Unique testing requirements require unique solutions.  One of the worlds largest manufacturers of disposable contact lenses recently required a system to test thin strips cut from actual lenses.  Ultimate breaking forces are only a fraction of a pound, and a further requirement was that the lens specimen had to be immersed  in a mild saline solution.  The load frame consists of a suspended control 'box' from which hangs the loading assembly which is mounted on a special vertical traversing mechanism.  The lens strip is clamped between the white colored clamp grips, and the unit automatically lowers into the solution by driving along a lead screw which can be seen between the vertical guide rods.  The cylindrical unit with a rectangular piece attached to the top, located above the grips, is a high-precision gear motor/loading probe/load cell which is servo-controlled to provide extremely high resolution control of both position and velocity.  Forces are measured and recorded to a hundredth of a gram and better than a tenth of a micron.  The system is used daily to characterize lens material for quality control and for research applications. 

A Canadian company which fabricates insulated suspension components for electric power grid transmission lines, needed a system to test 1.5 meter long composite rod insulator assemblies to determine long-term creep properties at forces as high as 60,000 pounds.  Rather than try to adapt their existing MTI-50K system to satisfy this requirement it was felt that the long-term utilization of that system would adversely impact other laboratory requirements.  MTI engineers arrived at a custom system which would meet the necessary testing requirements and simplify operation.  A horizontal machine configuration capable of testing the required test articles was designed and fabricated and is shown in the photograph.  The overall system length is approximately 14 feet in order to accommodate the required reaction frame, loading stroke ( 1/2 meter) and the drive system.  A sheet-metal covering surrounds the load frame both for appearance and for safety reasons.  Access to the testing bay is by means of a clear lexan covered door with lifting springs.  The test specimen drops easily into special grips and testing proceeds exactly as required. 

Your particular testing  requirements probably do not resemble these examples in any way, but we would be happy to discuss your unique needs and arrive at a similarly satisfactory solution.