TestResources Inc products and services are not endorsed by, affiliated with or sponsored by Instron Corporation.
Instron is a registered trademark owned by Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Whether you are retrofitting the controls and software on Instron static test machines, hydraulic static machines, or dynamic fatigue testing systems, TestResources offers you a flexible hardware and software platform that improves your accuracy and productivity and is much more affordable than Instron.

The benefits of upgrading older machines with TestResources controllers are:

  • Large cost savings compared to purchasing an upgrade from Instron
  • Large cost savings by owning a new tabletop machine, compared to upgrading
  • Reduced test times & faster test process
  • Ability to archive test results
  • Ability to produce comprehensive reports
  • Fast and error-free calculations according to industry standard specifications
  • Improved test throughput
  • Improved accuracy and quality of test data

Sometimes you are forced to upgrade (e.g. when your Windows XP OS is no longer supported by your test machine supplier). But most often, replacing controls and software on an old test machine dramatically improves testing capabilities, the productivity of your testing lab, and the quality of information produced by your old machine.

Upgrade Approaches for Instron universal test machines

Before you upgrade, consider all your options. NEWS FLASH!! If you can live with a TABLETOP machine with force capacity of 11,000 lb (50 kN), then you can OWN A BRAND NEW TestResources test machine with accessories, for less money than Instron’s upgrade price. Field engineering is more expensive than factory labor and parts.

TestResources prices tend to be 50% of a new comparable Instron test machine, so our tabletop machines deliver great value compared to Instron’s upgrade prices.

In high force applications, consider TestResources controller upgrade packages. We offer three controller configurations that serve static and fatigue testing applications. And we have the experience needed to perform the task.

Controller Retrofits available at all three levels

Our controllers are modular and configurable to meet different budgets and applications.

Level 1 - Standalone Controls for static applications

Upgrade with an affordable touchpad controller that includes software and hardware options. Our level 1 package is well suited for repetitive standard tests including lab and production floor applications. Of course, these controllers perform all the necessary tasks, including setting up a test, running it, collecting data and generating a test report.

Level 2 - Flexible PC based Static Controllers

Our PC based controllers are feature rich with flexible software and can perform virtually any mechanical test – both standard and custom. These premium controllers make sense when operators and test setups change often, such as test service labs, corporate research labs, and academic research applications.

Level 3 - Fatigue and dynamic test controls

Fatigue and dynamic applications require faster test machine control and data acquisition hardware and versatile test software. We have upgraded both single and multichannel test frames and actuators.

Retrofitting different test machine types and manufacturers

We upgrade several types of machines with different drive types, including electromechanical test machines manufactured by Instron and other universal test machine suppliers. In electromechanical applications, we replace the servomotor and controller. Of course, we provide new software.

High force hydraulic machines employ manual valves or automatic servocontrol. Manual hydraulic machines are upgraded with digital data acquisition and analysis, making it possible to generate quality test reports. If you are using an old chart recorder, you are overdue for an upgrade. We have an affordable path to bring your machine into the 21st century!

Fatigue and dynamic test requirements require controllers with higher data acquisition and control speeds. TestResources sells fatigue test machines so we understand the special requirements that come with dynamic test applications.

Grips and Fixtures for universal test machines

Tensile grips come in a variety of different styles including mechanical vise grips, wedge grips, pneumatic grips and more. We help you select the optimal grip or jaw, taking your test sample into account. We share tradeoffs including price, load capacity, jaw design, and all the considerations to enable you to make the best informed decision.

Grips and Fixtures for ASTM and ISO tests

TestResources product line includes hundreds of different multi-application tensile grips, compression, fatigue, flexural bend, shear and peel test fixtures. We specialize in the supply of test fixtures made to ASTM, ISO, DIN, EN, and Tappi test standards. We use materials matched to the fixtures application requirements such as ambient, high and low temperature environments and saline baths (for biomedical applications). Just call and ask for one of our grip and fixture specialists.

TestResources has been upgrading Instron test machines since 1998. Our first upgrade application was to put new controls on a unique Instron servohydraulic test machine in the automotive industry and since that time, we have expanded, allowing us to handle all instron type test machines.

Upgrades for Instron Model Test Machines

Control upgrades can be adapted to fit onto and be compatible with Instron test machines, including the following models:

  • e1000
  • 3345
  • 5943
  • 5969
  • 5988
  • e3000
  • 3366
  • 5944
  • 5981
  • 5989
  • e10000
  • 3367
  • 5965
  • 5982
  • 8501
  • 3342
  • 3369
  • 5966
  • 5983
  • 8801
  • 3343
  • 3382
  • 5967
  • 5984
  • 8872
  • 3344
  • 5942
  • 5968
  • 5985
  • 8874


Obsolete models, such as those listed below, can also be outfitted with our controllers.

  • 3384
  • 4469
  • 5543
  • 5843
  • 1026
  • 4201
  • 4481
  • 5544
  • 5844
  • 1122
  • 4202
  • 4482
  • 5548
  • 5848
  • 1123
  • 4204
  • 4483
  • 5564
  • 5865
  • 1125
  • 4206
  • 4484
  • 5565
  • 5866
  • 1126
  • 4208
  • 4485
  • 5566
  • 5867
  • 1127
  • 4210
  • 4486
  • 5567
  • 5869
  • 1128
  • 4301
  • 4487
  • 5569
  • 5881
  • 1130
  • 4302
  • 4488
  • 5581
  • 5882
  • 1131
  • mini-44 (MN44)
  • 4489
  • 5582
  • 5884
  • 1132
  • 4411
  • 4500
  • 5583
  • 5885
  • 1133
  • 4442
  • 4501
  • 5584
  • 5885H
  • 1134
  • 4443
  • 4502
  • 5585
  • 5887
  • 1135
  • 4444
  • 4505
  • 5585H
  • 5888
  • 1137
  • 4464
  • 4507
  • 5586
  • 5889
  • 6021
  • 4465
  • 4508
  • 5587
  • TT/1100
  • 6022
  • 4466
  • 4510
  • 5588
  • TM/1100
  • 6025
  • 4467
  • mini-55 (MN55)
  • 5589
  • 1000
  • 6027
  • 4468
  • 5542
  • 5842
  • 1011
 

Need a special solution? That’s TestResources!

Maybe you have something we have never seen before (it happens). But we really shine when it comes to solving special challenges. Our company philosophy has created an environment where our tailored solutions are often less expensive than others’ standard products. We love to be challenged, because we shine. Give us a call - we will dive into solving your problem.

Why upgrade your Instron UTM with TestResources controls?

  • Work with an experienced application engineer
  • Increase your machine throughput
  • Meet all testing standards
  • Easy to learn and to use for both experienced and new operators
  • Get more out of your used test machine
  • Perform broader range of standard and custom tests