Durability test – Italsigma

Durability tests

A durability test is an evaluation used to determine how long an object or structure will last when subjected to continuous or repeated use.

In simple terms:
It’s not just about how much weight it can bear, but how long it continues to function without breaking or deteriorating.

During the test, real-world usage conditions are simulated:

repeated loads (up and down, back and forth)
vibrations
wear and tear
temperature fluctuations
external factors (humidity, corrosion)

Key concept:

It is closely linked to material fatigue—the phenomenon whereby a material can fail even under loads that are not extreme but are repeated over time..

Examples:

A car tested for thousands of km on the road
A hinge opened and closed millions of times
A bridge subjected to simulated traffic for years

What it’s used for:

to predict a product’s service life
to improve quality and reliability
to prevent sudden failures
to ensure long-term safety

PROJECTS:

FPF500 – SERVO-HYDRAULIC TESTING MACHINE
Four-column testing machine equipped with lateral column reinforcements, designed to withstand test loads up to 500 kN without significant deformation.
The base features a slotted test surface for securing testing fixtures and equipment.
- Support surface: 2,900 × 1,500 mm
- Hydraulic lifting of the upper crosshead
FPF25 – SERVO-HYDRAULIC TESTING MACHINE
Two-column testing machine equipped with a servo-hydraulic actuator mounted above the upper crosshead and a slotted support base.
The load cell can be mounted either on the actuator or on the lower crosshead.
BX2112 – Servo-Hydraulic Testing System
Testing system for the characterization of sliding materials.
The Italsigma BX2112_1P is designed to determine the coefficient of friction between sliding elements used in structural bearings, in accordance with EN 1337-2:2002, Annex D. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Vertical load: 500 kN
- Horizontal load: 100 kN
Main components:
- Four-column frame designed to withstand a vertical load of 500 kN with high structural rigidity.
- Vertical actuator capable of applying a compression force of 500 kN at 210 bar, with a 100 mm stroke. The actuator is equipped with a servo valve and an LVDT transducer for piston displacement measurement.
- Force transducer for measuring the …
Rail Fastening System Testing Machine
Testing system designed for the characterization of rail fastening systems.
The system is designed to perform the following tests:
- Determination of the longitudinal rail resistance, in accordance with UNI EN 13146-1
- Determination of the torsional resistance of the rail, in accordance with UNI EN 13146-2:2012
- Determination of the rail clamping force and uplift stiffness, in accordance with UNI EN 13146-7
- Determination of stiffness, in accordance with UNI EN 13146-9
- Determination of pull-out resistance, in accordance with UNI EN 13146-10:2017
Rotating Bending – RB35
Constant-load rotating bending testing machine.
The testing system generates four-point bending with a constant bending moment along the specimen axis, while allowing continuous adjustment of the rotational speed around the longitudinal axis. The electromechanical testing machine is integrated into a tubular steel base and equipped with a protective polycarbonate enclosure. Test operation, control and data management are performed from a dedicated control console.
Plane Bending – MINI FP2
The MINI FP2 is a fatigue testing machine featuring a novel approach based on specimen miniaturization and cyclic plane bending loading.
The machine operates at a selectable test frequency of up to 50 Hz. MINI FP2 generates S/N curves for uniform test configurations and correlates the results with those obtained using standard-sized specimens.
LM10 – Linear Testing Machine
Two-column testing machine equipped with an electric actuator mounted on the upper crosshead and a slotted lower support base.
The load cell can be mounted either on the actuator or on the support base. The machine provides very high dynamic performance, with frequencies of up to 80 Hz.
Ortho 3 – 3-Axis Biomechanical Simulator
Three-axis biomechanical simulator for orthopaedic prostheses.
The machine features a four-column frame with an electric actuator mounted beneath the lower crosshead. The load cell can be mounted either on the lower or upper test surface. Equipped with a 6-axis load cell measuring Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My and Mz. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Vertical force: 10 kN
- Axial moment: 100 Nm horizontal / 100 Nm vertical
- Very high dynamic performance in the vertical direction
Hydraulic Gripping System for Tensile Testing
Self-centering hydraulic wedge grips with a one-piece steel body, suitable for tensile and compression testing as well as load cycles around zero, with forces of up to 100 kN.
Supplied with:
- 2 pairs of wedges for flat specimens from 0 to 10 mm thick
- 2 pairs of wedges for cylindrical specimens from 10 to 25 mm in diameter
Mechanical Gripping System for Tensile Testing
Mechanical grips for flat and/or round specimens, operating on a screw-clamping principle.
The grips are manufactured from 39NiCrMo3 quenched and tempered steel with a blued surface treatment, making them suitable for fatigue testing with loads of up to 20 kN. The gripping surfaces feature a knurled clamping system. Maximum gripping width: 30 mm Supplied with:
- 2 pairs of knurled grip plates for flat specimens from 0 to 8 mm thick
- 2 pairs of knurled grip plates for round specimens from 6 to 12 mm in diameter
These grips are suitable for installation inside an environmental chamber and for tensile testing of …
MU26 – Ultrasonic VHCF Testing Machine
Ultrasonic Testing Machine
Electromechanical testing machine equipped with an ultrasonic system for generating cyclic loads and a load frame with an electromechanical actuator for applying static loads. Test control, monitoring and data management are performed via personal computer.
Hip Prosthesis Fatigue Testing System
Testing system designed to perform static and fatigue tests on hip prostheses, consisting of:
- A lower fixation fixture onto which the prosthesis stem is cemented
- An upper loading fixture equipped with two orthogonal low-friction slides
- A temperature-controlled fluid bath in which the entire system is immersed, allowing tests to be performed in physiological solutions or other fluids while maintaining the temperature within a range close to ambient or body temperature.
Compression Platen System
System consisting of circular steel compression platens made of 38NiCrMo3 steel, complete with a spherical joint to compensate for minor misalignments.
The upper platen, equipped with a spherical joint, is directly connected to the actuator piston rod. Four elastic retaining rings keep the spherical joint assembly in position. The lower platen is connected to the load cell, which is in turn secured to the frame base. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Compression platen diameter: 125 mm
Three- and Four-Point Bending Test System
Testing system designed to perform three- and four-point bending tests using adjustable supports and loading noses.
The system is manufactured from high-strength steel and features graduated scales on the sliding bases, allowing precise positioning of the supports and loading noses. The rollers are interchangeable and manufactured from high-hardness steel. Main features:
- Maximum static and dynamic force: 10 kN
- Adjustable loading-nose span: 40 to 200 mm
- Contact roller width: 50 mm
Italsigma has also developed bending test systems with capacities of up to 500 kN.
FPF50 Servo-Hydraulic Testing Machine
Two-column testing machine equipped with a hydrostatically supported servo-hydraulic actuator mounted above the upper crosshead and a slotted support base.
The load cell can be mounted either on the actuator or on the lower crosshead.
FPF100 Servo-Hydraulic Testing Machine
Two-column testing machine equipped with a servo-hydraulic actuator mounted beneath the lower crosshead and a slotted support base.
The load cell can be mounted either on the actuator or on the upper crosshead.
Connecting Rod Test Fixture
The fixture consists of a load frame and two mechanical gripping fixtures designed to reproduce the operating conditions of the connecting rod, including the specified component interfaces under service conditions.
A forced lubrication system is provided at the connecting rod big end, while lubrication at the small end is supplied by gravity.
Connecting Rod Testing System
The system consists of a load frame and two mechanical grips designed to reproduce the operating conditions of the connecting rod, including the specified component interfaces and lubrication conditions. A forced lubrication system is provided at the connecting rod big end, while lubrication at the small end is supplied by gravity.
- The system is equipped with a forced lubrication unit.
- A compact gear pump draws oil from the collection tank and delivers it to the upper pin.
- Three channels positioned at 120° intervals along the centreline of the pin ensure effective lubrication of the connecting rod upper bushing.
Gear Test Machine – GTM600