Standards
Flexible, High-Performance Fixtures for Advanced Mechanical Testing
NextGen's TestStar® grips and fixtures are purpose-built to deliver superior mechanical testing performance in demanding industrial applications. These high-precision components are engineered to integrate with our universal testing machines (UTMs), offering broad compatibility with international standards such as ASTM D638, ISO 6892, DIN 50125, and others.
Covering a full range of testing modes - including tensile, compression, bending, shear, and puncture - these fixtures provide flexibility and repeatability for research labs, quality control departments, and material certification facilities.
Each TestStar® accessory is designed with rigid construction, ergonomic use, and quick interchangeability, supporting both manual and pneumatic operation modes. Optimized for testing various materials including metals, polymers, composites, geotextiles, and more.
TestStar Series Models
Thirteen fixtures make up the series, and they are grouped by what they do to the specimen: hold it by friction, wedge it, squeeze it, or bend it. The first three are snubbing grips, where the specimen wraps around a drum. This one is pneumatic, 500 N, for filament.
Model NGQA502A
Pneumatic Tensile Grip (Snubbing Type)
The NGQA502A Pneumatic Tensile Grip is built for low-force tension testing of filament materials using a snubbing configuration. This pneumatic grip delivers consistent clamping pressure and precision alignment under ambient conditions. Compatible with standard Φ10 mm pin connections, it is suited to delicate materials such as fibers or threads with specimen diameters up to 1.5 mm.
Table 1. NGQA502A Pneumatic Tensile Grip (Snubbing Type)
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Application |
Tension test for filament |
| Maximum Force Capacity |
≤ 500 N |
| Grip Weight |
Upper Grip: 0.56 kg
Lower Grip: 0.56 kg |
| Working Temperature |
Ambient |
| Connection Type |
Upper Grip: Φ10 mm pin
Lower Grip: Φ10 mm pin |
| Height (A/B) |
Upper Grip: 5.5″ (140 mm)
Lower Grip: 5.5″ (140 mm) |
| Width (C) |
4.5″ (115 mm) |
| Specimen Size |
≤ Φ1.5 mm |
| Jaw Face Width (Shoe Upper) |
40 mm |
The same principle by hand rather than by air, at 2 kN, for glass fibre and cotton thread.
Model NGH203A
Tensile Grip (Manual Snubbing)
The NGH203A Manual Snubbing Tensile Grip is built for tension testing of flexible materials such as glass fiber, cotton thread, and nylon cord. It uses a manual snubbing configuration to maintain secure grip without slippage. With a maximum capacity of 2 kN, it is suitable for low-force testing in ambient environments. Compatible with standard Φ10 mm pin mounts, this grip accommodates samples below 500 tex.
Table 2. NGH203A Tensile Grip (Manual Snubbing)
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Application |
Tension test for glass fiber, cotton thread, nylon cord |
| Maximum Force Capacity |
≤ 2 kN |
| Grip Weight |
Upper Grip: 3.7 lbs (1.7 kg)
Lower Grip: 3.7 lbs (1.7 kg) |
| Working Temperature |
Ambient |
| Connection Type |
Upper Grip: Φ10 mm pin
Lower Grip: Φ10 mm pin |
| Height (A/B) |
Upper Grip: 6.5″ (165 mm)
Lower Grip: 6.5″ (165 mm) |
| Grip Width (C) |
4.9″ (125 mm) |
| Specimen Size |
< 500 tex |
And a 500 N snubbing grip meant for steel wire.
Model NGB502B
Tensile Grip (Snubbing)
The NGB502B Tensile Grip is a snubbing-type fixture specifically designed for tension testing of steel wire. Suited to delicate, thin-diameter samples up to Φ1.5 mm, this grip offers precision and control for low-force testing up to 500 N. It features compact construction, uniform upper/lower grip heights, and a wave-profile jaw face for stable sample engagement.
Table 3. NGB502B Tensile Grip (Snubbing)
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Application |
Tension test for steel wire |
| Maximum Force Capacity |
≤ 500 N |
| Grip Weight |
Upper Grip: 0.7 kg
Lower Grip: 0.7 kg |
| Working Temperature |
Ambient |
| Connection Type |
Upper Grip: Φ10 mm pin
Lower Grip: Φ10 mm pin |
| Height (A/B) |
Upper Grip: 4.5″ (115 mm)
Lower Grip: 4.5″ (115 mm) |
| Grip Width (C) |
90 mm |
| Jaw Face Dimensions |
36 mm (H) × 10 mm (W) |
| Specimen Diameter |
≤ Φ1.5 mm |
The next grip clamps from the side instead of wrapping: 5 kN, for textile.
Model NGSD503A
Tensile Grip (Side Action)
The NGSD503A Tensile Grip is built for tension testing of textiles and similar soft materials. With a side-action mechanism and wave-profile jaw faces, it provides consistent clamping without damaging delicate samples. Suitable for forces up to 5 kN, the grip supports ambient testing conditions and handles specimen thicknesses up to 14 mm. It is compatible with Φ10 mm pin connections for integration with standard testing machines.
Table 4. NGSD503A Tensile Grip (Side Action)
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Application |
Tension test for textile |
| Maximum Force Capacity |
≤ 5 kN |
| Grip Weight |
Upper Grip: 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg)
Lower Grip: 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) |
| Working Temperature |
Ambient |
| Connection Type |
Upper Grip: Φ10 mm pin
Lower Grip: Φ10 mm pin |
| Height (A/B) |
Upper Grip: 4.7″ (120 mm)
Lower Grip: 4.7″ (120 mm) |
| Grip Width (C) |
95 mm |
| Jaw Face Dimensions |
95 mm × 35 mm (Wave-profile) |
| Specimen Thickness |
≤ 14 mm |
Three wedge grips follow, where the pull drives the jaws in. Each has its own jaw faces listed by specimen thickness and diameter. This one holds 100 kN.
Model NGSA105A
Wedge Tensile Grip (Wedge Action)
The NGSA105A Wedge Tensile Grip is built for high-force tension testing of both flat and round specimens made of metal or composite materials. With a heavy-duty construction rated for loads up to 100 kN, this fixture is suited to samples with hardness below 30 HRC and tensile strength under 600 MPa. It integrates easily with universal testing machines using Φ18 mm pin connections and delivers uniform clamping through wedge action.
Table 5. NGSA105A Wedge Tensile Grip (Wedge Action)
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Application |
Tension test for flat and round specimens of metal, composite |
| Maximum Force Capacity |
≤ 100 kN |
| Grip Weight |
Upper Grip: 34 lbs (15.3 kg)
Lower Grip: 34 lbs (15.3 kg) |
| Working Temperature |
Ambient |
| Connection Type |
Upper Grip: Φ18 mm pin
Lower Grip: Φ18 mm pin |
| Height (A/B) |
Upper Grip: 11.4″ (290 mm)
Lower Grip: 11.4″ (290 mm) |
| Grip Width (C) |
14.6″ (370 mm) |
| Specimen Requirement |
Hardness < 30 HRC, Tensile Strength < 600 MPa |
To accommodate a wider variety of specimen shapes and sizes, the NGSA105A Wedge Tensile Grip is available with optional flat and vee jaw faces. All jaw faces are designed with a 1.5 mm pitch to ensure stable and uniform clamping. Both flat and vee types offer consistent dimensions and compatibility with specimens of varying thicknesses and diameters.
Flat Jaw Faces (Optional)
Table 6. Optional Jaw Faces - NGSA105A Grip
| No. |
Specimen Thickness (mm) |
Height A (mm) |
Width B (mm) |
| NGSA105A-13 |
0 - 7 |
50 |
40 |
| NGSA105A-14 |
7 - 14 |
50 |
40 |
| NGSA105A-15 |
14 - 21 |
50 |
40
|
Jaw Faces, NGSA105A Grip
Note: All flat jaw faces have a pitch of 1.5 mm.
Vee Jaw Faces (Optional)
Table 7. Optional Jaw Faces - NGSA105A Grip
| No. |
Specimen Diameter (mm) |
Height A (mm) |
Width B (mm) |
| NGSA105A-16 |
Φ4 - 9 |
50 |
40 |
| NGSA105A-17 |
Φ9 - 14 |
50 |
40 |
| NGSA105A-18 |
Φ14 - 19 |
50 |
40
|
Jaw Faces, NGSA105A Grip
Note: All vee jaw faces have a pitch of 1.5 mm.
The same action at 30 kN.
Model NGSA304A
Wedge Tensile Grip (Wedge Action)
The NGSA304A Wedge Tensile Grip is built for performing tension tests on flat and round specimens made from metals and composite materials. With a maximum force capacity of 30 kN, this grip is suited to medium-load testing environments. It supports specimens with hardness below 30 HRC and tensile strength below 600 MPa. The wedge-action mechanism ensures stable gripping, while Φ10 mm pin connections allow for easy integration into standard testing machines.
Table 8. NGSA304A Wedge Tensile Grip (Wedge Action)
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Application |
Tension test for flat and round specimens of metal, composite |
| Maximum Force Capacity |
≤ 30 kN |
| Grip Weight |
Upper Grip: 30 lbs (13.5 kg)
Lower Grip: 30 lbs (13.5 kg) |
| Working Temperature |
Ambient |
| Connection Type |
Upper Grip: Φ10 mm pin
Lower Grip: Φ10 mm pin |
| Height (A/B) |
Upper Grip: 10″ (255 mm)
Lower Grip: 6.9″ (175 mm) |
| Grip Width (C) |
13.8″ (350 mm) |
| Specimen Requirement |
Hardness < 30 HRC, Tensile Strength < 600 MPa |
The NGSA304A Wedge Tensile Grip supports a range of optional jaw faces designed to accommodate both flat and round specimens. All jaws are engineered with a 1.5 mm pitch, for firm, non-slip engagement during medium-load testing of metal and composite materials.
Flat Jaw Faces (Optional)
Table 9. Optional Jaw Faces - NGSA304A Wedge Tensile Grip
| No. |
Specimen Thickness (mm) |
Height A (mm) |
Width B (mm) |
| NGSA105A-13 |
0 - 7 |
50 |
40 |
| NGSA105A-14 |
7 - 14 |
50 |
40 |
| NGSA105A-15 |
14 - 21 |
50 |
40
|
Jaw Faces, NGSA304A Wedge Tensile Grip
Note: All flat jaw faces have a pitch of 1.5 mm.
Vee Jaw Faces (Optional)
Table 10. Optional Jaw Faces - NGSA304A Wedge Tensile Grip
| No. |
Specimen Diameter (mm) |
Height A (mm) |
Width B (mm) |
| NGSA105A-16 |
Φ4 - 9 |
50 |
40 |
| NGSA105A-17 |
Φ9 - 14 |
50 |
40 |
| NGSA105A-18 |
Φ14 - 19 |
50 |
40
|
Jaw Faces, NGSA304A Wedge Tensile Grip
Note: All vee jaw faces have a pitch of 1.5 mm.
And at 300 kN, the heaviest tensile grip in the series.
Model NGSA305A
Wedge Tensile Grip (Wedge Action)
The NGSA305A Wedge Tensile Grip is built for high-capacity tensile testing of flat and round specimens made from metal and composite materials. With a maximum load capacity of 300 kN and a heavy-duty wedge-action mechanism, it offers reliable and stable clamping for demanding applications. The grip is compatible with Φ28 mm pin connections and supports specimens with hardness below 30 HRC and tensile strength below 600 MPa.
Table 11. NGSA305A Wedge Tensile Grip (Wedge Action)
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Application |
Tension test for flat and round specimens of metal, composite |
| Maximum Force Capacity |
≤ 300 kN |
| Grip Weight |
Upper Grip: 85 lbs (38.5 kg)
Lower Grip: 85 lbs (38.5 kg) |
| Working Temperature |
Ambient |
| Connection Type |
Upper Grip: Φ28 mm pin
Lower Grip: Φ28 mm pin |
| Height (A) |
13.7″ (348 mm) |
| Grip Body Width (B) |
9.8″ (248 mm) |
| Overall Width (C) |
21.2″ (538 mm) |
| Specimen Requirement |
Hardness < 30 HRC, Tensile Strength < 600 MPa |
The NGSA305A supports a full range of optional flat and vee jaw faces, allowing adaptation to a variety of flat and round specimens. All jaws are precisely machined with a 2.0 mm pitch to maintain uniform gripping pressure and prevent slippage during high-capacity tensile testing.
Flat Jaw Faces (Optional)
Table 12. Optional Jaw Faces - NGSA305A Wedge Tensile Grip
| No. |
Specimen Thickness (mm) |
Height A (mm) |
Width B (mm) |
| NGSA305A-13 |
0 - 8 |
62 |
50 |
| NGSA305A-14 |
8 - 16 |
62 |
50 |
| NGSA305A-15 |
16 - 24 |
62 |
50 |
| NGSA305A-16 |
24 - 32 |
62 |
50
|
Jaw Faces, NGSA305A Wedge Tensile Grip
Note: All flat jaw faces have a pitch of 2.0 mm.
Vee Jaw Faces (Optional)
Table 13. Optional Jaw Faces - NGSA305A Wedge Tensile Grip
| No. |
Specimen Diameter (mm) |
Height A (mm) |
Width B (mm) |
| NGSA305A-17 |
Φ4 - 9 |
62 |
50 |
| NGSA305A-18 |
Φ9 - 16 |
62 |
50 |
| NGSA305A-19 |
Φ16 - 23 |
62 |
50 |
| NGSA305A-20 |
Φ23 - 30 |
62 |
50
|
Jaw Faces, NGSA305A Wedge Tensile Grip
Note: All flat jaw faces have a pitch of 2.0 mm.
From here the fixtures compress rather than pull. The first takes 20 kN on concrete, metal and plastic.
Model NGA204A
Wedge Action Grip
The NGA204A Wedge Action Grip is engineered for compression testing of concrete, metal, and plastic specimens. Designed for medium-capacity loads up to 20 kN, this fixture combines compact form with reliable performance under ambient conditions. Compatible with Φ10 mm pin connections, the grip provides a stable setup for compressive force applications in various material testing environments.
Table 14. NGA204A Wedge Action Grip
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Application |
Compression test for concrete, metal, plastic |
| Maximum Force Capacity |
≤ 20 kN |
| Grip Weight |
Upper Grip: 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)
Lower Grip: 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) |
| Working Temperature |
Ambient |
| Connection Type |
Upper Grip: Φ10 mm pin
Lower Grip: Φ10 mm pin |
| Height (A/B) |
Upper Grip: 70 mm
Lower Grip: 60 mm |
| Diameter (C) |
3.9″ (100 mm) |
The same test at 100 kN.
Model NGA105A
Compression Fixture
The NGA105A Compression Fixture is built for high-force compression testing of concrete, metals, plastics, and composite materials. Built to withstand forces up to 100 kN, the fixture features Φ18 mm pin connections and a sphere-seated configuration for improved load alignment and accuracy. It is suited to general-purpose compression testing in ambient environments.
Table 15. NGA105A Compression Fixture
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Application |
Compression test for concrete, metal, plastic, composite etc |
| Maximum Force Capacity |
≤ 100 kN |
| Grip Weight |
Upper Grip: 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)
Lower Grip: 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| Working Temperature |
Ambient |
| Connection Type |
Upper Grip: Φ18 mm pin
Lower Grip: Φ18 mm pin |
| Height (A/B) |
Upper Grip: 75 mm
Lower Grip: 68 mm |
| Diameter (C) |
3.9″ (100 mm) |
| Sphere Seated |
Yes |
And a light 500 N fixture for non-metallic materials that would be crushed by the others.
Model NGC502A
Compression Fixture
The NGC502A Compression Fixture is purpose-built for low-force compression testing of non-metallic materials. With a maximum capacity of 500 N, this fixture is lightweight and features Φ10 mm pin connections for integration with standard testing machines. Its 5.9″ (150 mm) diameter offers a broad, stable base suitable for softer and flexible specimen types.
Table 16. NGC502A Compression Fixture
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Application |
Compression test for non-metallic material |
| Maximum Force Capacity |
≤ 500 N |
| Grip Weight |
Upper Grip: 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
Lower Grip: 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) |
| Working Temperature |
Ambient |
| Connection Type |
Upper Grip: Φ10 mm pin
Lower Grip: Φ10 mm pin |
| Height (A/B) |
Upper Grip: 55 mm
Lower Grip: 60 mm |
| Diameter (C) |
5.9″ (150 mm) |
Two bending fixtures come next, both three-point. This one carries 100 kN.
Model NGA105A
Bending Fixture (3-Point Bending)
The NGA105A 3-Point Bending Fixture is built for high-load testing of flat and round metallic specimens. It supports forces up to 100 kN and provides an adjustable span up to 14.2″ (360 mm), for flexibility in test setup. The fixture includes Φ20 mm loading and support rollers and is suitable for ambient laboratory conditions. Compatible with Φ18 mm pin-mounted machines.
Table 17. NGA105A 3-Point Bending Fixture
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Application |
Bending test for flat and round metallic specimens |
| Maximum Force Capacity |
≤ 100 kN |
| Grip Weight |
Upper Grip: 0.3 kg
Lower Grip: 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) |
| Working Temperature |
Ambient |
| Connection Type |
Upper Grip: Φ18 mm pin
Lower Grip: Φ18 mm pin |
| Span (Adjustable) |
≤ 14.2″ (360 mm) |
| Height (A/B) |
Upper Grip: 5.5″ (140 mm)
Lower Grip: 8.1″ (205 mm) |
| Maximum Specimen Width |
80 mm |
| Base Width (C) |
19.9″ (505 mm) |
| Loading Roller |
Φ20 mm |
| Support Roller |
Φ20 mm |
The smaller of the pair, 10 kN.
Model NGA104A
Bending Fixture (3-Point Bending)
The NGA104A 3-Point Bending Fixture is a compact and lightweight solution for performing bending tests on flat and round metallic specimens. With a capacity of up to 10 kN and an adjustable span of up to 6.3″ (160 mm), it is suited to low-force applications. The fixture is equipped with both R5 mm and R2 mm rollers for flexible specimen support.
Table 18. NGA104A 3-Point Bending Fixture
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Application |
Bending test for flat and round metallic specimens |
| Maximum Force Capacity |
≤ 10 kN |
| Grip Weight |
Upper Grip: 0.1 kg
Lower Grip: 0.6 kg |
| Working Temperature |
Ambient |
| Connection Type |
Upper Grip: Φ10 mm pin
Lower Grip: Φ10 mm pin |
| Span (Adjustable) |
≤ 6.3″ (160 mm) |
| Height (A/B) |
Upper Grip: 90 mm
Lower Grip: 5.5″ (140 mm) |
| Maximum Specimen Width |
40 mm |
| Base Width (C) |
19.9″ (505 mm) |
| Loading Roller |
R5 mm, R2 mm |
| Support Roller |
R5 mm, R2 mm |
The series closes with its lightest grip: 100 N, side action, for spandex wire and other specimens that tear before they slip.
Model NGSA102A
Tensile Grip (Side Action)
The NGSA102A Tensile Grip is built for tension testing of delicate, non-metallic single wires such as spandex wire. With a low force capacity of up to 100 N, this lightweight fixture is suited to precision applications requiring minimal clamping force. Its compact design supports Φ10 mm pin mounting and features small jaw faces for secure gripping of wires ≤Φ1.5 mm in diameter.
Table 19. NGSA102A Tensile Grip (Side Action)
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Application |
Tension test for spandex wire and non-metal single wire |
| Maximum Force Capacity |
≤ 100 N |
| Grip Weight |
Upper Grip: 0.4 kg
Lower Grip: 0.4 kg |
| Working Temperature |
Ambient |
| Connection Type |
Upper Grip: Φ10 mm pin
Lower Grip: Φ10 mm pin |
| Height (A/B) |
75 mm (both grips) |
| Overall Width (C) |
50 mm |
| Specimen Size |
≤ Φ1.5 mm |
| Jaw Face Size |
10 mm (H) × 10 mm (W) |
NextGen’s TestStar® grips and fixtures collection provides a best-in-class solution for laboratories and facilities seeking accurate, repeatable mechanical test results. From snubbing grips to wedge-action tensile and multi-point bending setups, the TestStar® series is a proven choice across industries.
All fixtures are fully compatible with NextGen’s universal testing machines and can be ordered as part of new system builds or integrated into existing setups. Contact our technical sales team to configure the optimal solution for your testing needs.
For Laboratories
Need Additional Quality Control Equipment to Build Your Laboratory?
Gripping and fixturing is only one part of a complete quality control laboratory. NextGen can help you equip your entire lab with impact testers, notching and broaching systems, cooling chambers, tensile testers, hardness testers, specimen preparation equipment, and other supporting solutions, all coordinated as one complete project.
- One partner to equip your complete laboratory
- Installation, training, calibration
- Support for the life of the equipment