Universal testing machine Dongen: largest capacity of the Benelux
Legally required tests by Mennens specialists
(Re)testing and approving lifting equipment with tensile tests: it’s possible at Mennens. Each branch has its own (mobile) universal testing machine (UTM) to test slings, anchors, blocks, hoisting beams and steel cables. Our UTM in Dongen has the largest capacity in Europe: it can easily handle 14,000 kN. Read more about our UTM and find out how testing on this machine works.
The universal testing machine at Mennens in Dongen is the heaviest machine in the Netherlands. It weighs 1430 tons. Because of its exceptional weight and large capacity, we receive a variety of special requests.
Quality, speed, efficiency
Quality is vital during testing. We give our customers the assurance and proof that tests have been carried out in accordance with the guidelines. Inspectors from organizations such as Lloyds and DNV are regularly present to observe our tests and give their approval.
We heavily invest in the measurement and control technology of our UTM to ensure accuracy and usability. Our customers know where to find us when quality really matters. They can count on us to act quick and efficiently.
Diverse testing
We perform various tests on our UTM for our customers. These are breaking tests, proof-load tests and tests on steel cables, fasteners, sheave blocks, single sheave, double sheave and all kinds of construction work.
Case study: barrage Driel
For example, we carried out quality checks on the steel cables of the barrage complex in Driel, the Netherlands. These were steel cables with a weight of 1400-1500 kg each, a diameter of 66 mm and 50 meters long.
We then carried out various quality checks, in line with NEN 3560. These checks were performed in the steel cable laboratory of Mennens Dongen. On a piece of beaten cable, we executed a torsion test (testing for toughness) and determined the zinc weight.
We also performed a breaking test on the different wires in the steel cable. In addition, we broke the entire cable on the UTM to show that the actual breaking force is higher than the minimum breaking force.
Part of a project
The tests we perform are often part of a project and therefore defined in the overall quote. An example: first, we go to force y a certain number of times, later we proceed to the break.
Results and reporting
It is possible that a product is broken after a test. Of course, it can also only be a test load. We report the result of the test via a video and a report in print. This way, we show exactly what strength the cable had.
More information
Would you like more information about our tensile tests or request a tensile test? Please contact us here.
