Severe Homogenization Plagues the Universal Testing Machine Sector, with Product Quality Improvement as the Core Solution.

With the rapid advancement of science and technology in China and the promising prospects for experimental equipment, numerous enterprises have entered the instrumentation industry to seek market share. To some extent, this trend drives the overall development of the sector and revitalizes the mechanical testing instrument industry. Nevertheless, driven by excessive pursuit of short‑term gains, some enterprises underinvest in internal research and development, leading to severe product homogenization among domestic mechanical testing instruments such as universal material testing machines.

Also known as universal tensile testers or electronic tensile testers, universal material testing machines adopt microcomputer‑controlled wide‑frequency digital electro‑hydraulic servo valves to drive precision hydraulic cylinders. They perform tensile, compression and bending tests on specimens, complying with national standards including GB/T 228‑2010 Metallic Materials‑Tensile Testing at Ambient Temperature.

Amid intensifying homogeneous competition, enterprises pursuing long‑term growth must forge their own development paths. Increased investment in R&D and innovation, technological upgrading, and product quality improvement are essential for steady and sustainable growth.

Recently, the 2016 provincial inter‑laboratory comparison for material testing machines was successfully hosted by the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Metrology. This comparison aimed to assess the theoretical knowledge and technical capabilities of third‑party metrology and calibration institutions for tensile, compression and universal testing machines. The latest specification for tensile, compression and universal testing machines not only incorporates definitions from JJG 139‑1999, but also applies to small‑load material testing machines, small‑force testing machines covered by the former JJG 159‑2008, as well as testing equipment for leather, paper, rubber, plastics, fibers and other materials.

The updated regulations set new requirements for metrological verification technologies adopted by metrology institutes, making this inter‑laboratory comparison highly significant. Revised instrument standards raise assessment criteria for testing machines and standardize fair competition within the industry. Leveraging the updated standards, instrument manufacturers can prioritize R&D for product innovation, boost product quality and strengthen core competitiveness.

At present, China’s high‑end instrument market is still dominated by imported products. To compete with international counterparts and demonstrate domestic technological strength, enterprises must uphold innovation‑driven development. Supported by national policies, we can foster a new era for domestic instrument manufacturing, enabling home‑grown testing machine brands to gain market leadership through independent innovation.