The universal testing machine (UPM) enables the material characterization and the strength testing of various materials, material composites and smaller components by means of tensile and compressive tests. The stand with a double-column test frame allows tests up to a maximum load of 50 kN. The equipment covers a broad range of applications, especially for the adhesive and plastic testing, both with respect to the nominal load ranges as well as with respect to the available clamping elements. Possible test types include tensile, compressive, shear force, deflection, peeling, tearing and bending tests. With the two-axial video extensiometer, deformations can be measured without contact. The integrated temperature control chamber has a temperature range from -70 ° C to 250 ° C, so that all tests can be run at high or low ambient temperatures.