ABI® SSM® UTM+
A laboratory-based Stress-Strain Microprobe® system for nondestructive ABI® testing, miniature tensile testing, and destructive fracture toughness — all in one platform. Works with sub-miniature specimens as small as 0.030" diameter by 0.020" thick.
SSM®-Suite Software
Three Testing Programs, One Platform
Automated Ball Indentation® (ABI®)
Nondestructive determination of yield strength, ultimate strength, uniform ductility, flow properties (true-stress/true-plastic-strain curves), and fracture toughness from continuous indentation load vs. depth data.
Miniature Tensile
Computer-controlled miniature tensile testing per ASTM E-8 and E-646. Overlay true-stress/true-plastic-strain curves from destructive tensile tests with corresponding ABI® curves on the same material — including tests on the end tabs of flat tensile specimens.
Fracture Toughness (Destructive)
Conventional destructive fracture toughness testing per ASTM E 1820, supporting all specimen geometries. Enables direct comparison with ABI-derived fracture toughness values.
Sub-Miniature Testing
Test Piece & Specimen Options
Minimum Specimen Size
The SSM® system can test specimens as small as 0.030" / 0.76 mm diameter (or square) by 0.020" / 0.51 mm thick. This dramatically reduces material requirements.
Compatible Specimen Types
Test material in phenolic/Bakelite metallographic mounts, portions of broken samples from other conventional tests, or end tabs of flat tensile specimens.
Indenter Options
Tungsten Carbide Ball Indenters
Each indenter is a one-piece machined component with the spherical tip permanently attached to a cylindrical support stem. Overall indenter length is 1.000 ± 0.003" / 25.4 ± 0.08 mm, secured in a collet during operation.
| Diameter (in) | Diameter (mm) | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 0.020" | 0.51 mm | Ultra-fine grain materials |
| 0.030" | 0.76 mm | Fine-grain / small specimens |
| 0.062" | 1.57 mm | Standard laboratory testing |
| 0.200" | 5.08 mm | Large grain size materials |
| 0.400" | 10.16 mm | Low-strain data acquisition |
| 0.600" | 15.24 mm | Very large grain / special applications |
All tungsten carbide indenters are usable at temperatures up to 600°F / 320°C.
Silicon nitride indenters for higher temperatures are also available.
The three larger indenters (0.200", 0.400", 0.600") require a separate shaft.
System Components
Principal Hardware & Software
Test Head (Load Frame)
Movable crosshead, indenter, load cell, and LVDT penetration sensor. Maximum loading capability of 4,000 lbs / 17.8 kN.
Electronics Cabinet
4 differential channels, 16-bit data acquisition/control, signal conditioning for load cells, extensometers, LVDT, and main system motor drive.
SSM®-Suite Software
Automated Ball Indentation® (ABI®), Miniature Tensile, and Destructive Fracture Toughness programs with real-time video display and data storage.
Optional X-Y Table
Precision positioning of specimens under the indenter — ideal for testing welds, heat-affected zones, and very small specimens mounted in Bakelite.
Video Capture System
Integrated video capture and software for use with the X-Y table for precise indentation positioning and documentation.
Closed-Loop Control
Software-controlled limits on both load and displacement/penetration-depth signals ensure precise, repeatable test execution.
Core Functions
Fully Integrated Testing Platform
The SSM® system operates under closed-loop control with software limits on both load and displacement/penetration-depth signals. System operation and data acquisition/reduction are fully computer controlled.
Mechanical test and test control
Data acquisition and processing
Data presentation — real-time video display and printout
Data storage
System Specifications
Key Technical Details
Safety & Training
Operator Safety
The SSM® system should only be used by trained and qualified personnel. The system works in both tension and compression and exerts considerable force. Users must stay away from all moving parts and wear appropriate safety attire.
The system operates under closed-loop control with software limits on both load and displacement signals, providing built-in safeguards against over-loading or over-travel.
Compare Products
UTM+ vs. Field 4Z
The UTM+ is designed for laboratory environments with maximum flexibility and specimen size range, while the Field 4Z is purpose-built for portable, in-situ field testing.
| Feature | SSM® UTM+ | SSM® Field 4Z |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Laboratory | Field / In-Situ |
| ABI® Testing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Miniature Tensile | ✓ | — |
| Destructive Fracture Toughness | Optional | — |
| Max Load | 4,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs |
| X-Y Positioning Table | Optional | — |
| Magnetic Mount | — | ✓ |
| Portability | Benchtop | Backpack |
| Sub-Miniature Specimens | ✓ | — |
| Weld / HAZ Testing | ✓ (with X-Y table) | ✓ |