QE-SST Series Steel Strand Tensile Testing Machine
The QE-SST Series is a computerized electro-hydraulic servo testing system designed specifically for tensile testing of high-strength prestressing steel strand, multi-wire strand, steel tendons and related metallic products.
Dedicated hydraulic strand grips, an extended tensile space and a rigid high-capacity frame help reduce specimen slippage and premature grip failures. Computerized closed-loop control provides real-time curve display, automatic result calculation, data storage and professional test-report generation.
Available Models
| QMN Model | Maximum Force | Standard Strand Configuration | Maximum Tensile Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| QE-SST1000 | 1,000 kN / 224,809 lbf | 1 × 7 strand, Ø12.7–21.6 mm | 1,400 mm |
| QE-SST1200 | 1,200 kN / 269,771 lbf | 1 × 19 strand, Ø9.5–28.6 mm | 1,500 mm |
Key Information
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Computerized electro-hydraulic servo tensile testing machine |
| Maximum capacity | 1,000 kN or 1,200 kN |
| Accuracy class | Class 0.5 in a verified configuration |
| Force measurement range | 1–100% FS |
| Deformation measurement range | 2–100% FS |
| Displacement resolution | 0.0025 mm |
| Maximum tensile space | 1,400 or 1,500 mm |
| Maximum compression space | 1,100 mm |
| Maximum piston stroke | 250 mm |
| Clamping method | Hydraulic automatic clamping |
| Control system | Computerized closed-loop servo control |
| Power supply | 110 V, 60 Hz, factory-engineered North American package |
| Warranty | 12 months |
Canadian Support
Technical assistance with equipment selection
Warranty Included
Manufacturer warranties on all equipment
Installation & Training
On-site or installation and hands-on training
Technical Specifications
| Specification | QE-SST1000 | QE-SST1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum force | 1,000 kN | 1,200 kN |
| Frame configuration | Four-column, two-screw | Four-column, two-screw |
| Accuracy class | Class 0.5 | Class 0.5 |
| Force measurement range | 1–100% FS | 1–100% FS |
| Deformation measurement range | 2–100% FS | 2–100% FS |
| Displacement resolution | 0.0025 mm | 0.0025 mm |
| Displacement indication accuracy | Within ±0.5% | Within ±0.5% |
| Maximum tensile space | 1,400 mm | 1,500 mm |
| Maximum compression space | 1,100 mm | 1,100 mm |
| Distance between columns | 580 mm | 610 mm |
| Maximum piston stroke | 250 mm | 250 mm |
| Test-speed range | 0–100 mm/min | 0–80 mm/min |
| Clamping method | Hydraulic automatic | Hydraulic automatic |
| Standard strand range | 1 × 7, Ø12.7–21.6 mm | 1 × 19, Ø9.5–28.6 mm |
| Round-specimen ranges | Ø13–26 and Ø26–45 mm | Ø13–26 and Ø26–45 mm |
| Flat-specimen thickness | 0–20 mm; 20–40 mm optional | 0–20 mm; 20–40 mm optional |
| Maximum flat-specimen width | 100 mm | 120 mm |
| Compression platen | Ø160 mm | Ø160 mm |
| Approximate dimensions | 860 × 740 × 2,600 mm | 900 × 760 × 2,880 mm |
| Approximate machine weight | 2,750 kg | 3,600 kg |
| Power supply | 110 V, 60 Hz* | 110 V, 60 Hz* |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
*The hydraulic power unit may require a factory-engineered transformer, three-phase motor circuit or separate industrial electrical service. Phase, current and motor requirements must be confirmed before ordering.
Test Capabilities
- Maximum tensile force
- Tensile strength
- Strand breaking force
- 0.1% and 0.2% proof stress
- Yield or proof force
- Total elongation
- Elongation at maximum force
- Load-extension curves
- Stress-strain curves
- Modulus with appropriate extensometry
- Multi-stage loading
- Static load-hold testing
- Round-specimen tensile testing
- Flat-specimen tensile testing
- Compression testing with suitable platens
- Batch-result comparison
Reported properties depend on the governing standard, specimen dimensions, extensometer, grip configuration, calibration range and software method.
Applicable Standards
| Standard | Application |
|---|---|
| ASTM A1061/A1061M-26 | Mechanical testing of multi-wire steel prestressing strand |
| ASTM A416/A416M-26 | Low-relaxation seven-wire strand for prestressed concrete |
| ISO 15630-3:2025 | Test methods for prestressing steel bar, wire and strand |
| ASTM E8/E8M-25 | Tension testing of metallic materials |
| ISO 6892-1:2019 | Metallic-material tensile testing at room temperature |
| ASTM E4-24 | Force verification of testing machines |
| ISO 7500-1:2018 | Calibration and verification of static uniaxial testing machines |
Testing to a particular standard requires the correct grips, capacity, verified force range, extensometer, gauge length, loading program and report configuration. Current standards were checked against the ASTM steel standards catalogue, ISO 15630-3:2025 and ISO 7500-1:2018.
Applications
- Low-relaxation seven-wire prestressing strand
- Multi-wire prestressing strand
- Prestressing steel wire and bar
- Steel tendons
- Bridge and structural cables
- Post-tensioning components
- Steel wire rope within the configured range
- Round metallic bars and rods
- Precast-concrete manufacturers
- Steel-strand manufacturers
- Bridge and highway projects
- Construction-material laboratories
- Independent inspection organizations
- Universities and research institutes
- Incoming-material inspection
- Production quality control
Software Functions
- Computerized closed-loop operation
- Force, displacement and deformation control
- Real-time force-extension curves
- Real-time force-time curves
- Stress-strain curves
- Programmable loading rates
- Multi-step loading programs
- Static load-hold control
- Automatic peak-force capture
- Proof-force calculations
- Tensile-property calculations
- Specimen and batch-data entry
- Test-method storage
- Result review and re-analysis
- Batch comparison and statistics
- Configurable test reports
- Data export and archival
- Automatic test completion
- Automatic crosshead return
- Overload and travel-limit monitoring
What's Included
✓ QE-SST1000 or QE-SST1200 servo-hydraulic load frame
✓ Capacity-matched force-measurement system
✓ Hydraulic steel-strand grip set for the ordered strand range
✓ Hydraulic grip-control system
✓ Electro-hydraulic servo power and control unit
✓ Computer workstation and monitor
✓ Steel-strand tensile testing and analysis software
✓ Method-matched electronic extensometer
✓ Full-height protective doors
✓ Communication and power cables
✓ Initial software method setup
✓ Operating and maintenance manual
✓ Factory test documentation
✓ QMN certificate of conformity
✓ 12-month warranty
The final supplied configuration is governed by the QMN quotation. Grip diameter, strand construction and extensometer requirements must be confirmed when ordering.
Downloads
Brochure
QE-SST Series Steel Strand Tensile Testing Machine
Why Choose This Model?
Dedicated Strand-Gripping System
Long hydraulic grips and strand-specific inserts provide the clamping pressure and contact area needed for testing high-strength multi-wire strand.
High-Capacity Rigid Frame
The 1,000 and 1,200 kN frames accommodate modern prestressing strand used in bridges, buildings, precast structures, post-tensioning systems and infrastructure projects.
Extended Testing Space
A tensile space of up to 1,500 mm accommodates long strand specimens, specialized grip assemblies and extensometers.
Class 0.5 Force Performance
The specified Class 0.5 force accuracy supports production quality control, research and certification testing after installation and calibration.
Need help selecting the right configuration?
Our application specialists are here to help you choosing the best solution for your materials and workflow.
Talk to an expert
Get expert advice on models, accessories and standards.
- 647-948-7714
- info@qmnequipment.com
- Mon-Friday: 9:00am to 6:00pm ET
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum capacity?
The QE-SST1000 is rated to 1,000 kN, while the QE-SST1200 is rated to 1,200 kN.
Which model should I select?
Selection depends on the strand construction, diameter, expected breaking force, required safety margin and future testing requirements.
Why is a dedicated strand tester required?
Multi-wire strand can unwind or slip in conventional tensile grips. The QE-SST uses longer hydraulic grips and strand-specific inserts to provide more stable clamping.
Can it test ASTM A416 strand?
Yes. Mechanical testing can be configured according to ASTM A1061/A1061M and the product requirements of ASTM A416/A416M.
Can it test according to ISO 15630-3?
Yes. The machine can be configured for tensile testing under ISO 15630-3:2025. Other tests covered by the standard may require separate equipment.
Why Buy From QMN Equipment?
Equipment selected by testing professionals. Backed by CMH MetLabs expertise in:
Hardness Testing
Brinell, Rockwell and Vickers and more
Tensile Testing
Universal Testing Machines
Metallography
Sample Preparation and Analysis
NDT Inspection
UT, PT, MT, RT Solutions
Failure Analysis
Expert Analysis and Reporting
Backed by CMH Metlabs
Accredited by
Our in-house laboratory ensures you get the right equipment.
