3-Point Bending Fixtures for Flexural Testing

Standards

• ASTM D790
• ISO 178
• ISO 14125

3-Point and Marker Bending Fixtures for Flexural Testing

NextGen's bending fixtures are engineered for precision flexural testing of various materials, including thermoplastics, composites, metals, and laminated structures. Designed to operate with NG-EML and SHM Universal Testing Machines, these fixtures offer compliant and repeatable setups for standardized 3-point and marker bending tests. 

Supported testing standards include: 

• ASTM D790 (Flexural Properties of Plastics) 
• ISO 178 (Plastics - Flexural Properties) 
• ISO 14125 (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Composites) 
• ASTM E290 (Bend Testing for Ductility) 
• GB/T 9341 (Flexural Properties of Plastics) 

Fixtures are available in multiple capacities, support spans, and loading configurations, allowing labs to perform accurate testing in compliance with global standards. 

3-Point Bending Fixture Models

Eight fixtures do the same test and differ in two numbers: how much force they take and how far apart the supports can go. Force and span rise together, because a longer specimen needs both. This one covers 20 kN over a span up to 7.9″ (200 mm).

Model NGA204A

3-Point Bending Fixture

The NGA204A 3-Point Bending Fixture is built for accurate flexural testing of many materials including plastics, alloys, composites, and ceramics. Built to support forces up to 20 kN, this fixture features an adjustable span up to 7.9″ (200 mm), making it suitable for various specimen sizes. The system includes interchangeable loading noses and support rollers, allowing customization for specific test standards and applications. With high stability and heavy-duty construction, NGA204A delivers consistent, repeatable results across quality control and research environments.

• Application: Bending tests for plastic, alloy, composite, ceramic, and other rigid materials.
• Maximum Capacity: Up to 20 kN load.
• Connection: Ø10 mm pin mount (upper and lower), compatible with standard UTMs.
• Dimensions: Height 85 mm; Grip body width 6.2″ (157 mm); Overall width 9.1″ (231 mm).
• Span: Adjustable up to 7.9″ (200 mm).
• Specimen Range: Supports specimens up to 30 mm wide.
• Loading Nose: R5 (customizable).
• Support Roller: R2, R5 (customizable).
• Grip Weight: 0.5 kg (upper grip), 12 lbs (5.3 kg) (lower grip).
• Working Temperature: Ambient.
• Note: NextGen can provide various loading noses and support rollers according to client requirements.

Next step up: 50 kN and 11″ (280 mm) of span, which is where metal and construction samples start rather than plastics.

Model NGA504A

3-Point Bending Fixture

The NGA504A 3-Point Bending Fixture is a heavy-duty solution for flexural testing of high-strength materials, including metals, advanced composites, ceramics, and construction-grade materials. Built to handle forces up to 50 kN, it features an adjustable span up to 11″ (280 mm), with a heavy-duty steel body designed for long-term reliability. The fixture includes Ø20 mm loading and support rollers, with the flexibility to accommodate various roller sizes upon request. The NGA504A is suited to structural material evaluation in demanding industrial and research environments.

• Application: Bending tests for metal, alloy, composite, ceramic, and structural materials.
• Maximum Capacity: Up to 50 kN load.
• Connection: Ø18 mm pin mount (upper and lower), suitable for heavy-load UTMs.
• Dimensions: Height 4.8″ (123 mm); Grip body width 7.5″ (190 mm); Overall width 15.7″ (400 mm).
• Span: Adjustable up to 11″ (280 mm).
• Specimen Range: Accommodates specimens up to 80 mm wide.
• Rollers: Ø20 mm loading and support rollers (custom sizes available).
• Grip Weight: 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) (upper grip), 41 lbs (18.5 kg) (lower grip).
• Working Temperature: Ambient.
• Note: NextGen can provide various loading and support rollers according to client requirements.

At 100 kN the span reaches 13.4″ (340 mm).

Model NGA105A

3-Point Bending Fixture

The NGA105A 3-Point Bending Fixture is a high-capacity fixture engineered for flexural testing of strong and rigid materials, including metal, ceramic, composite, and construction materials. With a load capacity of up to 100 kN and an adjustable span up to 13.4″ (340 mm), it is suited to evaluating large specimens and high-strength materials under demanding testing conditions. The system features Ø20 mm loading and support rollers, with custom roller options available upon request. Designed for compatibility with high-force universal testing machines, NGA105A delivers heavy-duty and repeatable performance in both industrial and laboratory settings.

• Application: Bending tests for metal, alloy, composite, ceramic, and structural materials.
• Maximum Capacity: Up to 100 kN load.
• Connection: Ø18 mm pin mount (upper and lower), built for high-load test frames.
• Dimensions: Height 5.7″ (145 mm); Grip body width 7.5″ (190 mm); Overall width 18.3″ (464 mm).
• Span: Adjustable up to 13.4″ (340 mm).
• Specimen Range: Supports specimens up to 80 mm wide.
• Rollers: Ø20 mm loading and support rollers (customizable).
• Grip Weight: 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) (upper grip), 45 lbs (20.6 kg) (lower grip).
• Working Temperature: Ambient.
• Note: NextGen can provide various loading and support rollers according to client requirements.

The heaviest of the series - 300 kN across up to 15.7″ (400 mm). Beyond this point the frame, not the fixture, becomes the limit.

Model NGA305A

3-Point Bending Fixture

The NGA305A 3-Point Bending Fixture is built for high-capacity flexural testing of tough and dense materials, such as metals, ceramics, composites, and structural-grade construction materials. With a maximum force capacity of 300 kN and a span adjustable up to 15.7″ (400 mm), it handle demanding test conditions and large specimen sizes. The system features Ø30 mm loading and support rollers and offers customization options to suit specific standards. With an extremely durable construction and precise alignment, the NGA305A is a reliable solution for advanced material testing.

• Application: Bending tests for metal, alloy, composite, ceramic, and construction materials.
• Maximum Capacity: Up to 300 kN load.
• Connection: Ø18 mm pin mount (upper and lower), compatible with heavy-duty universal testing machines.
• Dimensions: Height 6.1″ (156 mm); Grip body width 10.5″ (267 mm); Overall width 19.7″ (500 mm).
• Span: Adjustable up to 15.7″ (400 mm).
• Specimen Range: Supports specimens up to 90 mm wide.
• Rollers: Ø30 mm loading and support rollers (customizable).
• Grip Weight: 13 lbs (6.0 kg) (upper grip), 79 lbs (36.0 kg) (lower grip).
• Working Temperature: Ambient.
• Note: NextGen can provide various loading and support rollers according to client requirements.

The remaining four are not a continuation of the ladder but fixtures for particular jobs. This one is the compact 10 kN version on a 7.9″ (200 mm) span.

Model NGA104A

3-Point Bending Fixture

The NGA104A 3-Point Bending Fixture is a precise and lightweight system developed for low-force bending tests on plastics, alloys, ceramics, and composite materials. With a force capacity of up to 10 kN and an adjustable span up to 7.9″ (200 mm), it is suited to testing smaller specimens with accuracy. The fixture includes Ø5 mm loading and support rollers and is equipped with a digital indicator to measure specimen deformation during testing. Compact yet capable, the NGA104A is well-suited for research, education, and quality control environments.

• Application: Bending tests for plastic, alloy, composite, ceramic, and structural materials.
• Maximum Capacity: Up to 10 kN load.
• Connection: Ø10 mm pin mount (upper and lower), suitable for small-frame universal testing machines.
• Dimensions: Height 90 mm; Grip body width 9.1″ (230 mm); Overall width 13.4″ (340 mm).
• Span: Adjustable up to 7.9″ (200 mm).
• Specimen Range: Supports specimens up to 90 mm wide.
• Rollers: Ø5 mm loading and support rollers.
• Grip Weight: 0.5 kg (upper grip), 21 lbs (9.7 kg) (lower grip).
• Working Temperature: Ambient.
• Note: Equipped with digital indicator to measure deformation of the specimen during test.

The same 10 kN, but the span is fixed at 7.9″ (200 mm) because the test it serves - adhesive under ceramic tile - is run at one span by the standard.

Model NGA104B

3-Point Bending Fixture

The NGA104B 3-Point Bending Fixture is specially designed for low-force flexural testing of ceramic tile adhesive specimens. With a load capacity of up to 10 kN and a fixed 7.9″ (200 mm) span, it supports standardized evaluation of bonding performance and durability. This fixture accommodates specimens with dimensions commonly used in tile adhesive testing and is equipped with R50×60 mm loading and support rollers to ensure stable and even load application. The NGA104B provides dependable performance in laboratory environments requiring precise mechanical testing of bonding materials.

This fixture is shaped for raised pavement markers, which sit on the supports quite unlike a flat bar. It holds 20 kN over a 7.9″ (200 mm) span.

Model NGA204A

Marker Bending Fixture

The NGA204A Marker Bending Fixture is purpose-built for the mechanical evaluation of raised pavement markers. With a load capacity of up to 20 kN and an adjustable span up to 7.9″ (200 mm), it enables reliable flexural testing of roadway safety products. Its dual-height and dual-width design ensures compatibility with many marker sizes. The fixture features a sturdy construction and is suitable for standard universal testing machines in laboratory environments focused on transportation and infrastructure material performance.

The last is the short one: 10 kN over no more than 90 mm, for small specimens where a wide span would simply not touch them.

Model NGA104G

3-Point Bending Fixture

The NGA104G 3-Point Bending Fixture is built for flexural testing of plastics, composites, and ceramic construction materials under extreme temperature conditions. Supporting a wide temperature range from -70 °C to +350 °C, it is suited to thermal performance evaluation and environmental simulation. With a 90 mm adjustable span and compact footprint, this fixture features precision-aligned R5 loading and support rollers for smooth, consistent load distribution. NGA104G is the preferred solution for material testing in research labs and thermal chambers.

• Application: Bending tests for plastic, composite, and ceramic materials.
• Maximum Capacity: Up to 10 kN load.
• Connection: Ø10 mm pin mount (upper and lower), compatible with most UTMs.
• Span: Adjustable up to 90 mm.
• Height: 86 mm (upper grip), 6.2″ (157 mm) (lower grip).
• Base Width: 7.5″ (190 mm).
• Specimen Range: Supports specimens up to 30 mm wide.
• Rollers: R5 loading roller; R5 and R2 support rollers (customizable).
• Grip Weight: 0.4 kg (upper grip), 11 lbs (5.2 kg) (lower grip).
• Working Temperature: -70 °C to +350 °C.
• Note: NextGen can provide various loading and support rollers according to client requirements.

NextGen’s complete bending fixture line ensures compatibility with universal testing machines while providing consistent performance in flexural testing. Whether for industrial QA or academic research, each fixture meets strict ISO and ASTM standards. Contact NextGen for expert assistance in selecting the right fixture for your testing system or to request a formal quotation.