Long frame tester for extended travel and long gauge length tests.
Testometric long frame systems are extended-frame versions of universal testing machines, configured where sample length, elongation, fixture stack height or travel requirement exceeds a standard frame.
For tests that need more height, more travel or more fixture stack space.
A long frame tester keeps the familiar Testometric control platform while extending the available test space. It is suited to materials with high elongation, long specimens, tall fixtures or methods that require extended crosshead travel.
- Long gauge length tensile tests for elastomers, films, textiles, straps, ropes, cables and assemblies.
- High elongation materials where break occurs after travel beyond a standard frame.
- Tall fixture stacks, environmental chambers or specialist grips that need extra vertical clearance.
- Custom working height layouts where the control console position must suit the final frame length.
Long frame is the answer when the sample can stay vertical but needs more usable stroke.
Testometric notes that special machines can be supplied in wide throat, extended stroke and horizontal configurations. The valuable selection step is deciding which limitation you actually have before sizing the frame.
| Choose long frame if | The specimen can hang vertically and the problem is extra travel, extra daylight or long gauge length | Choose horizontal if | The specimen is too long, flexible, heavy or awkward to control safely in a vertical orientation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose wide frame if | The issue is chamber, grip, platen or specimen width rather than vertical travel | Do not overspecify | A higher capacity frame will not solve travel, daylight or fixture stack limitations by itself |
| Most important inputs | Start grip separation, expected elongation, required travel and fixture stack height | Final acceptance | Confirm the full travel path, safety stops, guarding and operator loading height |
Extended frame versions of Testometric universal testing machines.
Older Testometric product material describes long frame testers as extended-frame versions of universal strength testing machines, with the control console positioned to maintain practical working height based on application and frame length. That makes the layout discussion part of the technical specification, not an afterthought.
Long travel
Useful when elongation, fixture movement or method end points exceed normal frame travel.
Long samples
Supports long gauge lengths while keeping load measurement and method control on the Testometric platform.
Working height planning
Console and operator position should be agreed around the final frame height and lab workflow.
Fixture stack clearance
Extra vertical space helps when large grips, chambers or product fixtures consume standard daylight.
Use extended travel to measure the part of the test a standard frame misses.
The long frame only creates value when the method uses the extra stroke: high elongation to break, long grip separation, tall fixtures, chamber clearance or a product assembly that needs full movement before failure.
High elongation materials
Elastomers, films, textiles and straps can need more travel to capture break rather than stopping early at frame limit.
Long gauge length tests
Longer starting separation can improve method fit for ropes, webbing, cable sheaths and assemblies where short gauge tests are not representative.
Tall fixture stacks
Large grips, chambers, bend fixtures and product jigs can consume daylight before the specimen is even loaded.
Controlled reporting
WinTest can retain method, curve, batch and pass/fail logic so extended-frame tests remain comparable across operators.
Standard Testometric measurement blocks for an extended frame.
The current FITCO long frame URL exposes only generic technical blocks, so the rebuilt page presents them as a selection checklist rather than pretending one fixed frame suits every long-travel application.
| Force measurement | Universally calibrated, better than Grade 0.5 to EN 7500-1, DIN 51221, ASTM E4 and AFNOR A03-501 | Load cell range | 0.4% to 100% minimum with automatic identification and autoranging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force resolution | 1 part in 500000 with electronic load cell protection | Extension measurement | Full frame length to 0.001 mm resolution with programmable extension limits |
| Speed control | Drive system temperature and current protection with 0.001 mm/min setting increments | Load frame | Rigid frame, guided crosshead movement, recirculating ballscrew and electronic safety stops |
| Software | WinTest Analysis for tensile, compression, peel, shear, tear, cyclic, creep and multi-stage tests | Data export | Automated storage and export to Word, Excel, Access or SPC systems where required |
Long frame tests still need controlled measurement, not just more height.
Define the required test space before selecting the model.
- Specimen length, starting grip separation, expected elongation and required crosshead travel.
- Fixture stack height, chamber dimensions, grip type and sample loading method.
- Expected force, load cell range, test speed, standard and end point definition.
- Frame height limits, control console position, floor or bench layout, guarding and report format.
Questions buyers ask before specifying this Testometric system.
Use these answers to confirm whether this model, fixture package and WinTest method fit your lab or production workflow before quotation.
When is a long frame tester required?
How is it different from a horizontal tester?
What should be confirmed before quotation?
Compare adjacent models before final selection.
Many special purpose projects overlap. These related pages help check whether force range, sample envelope, fixture geometry or throughput points to a better fit.
Horizontal Tester
A horizontal Testometric testing system for long, heavy or flexible specimens such as ropes, cords, cables, webbing and assemblies.
Wide Frame Tester
A Testometric wide frame system for large grips, platens, environmental chambers, bulky samples and wider working envelopes.
X100-FT Single Fibre Tensile Tester
A dedicated Testometric fibre tester for low-force tensile testing of individual fibres with pneumatic fibre grips and controlled methods.
Need extra travel or vertical test space?
Send the sample length, expected elongation, fixture stack height, force range and method. FITCO can recommend the correct Testometric long frame configuration.