Automation, ease of use, safety, and data integrity are driving changes in the mechanical testing industry, and they rely heavily on the software platform used to control the testing system. This article describes five of the most common trends: (1) Barcoding, (2) Integration with laboratory information management systems and databases, (3) Data integrity, (4) System and software usability, and (5) Enhanced safety features.

Materials testing systems must be robust and flexible, capable of determining the mechanical properties of a broad range of materials and components ranging from metals to composites and from plastics to natural, bio-based materials. This article provides an overview of electromechanical testing systems, servohydraulic systems, and vibrophores for high cycle fatigue testing.

High-speed rotating components in gas turbines, flywheels, and turbo machinery can be a lethal threat in the event of a failure due to the energy they possess. To assess the risks associated with such failures, rotor assemblies can be evaluated by spin testing although there are inherent risks in the tests themselves. This article discusses these risks and explains what can be done to minimize the potential dangers of high-speed performance testing.