ASTM 52909
CompressionAM metals (powder bed fusion) — orientation and location dependence of mechanical properties; testing per ASTM E8 / ISO 6892-1 (tensile) and ASTM E9 (compression).
Additive manufacturing & research laboratories
Mechanical Testing for 3D-Printed Materials and Research Laboratories
Turn material and process development into measurable results. DAK testing systems support tensile, compression and flexural testing of printed specimens and wider research materials, with the test method, gripping and measurement configured around your laboratory’s work.
DAK systems
A testing platform for today’s projects and tomorrow’s questions
Plan the complete test setup around your specimen range, required results and working methods. Start with the measurements you need, then choose the frame, load cells and accessories to support them.
DAK’s flagship UTM
Series 7200 Universal Testing Machine
DAK’s flagship platform brings flexible test programming, specimen setup, measurement and analysis together. A strong starting point for laboratories developing methods, comparing materials and moving between research projects.
Precision for established methods
Series 9000 Universal Testing Machine
Travel-controlled testing with standalone Console operation or PC-connected analysis and reporting. A practical choice for established testing programmes, configured around the required specimen, force range and measurement.
Research involving cyclic loading
For fatigue programmes, include the loading history, frequency, expected duration and specimen arrangement when discussing the system.
Your specimens
Connect the material, manufacturing route and test question
Printed metal specimens
Identify the alloy, printing process and whether the specimen is printed to shape or machined from a build. Keep its build position, loading direction and post-processing condition with the test record.
Printed polymers and reinforced materials
For printed polymer specimens, record the material, print direction and relevant construction details alongside the selected method. Compare like-for-like specimen conditions when evaluating changes in the print process.
Ceramics and brittle specimens
Define the test geometry, contact arrangement and loading method. Flexural and compression tests require different fixtures and specimen preparation, even when they concern the same material.
Research beyond 3D printing
Shared laboratories also work with conventional metals, polymers, composites and bonded materials. Group your intended methods and specimens to identify which accessories and measurement arrangements the laboratory needs.
Meaningful comparisons
Keep the build history with the mechanical result
A strength value is most useful when the specimen and test conditions behind it are clear. Plan the comparison before testing so changes in manufacturing can be distinguished from changes in specimen preparation or measurement.
| Comparison | Information to retain | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Build direction and location | Record the loading direction relative to the build and where each specimen originated. Name the coordinate convention so another researcher can interpret the orientation. | |
| As-built and post-processed material | Keep heat treatment, surface finishing and machining conditions with each specimen group. State which condition the comparison is intended to examine. | |
| Material coupon and printed component | A regular coupon and a lattice or finished component answer different questions. Define whether the required output is a material property or the force–displacement response of the structure. | |
| One project and the next | Keep the method, specimen dimensions, measurement arrangement and test conditions together. For modulus or strain comparisons, include how deformation was measured. |
Build direction and location
Record the loading direction relative to the build and where each specimen originated. Name the coordinate convention so another researcher can interpret the orientation.
As-built and post-processed material
Keep heat treatment, surface finishing and machining conditions with each specimen group. State which condition the comparison is intended to examine.
Material coupon and printed component
A regular coupon and a lattice or finished component answer different questions. Define whether the required output is a material property or the force–displacement response of the structure.
One project and the next
Keep the method, specimen dimensions, measurement arrangement and test conditions together. For modulus or strain comparisons, include how deformation was measured.
Configuration
Choose the measurement as carefully as the machine
Working force range and test space
Include both the lowest force of interest and the highest expected load. Allow for the specimen, grips or fixtures and the movement required during the test.
Holding and load transfer
Match grip contact surfaces and fixtures to the specimen geometry and loading direction. Printed features, short gripping sections and brittle surfaces deserve particular attention when defining the arrangement.
Strain and displacement
Choose the measurement around the result: crosshead travel and extension measured on the specimen are different quantities. Specify the gauge length, deformation range and required properties when discussing an extensometer.
For tests at controlled temperature, include the specimen environment and the compatibility of the gripping and measurement arrangement in the configuration discussion.
Laboratory workflow
Make each test method usable across the laboratory
Methods that can be repeated
Dyna Desk – Test Bench supports saved test methods and test data. Define the procedure, required calculations and reporting format so the same programme can be used consistently across a project.
Results ready for analysis
Plan the specimen identifiers and build-condition record alongside the measurements. Dyna Desk provides spreadsheet, PDF and CSV exports for reporting and further analysis.
Teaching, research and laboratory handover
Bring operator training, installation, calibration and ongoing support into the equipment discussion. Include the number of intended users, the laboratory’s methods and the country of installation.
Testing methods
Connect your research programme to the relevant methods
Use the shortcuts for common material tests, then explore the existing industry references below. The material, specimen form and research objective guide which method and configuration belong in your programme.
Runs onSeries 7200
Also testedPolymer AM partsUniversity & R&D applications
ASTM 52921
TensileTerminology for AM coordinate systems and build-orientation designation of test coupons.
ASTM C1161 — read the full explanation
Flexure & bendFlexural strength of advanced ceramics at ambient temperature.
ASTM C1424 — read the full explanation
CompressionMonotonic compressive strength of advanced ceramics.
ASTM C1499 — read the full explanation
Flexure & bendEquibiaxial flexural strength of advanced ceramics (ring-on-ring) — also applied to glass discs.
ASTM F3122
TensileGuide for evaluating mechanical properties of metal AM materials — maps conventional test methods to AM parts.
6 standards
Plan your laboratory
Tell us what your next research programme needs to measure
Share the specimens and results you need. We can discuss the machine, load cells, gripping and measurement arrangement as one testing system.
- Material, printing process where applicable, and specimen drawings or dimensions.
- Required test methods, properties and expected force and extension ranges.
- Build directions or post-processing conditions you intend to compare.
- Reporting needs, planned workload and future methods.
- Installation country and requirements for training, calibration and support.