Grips and fixtures are the critical connection between a universal testing machine and the specimen. Their job is to hold the sample securely, keep it properly aligned with the load axis, and transfer force into the specimen in a controlled way so your results reflect material behavior, not slippage, bending, or grip-induced damage.

In tensile testing, the right grips maintain consistent clamping as load increases and help prevent specimen pullout or jaw marks that can trigger premature breaks. In compression, bending, shear, peel, and other methods, dedicated fixtures establish the correct contact surfaces, support conditions, and loading geometry so the machine applies force the way the test method intends.

Grip and fixture selection typically depends on:

• Specimen form, such as flat coupons, round bars, wire and cable, or threaded fasteners
• Material response, such as hard metals versus soft plastics, rubber, films, or composites
• Test type and setup, such as tension, compression platens, 3-point or 4-point flexure, or peel and puncture fixtures

If you want to confirm the right configuration for your specimens and method, learn more or request a quote.