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.

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.