compression fixtures are used with universal testing machines to apply axial compressive loads in a controlled and aligned setup.
Shoulder Grip Fixtures
Shoulder Grip Fixtures for Pull-Off and Component Strength Testing
Shoulder grip fixtures are used for testing specimens that have an enlarged head, flange, or formed end that cannot be held with standard jaw clamps.
Pneumatic Grips
Pneumatic Clamping Grips for Consistent Specimen Holding
Pneumatic grips use controlled air pressure to apply stable and repeatable clamping force to the specimen.
Wedge Grips
Wedge Clamping Grips for High-Strength Metal and Composite Specimens
Wedge clamping grips use a wedge-based jaw mechanism that increases holding force as the tensile load rises.
3 & 4-Point Bending Fixtures
3-Point and 4-Point Bending Fixtures for Uniform Moment Flexural Testing
3-point and 4-point flexural fixtures are used with universal testing machines to evaluate the bending properties of materials under controlled loading conditions.
Wood Grips & Fixtures
Grips and Fixtures for Tensile, Shear, and Flexural Testing of Wood Specimens
Wood testing grips and fixtures are designed to work with the directional structure and variable density of wood and timber specimens.
Composite Grips & Fixtures
Composite Testing Grips and Fixtures for Tensile, Shear, and Delamination Evaluation
Composite testing grips and fixtures are designed for the mechanical testing of carbon fiber reinforced polymers, fiberglass laminates, and other layered composite materials.
Tear, Peel & Puncture Fixtures
Specialized Fixtures and Grips for Tear, Peel, and Puncture Testing
Specialized grips and fixtures are used for tear, peel, puncture, pull-through, buckle, and other non-standard mechanical tests where conventional tensile or compression grips are not suitable.
TestStar® Series Grips
TestStar® Series Grips and Fixtures for Hydraulic UTM Systems
TestStar® series grips and fixtures are designed for use with TestStar® hydraulic universal testing machines.
Dual-Action Hydraulic Wedge Grips
Dual-Action Hydraulic Wedge Grips for High-Force Tensile Testing
Dual-action hydraulic wedge grips are used for high-capacity tensile testing where stable clamping and controlled jaw movement are required.
Threaded Fastener Grips
Threaded Fastener Grips for Bolt and Nut Tensile Testing
Threaded fastener grips are used for axial tension testing of bolts, screws, studs, and nuts.
Hydraulic UTM Grips & Fixtures
Hydraulic UTM Grips and Fixtures for High-Force Tensile Testing
Hydraulic UTM grips and fixtures are used in high-force tensile testing to ensure that the materials are held securely and that the force is applied accurately.
Which Model Is Right for You?
Match the grip or fixture to your specimen material and test method. Use the selection guide below, then open any product for full details and to order online.
| Model | Best for | Class |
|---|---|---|
 Side Action Grips |
Plastics, metals, textiles, rubber, composites | Mechanical · Side action |
 Snubbing (Capstan) Grips |
Wires, ropes, fiber bundles, cables | Mechanical · Capstan |
 Self-Tightening Grips |
Elastomers, films, stretchable specimens | Mechanical · Self-tightening |
 Eccentric Roller Grips |
Thin films, foils, flexible strips | Mechanical · Eccentric roller |
 3-Point Bending Fixtures |
Rigid plastics, metals, ceramics, composites | Fixture · 3-point flexural |
 Compression Fixtures |
Rigid plastics, foams, composites, metals | Fixture · Compression |
 Shoulder Grip Fixtures |
Shouldered specimens, components, assemblies | Fixture · Pull-off |
 Pneumatic Grips |
High-throughput QC, repetitive testing | Pneumatic · Side/wedge action |
 Wedge Grips |
High-strength metals, composites | Mechanical · Wedge action |
 3 & 4-Point Bending Fixtures |
Beams, bars, composite laminates | Fixture · 3/4-point flexural |
 Wood Grips & Fixtures |
Lumber, panels, wood-based products | Fixture · Wood (tension/shear/flexural) |
 Composite Grips & Fixtures |
Composite laminates, sandwich panels | Fixture · Composite (tension/shear) |
 Tear, Peel & Puncture Fixtures |
Films, foils, packaging, flexible materials | Fixture · Tear/peel/puncture |
 TestStar® Series Grips |
Hydraulic UTM high-force applications | Hydraulic · TestStar series |
 Dual-Action Hydraulic Wedge Grips |
High-force metals, alloys, composites | Hydraulic · Dual-action wedge |
 Threaded Fastener Grips |
Bolts, nuts, threaded fasteners | Fixture · Threaded fastener |
 Hydraulic UTM Grips & Fixtures |
High-capacity tensile, servo-hydraulic UTM | Hydraulic · High-force |
Frequently Asked Questions
What grips and fixtures does TensileMill CNC offer for universal testing machines?
The range covers the full set of specimen-holding devices for a testing lab, including:
- Wedge, pneumatic, and self-tightening tensile grips
- Compression, flexural, shear, peel, and puncture fixtures
- Interchangeable jaw faces for different specimens
Each configuration is matched to the material and test method. To browse the full grips and fixtures range.
How do I choose the right grips for my tensile testing application?
The right grip depends on a few things:
- The specimen material and its strength
- The specimen shape, flat or round
- The test type and how often you run it
High-strength metals suit wedge grips, frequent test cycles suit pneumatic grips, and films or elastomers need gentler faces. For a matched recommendation, request a personal quote.
What is the difference between wedge, pneumatic and self-tightening grips?
Each grip applies clamping force in a different way:
- Wedge grips use the load itself to drive the jaws tighter, ideal for high-strength metals
- Pneumatic grips use air pressure for fast, consistent clamping on frequent test cycles
- Self-tightening grips increase clamping force as load rises, helping prevent slip
Matching the mechanism to the specimen keeps the test secure and repeatable. Compare wedge clamping grips and pneumatic clamping grips.
How do self-tightening grips work?
Self-tightening designs are built so clamping force increases as the applied load rises, which keeps the specimen secured without crushing it or letting it slip. This is especially useful for high-strength specimens that would slip in a fixed-force grip.
The self-adjusting action holds alignment through the full pull. Explore our self-tightening grips.
Do TensileMill grips and fixtures comply with ASTM and ISO testing standards?
Yes. They are used in standard test methods such as ASTM E8 for tensile properties, ASTM D695 for compression, and ISO 178 for flexural evaluation, supporting consistent, standards-based measurements. The grip or fixture is matched to the specific method.
Correct fixturing is part of a defensible, compliant result. See our standards and certification.
How do grips and fixtures affect tensile-test accuracy and specimen alignment?
Grips and fixtures hold the specimen and transfer the applied load, so proper gripping helps maintain specimen geometry and keeps the load axial. Misalignment introduces bending stress on top of the intended tension, which skews the measured strength.
Good alignment is essential for low scatter and valid data. Learn more about our tensile testing equipment.
What clamping force and capacity ranges are available for these UTM grips?
Grips are offered across a broad capacity range to match everything from thin films to high-strength metals and composite laminates. The right capacity is set by your maximum test load and specimen type.
Matching grip capacity to the frame protects both the specimen and the equipment. To confirm capacity, request a personal quote.
Can I use TensileMill grips and fixtures on my existing universal testing machine?
Yes. Grips and fixtures are provided for both electromechanical and servo-hydraulic UTMs, and can be matched to an existing frame through the correct adapters and connections. Sharing your machine make and model lets us confirm the fit.
This lets you upgrade gripping without replacing the frame. To check compatibility, talk to a specialist.
Do grips work with both electromechanical and servo-hydraulic testing machines?
Yes. The range is designed for both electromechanical frames, common for low-to-mid loads, and servo-hydraulic systems used for high-capacity work. The grip is matched to the frame’s force range and mounting.
This keeps one grip family usable across a mixed lab. Explore our tensile testing equipment.
What fixtures are available besides tensile grips?
Beyond tensile grips, the range includes fixtures for other test modes:
- Compression fixtures
- 3-point and 4-point bending (flexural) fixtures
- Shear, peel, and puncture fixtures
This lets one universal testing machine cover many test methods. Explore compression fixtures and 3 and 4-point bending fixtures.
Can jaw faces be changed for different specimens?
Yes. Many grip models support interchangeable jaw faces, such as smooth, serrated, or rubber-coated surfaces, so the same grip body adapts to different materials. Serrated faces bite hard metals, while smooth or coated faces protect softer or delicate specimens.
Matching the face to the specimen prevents both slip and damage. To match faces to your work, request a personal quote.
Which grips suit flat versus round specimens?
The choice follows the specimen shape and material. Flat specimens are typically held in wedge or pneumatic grips with matching flat faces, while round specimens use grips or inserts shaped to the diameter so the load stays centered.
Correct fit keeps the pull axial and the result valid. For a shape-matched setup, request a personal quote.
Which grips suit films, elastomers, and composites?
Softer and layered materials need gentler, well-aligned gripping. Pneumatic grips with rubber-coated or smooth faces hold films and elastomers without cutting them, while composite laminates use faces that grip firmly without crushing the layers.
Matching the grip to delicate materials prevents premature failure at the jaws. To discuss your material, talk to a specialist.
Where are these grips and fixtures used?
They are used across research, production, and standards-based quality control, covering applications from films and elastomers to metals and composite laminates. The same UTM becomes a versatile platform by changing the grip or fixture.
This flexibility is what makes a testing frame a long-term investment. To browse the full grips and fixtures range.
How do I get a quote or match grips to my machine?
You can request a personal quote or order online. Sharing your testing machine, specimen materials, shapes, and standards lets us recommend the right grips and fixtures.
For a configuration matched to your lab, request a personal quote.
Do you offer grips and fixtures for high-temperature or environmental-chamber tensile testing?
Yes. Heat-resistant grips, pull rods and thermal shields are available for elevated-temperature tensile testing inside furnaces or environmental chambers, supporting methods such as ASTM E21 and ISO 6892-2. The pull rods keep the load cell outside the hot zone while the grips maintain alignment and clamping force at temperature.
For high-temperature setups, explore our grips and fixtures range.