STEP Lab's linear-motor-based electrodynamic test systems are built for high dynamic mechanical testing across a broad range of applications, from high-cycle fatigue testing to damper testing. Systems are classified into the UD, HUD, KUD and XUD families by durability, dynamic performance and acceleration characteristics; each family is designed for a specific test group.
The UD Series is designed for uninterrupted dynamic testing over millions of cycles. UD100, the top model in the series, is the first electric test system able to replace hydraulic systems with a 100 kN dynamic force capacity: it combines fatigue testing, static testing, high-speed tensile testing and biaxial testing on a single platform. It offers 60% energy efficiency and zero maintenance cost, and works fully integrated with the Test Center software ecosystem.
- Nine models: UD01 / UD02 / UD04 / UD08 / UD012 / UD025 / UD030 / UD050 / UD100
- Maintenance-free design — no hydraulic unit, oil or filter costs
- Precise force and position control via Test Center software; 24-bit high-resolution data acquisition
- Controlled, synchronized operation on up to 8 axes; separate, independent control station
- Wide range of grips, accessories and load cells
- Integration with extensometers and climate chambers
Family Selection — Which Series for Which Test?
The four families differ in durability, dynamic performance and acceleration characteristics. The table below helps you choose the right family for your application.
| Test Type | UD | HUD | XUD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polymer fatigue testing | ✔✔ | ✓ | – |
| Steel fatigue testing | ✔✔ | ✓ | – |
| DMA testing < 250 Hz | ✔✔ | ✓ | ✓ |
| DMA testing < 1000 Hz | – | – | ✔✔ |
| High strain-rate testing < 2 m/s | ✔✔ | ✓ | ✓ |
| High strain-rate testing < 7 m/s | – | ✔✔ | – |
| Crack propagation | ✔✔ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PSD (bandwidth < 250 Hz) | ✔✔ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PSD (bandwidth < 1000 Hz) | ✓ | ✓ | ✔✔ |
| Component fatigue testing | ✔✔ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Damper testing | – | ✔✔ | ✓ |
✔✔ : Ideal · ✓ : Suitable but not ideal · – : Not suitable. See the KUD Series for higher loads.
UD Series — Model Comparison
| Parameter | UD01 | UD02 | UD04 | UD08 | UD012 | UD025 | UD030 | UD050 | UD100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. dynamic force | 0,70 kN | 2,40 kN | 4,00 kN | 8,00 kN | 12,00 kN | 25,00 kN | 30,00 kN | 50,00 kN | 100,00 kN |
| Max. static force | 0,54 kN | 1,76 kN | 2,90 kN | 5,80 kN | 8,70 kN | 14,50 kN | 19,20 kN | 29,00 kN | 58,00 kN |
| Max. test speed | 2,0 m/s | 2,0 m/s | 2,0 m/s | 2,0 m/s | 2,0 m/s | 1,0 m/s | 2,0 m/s | 1,0 m/s | 1,0 m/s |
| Max. test frequency* | 250 Hz | 250 Hz | 250 Hz | 250 Hz | 250 Hz | 100 Hz | 250 Hz | 100 Hz | 100 Hz |
| Standard stroke | 80 mm | 100 mm | 80 mm | 80 mm | 80 mm | 85 mm | 80 mm | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Operating temperature | 5 – 30 °C | ||||||||
| Cooling | Air | Air | Air | Air | Air | Closed-loop water | Closed-loop water | Closed-loop water | Closed-loop water |
| Facility requirement | 3 Faz 400 V | ||||||||
* On request.
HUD Series — High Dynamic & Endurance
Thanks to its high continuous forces, the HUD Series is designed for high-dynamic and endurance testing. It is the preferred family for damper testing.
| Parameter | HUD010 / HUD010L | HUD020 / HUD020L | HUD030 / HUD030L | HUD060 / HUD060L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. peak force | 11,00 kN | 22,00 kN | 33,00 kN | 66,00 kN |
| Max. dynamic force | 4,00 kN | 8,00 kN | 12,00 kN | 24,00 kN |
| Max. static force | 3,00 kN | 6,00 kN | 9,00 kN | 18,00 kN |
| Max. test speed | 4,0 / 6,0 m/s | 4,0 / 6,5 m/s | 4,0 / 6,5 m/s | 4,0 / 6,5 m/s |
| Max. speed at peak force | 1,6 / 4,0 m/s | |||
| Max. test frequency* | 125 Hz | |||
| Standard stroke | 200 mm | |||
| Operating temperature | 5 – 30 °C | |||
| Cooling | Air | Air | Air | Closed-loop water |
| Facility requirement | 3 Faz 400 Vac | |||
* A max. frequency of 250 Hz is available on request. Maximum performance is achieved at 480 Vac. Stroke options of 260, 300 and 380 mm are available for HUD020, HUD030 and HUD060. See the KUD Series for higher loads.
KUD Series — Long-Term Endurance & High Load
The KUD Series is designed for long-term endurance testing and high loads. It features multi-specimen capacity, next-generation dedicated linear guides and an integrated anti-rotation system.
| Parameter | KUD030 | KUD040 | KUD060 | KUD080 | KUD160 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous dynamic load | 15 kN | 20 kN | 30 kN | 41 kN | 82 kN |
| Peak load | 30 kN | 40 kN | 60 kN | 80 kN | 160 kN |
| Speed at continuous load — 400 Vac (STD / L1 / L2) | 1,25 / 2,5 / 4,2 m/s | ||||
| Speed at continuous load — 480 Vac (STD / L1 / L2) | 1,5 / 3 / 5 m/s | ||||
| Max. speed (STD / L1 / L2) | 2 / 3 / 6 m/s | ||||
| Max. stroke | 200 / 300 mm | ||||
| Specimen | Multiple | ||||
| Linear guide | Next-generation dedicated guides | ||||
| Anti-rotation system | Standard (included) | ||||
| Ground connection | Rigid ground connection or air-spring suspension | ||||
XUD Series — Ultra High-Dynamic
The XUD Series is designed to reach high accelerations in short-duration tests; with test frequencies up to 600 Hz, it is preferred for DMA and PSD testing up to a 1000 Hz bandwidth.
| Parameter | XUD05 | XUD010 | XUD020 | XUD030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. peak force | 5,5 kN | 10,4 kN | 20,5 kN | 31,2 kN |
| Max. dynamic force | 1,5 kN | 2,7 kN | 5,4 kN | 8,1 kN |
| Max. static force | 1,0 kN | 2,1 kN | 4,2 kN | 6,3 kN |
| Max. test speed | 6,0 m/s | |||
| Max. speed at peak force | 4,0 m/s | |||
| Max. test frequency | 600 Hz | |||
| Standard stroke | 220 mm | |||
| Operating temperature | 5 – 30 °C | |||
| Cooling | Air | |||
| Facility requirement | 3 Faz 400 V | |||
Versatile Design, User-Friendly Interface
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ergonomic, flexible design | Various frame configurations are available to suit different applications. |
| Precise force & position control | Real-time, closed-loop precision control via Test Center software. |
| High-resolution data acquisition | High-accuracy measurement with a 24-bit data acquisition card. |
| Multi-axis synchronization | Controlled, synchronized operation on up to 8 axes. |
| Independent control station | A separate, independent operator control station that can be positioned away from the machine. |
| Simple test management | Easy test definition and management via the graphical Test Center interface. |
| Wide accessory range | A wide range of grips, accessories and load cells. |
| Climate chamber & extensometer integration | Direct integration with climate chambers and extensometers. |
Key Advantages
- Fast, easy installation
- Maintenance-free
- High performance
- High efficiency
- Wide operating range
Application Areas
Automotive (dampers/shock absorbers), bicycles, sporting goods, material characterization, biomedical (orthopedic and dental implants), research & academia, springs, and electric-vehicle battery testing.
Supported Standards
Plastics — Static:
Metals — Static:
Rubber — Static:
Bicycle — Static / Fatigue:
Biomedical — Static / Fatigue: