A fatigue test is a destructive mechanical test that determines the useful working life of a component subjected to fluctuating load conditions. Fatigue-testing equipment (or a metal fatigue tester) applies pre-defined loads or alternating loads to the sample component and records the fatigue life, indicated by the number of cycles required to produce failure.

You can interpret records for identical specimens and various fluctuating loads to evaluate the fatigue life of a component under different conditions of load and number of cycles.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing fatigue-testing equipment are:

1. Specifications of sample component: dimensions and material
2. Maximum load applied using the fatigue-testing equipment
3. Frequency or number of cycles for the fatigue test

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a fatigue-testing machine from reputable manufacturers

Once you understand your requirements, buy metal fatigue testers from reputable manufacturers. You can also use universal testing machines to conduct a fatigue test.

I recommend: Instron manufactures fatigue-testing equipment and provides necessary software for recording and interpretation of the test data. Zwick is another manufacturer of metal testing equipment that also provides hydraulic metal fatigue testing machines. TestResources supplies servo-hydraulic fatigue testing machines and accessories.

Buy customized fatigue-testing equipment

You can buy a fatigue-testing machine designed by a manufacturer to match your testing requirements. However, perform a cost-value analysis before buying a customized machine.

I recommend: Instron, a reputable manufacturer of metal fatigue testing equipment for aircraft and automobile industries, provides customized fatigue testing equipment. Fatigue Dynamics also offers customization of its fatigue-testing machines to suit your application needs. Thwing-Albert is another manufacturer that provides automatic and semi-automatic fatigue machines for your testing requirements.

Buy a new or used fatigue-testing machine from retailers

At retailers' websites, you can compare products from different fatigue tester suppliers based on their prices and other specifications. You can also buy a used metal fatigue-testing machine to get a cost-effective solution. However, inquire about the warranty before buying.

I recommend: Hardy Machinery is a retailer of used industrial metalworking machinery including fatigue-tasting machines. Frank Bacon Machinery Sales is another retailer you can buy used metal fatigue-testing machines from. MachineTools.com offers new and used industrial machines including hydraulic metal fatigue-testing machines. You can also buy new fatigue-testing equipment from ThomasNet.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Fatigue-testing machines produce heavy vibration and require a strong foundation.
• •  Follow safety guidelines provided by the metal fatigue-testing equipment manufacturers before starting a fatigue test.
• •  Install proper controls and accessories for your fatigue-testing machine to prevent accidents.