WAVEMATRIX™3
Dynamic and Fatigue Testing Software
WaveMatrix3 is the industry's leading software suite for dynamic and fatigue testing, trusted by scientists, engineers, and quality managers worldwide. WaveMatrix3 builds on the strengths of its predecessors and introduces powerful new features including Retrospective Test Review, Specimen & Test Inputs, and PIN-coded Security — developed directly from expert customer feedback.
Compatible with Instron ElectroPuls® and Servohydraulic testing systems, WaveMatrix3 is designed to save time, enhance productivity, improve confidence in test results, and ensure your testing facilities are ready for what comes next.
How Does WaveMatrix3 Compare?
WaveMatrix3 introduces a range of new features not available in previous versions.
The table below shows what's included across all three generations of the software — so you can see exactly what you gain by upgrading.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
FEATURE
|
WAVEMATRIX3
|
WAVEMATRIX2
|
WAVEMATRIX
|
| Intuitive User Interface | ✓ | ||
| Retrospective Test Review | ✓ | ||
| Auto-Calibration | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stiffness Based Tuning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Quick Test Setup | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Customizable Specimen & Test Details | ✓ | ||
| Integrated Virtual Test Information | ✓ | ||
| Specimen Protect | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Example Methods | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Video Tutorials | ✓ | ✓ | |
| PIN-Coded Accessibility | ✓ | ||
| User Defined Access Rights | ✓ | ||
| Visual Test Space | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Intuitive Test Setup | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Visual Sequence Builder | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Microsoft Windows 11 Compatibility | ✓ | ✓* | |
| WaveMatrix Backwards Compatibility | ✓ | ||
| Always-On-Top Display | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Logging | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Robust File Structure | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
* version 2.1.20079 or newer.
Test Review — Save Time
Reducing the time taken to accurately review tests has been a continuous focus for product innovation, and with WaveMatrix3 it was central to development.
The following features accelerate the post-test assessment process without compromising data integrity.
Intuitive User Interface Graph and control chart layouts - Commonly used to compare cycles, overlay waveforms, observe hysteresis loops, and view peak data, these are fully customizable, repopulate instantly, and support the rapid manipulation of multiple datasets. Up to four graphs can be displayed simultaneously, with X-Y, Double Y, Peaks & Trends, Multi-Channel, and Stop File graph types available.
Retrospective Test Review - Test results from completed sessions can now be reviewed directly within WaveMatrix3, removing the need to export data to third-party software for post-test analysis. This accelerates the assessment process and eliminates the risk of compromising the integrity of the original data files. Multiple cycles can be overlaid for comparison, and the Area of Interest pane allows users to focus review on specific steps, loops, or cycles of interest.
Auto-Calibration - A simple, integrated step-by-step calibration process allows both Instron and third-party transducers to be swiftly calibrated and set up prior to tuning.
Stiffness Based Tuning - Instron's patented stiffness-based tuning technology reduces tuning time by up to 75%, avoids pre-cycling, and helps ensure tests run correctly first time — making dynamic testing systems accessible to users of all experience levels.
Quick Test Setup - Simple fatigue tests can be set up in seconds using the intuitive Quick Test interface on the WaveMatrix3 home screen, with options for static ramp, gripped fatigue, and compressive fatigue.
Specimen & Test Inputs — Enhance Productivity
WaveMatrix3 has been designed to improve throughput and minimize the inefficiency of routine testing by streamlining how specimen and test information is captured and managed.
Customizable Specimen & Test Details - Specimen geometry, dimensions, and custom properties — such as batch numbers, material type, or color — can be entered directly in the software before or during testing. By supporting direct stress control from cross-section inputs, this feature removes the need for pre- or post-test force and stress calculations, simplifying the workflow for operators.
Integrated Virtual Test Information - Capturing and entering test inputs during the test, rather than relying on post-test data entry, reduces the potential for errors and allows operators to focus on performing high-quality, repeatable tests. Specimen and test inputs are saved directly alongside test data in a dedicated .txt file for full traceability.
Specimen Protect - Automatically helps operators remove unwanted tensile, compressive, and torsional forces during test setup, reducing the risk of accidental damage to the system, fixtures, or specimens.
Example Methods - A ready-to-use library of 20+ pre-configured methods, optimized to work without special fixtures, can be reviewed and edited to suit specific testing requirements.
Video Tutorials - An integrated library of video tutorials covering both new and existing features helps operators quickly build confidence and get the most from their testing system.
Security — Improve Confidence
WaveMatrix3 includes security features designed to simplify the test validation process, reduce the potential for human error, and improve confidence in the quality and auditability of test data.
PIN-Coded Accessibility - Access to WaveMatrix3 can be restricted to authorized users only, with each user logging in using their own username and PIN. This supports test method quality control and aligns with IT security network requirements.
User Defined Access Rights - Three pre-defined user levels — Operator, Lab Manager, and Administrator — allow the software to be configured to match the responsibilities of each user. Operators can run tests and review data. Lab Managers can create and edit methods. Administrators have full access including security settings and user management. This reduces training time, simplifies the auditing process, and limits the risk of unauthorized changes to test methods or settings. An unlimited number of user profiles can be created.
Visual Test Space - The customizable test workspace displays graphs, progress indicators, and data tables configured to show the most relevant information for each test. An automatic validation feature flags errors and warnings before a test starts, catching issues before they affect results.
Intuitive Test Setup - Build and understand complex test methods at a glance — rename devices, steps, and data channels, and control test workflow using loops, events, user interactions, digital inputs, and the trend monitor.
Visual Sequence Builder - Design, visualize, modify, and refine the test method sequence with confidence, knowing that the specimen will be tested correctly — reducing waste and improving productivity.
IT Compatibility — Futureproof Facilities
As testing facilities adapt to evolving IT infrastructure requirements, WaveMatrix3 has been designed to stay ahead.
Microsoft Windows 11 Compatibility - WaveMatrix3 is fully compatible with Windows 11 Professional (64-bit), ensuring testing facilities can upgrade their operating systems without disrupting their testing workflows. Note: WaveMatrix3 is not compatible with Windows 7 or XP. If your current PC is running Windows 7 or older, a new PC will be required.
WaveMatrix Backwards Compatibility - Upgrading to WaveMatrix3 preserves all existing test methods and results files from WaveMatrix1 and WaveMatrix2, which can be seamlessly imported and used in the new software. If existing modules were purchased for a previous version, they will be automatically ported to WaveMatrix3 at no additional cost.
Always-On-Top Display - Critical real-time status and operational information is always visible in a fixed location and cannot be obscured by other windows — improving familiarity, safety, and consistency across different operators.
Automatic Logging - All test folders contain a time-stamped log of test events, an archived copy of the test method, and a results data file with referenced cycle, step, and loop numbers to support post-test processing and auditability.
Robust File Structure - A clearly defined file structure organizes project data and individual test results, generating open CSV files for post-test analysis. The structure separates traceability data (method, log, specimen) from test data (tracking, trend, stop files) for each specimen.
Additional Modules
WaveMatrix3 can be extended with three optional modules that expand the capabilities of the core software.
Each module can be added to an existing WaveMatrix license or a new system. Additional training is available when upgrading.
The Calculations module adds real-time data processing and calculated virtual channels directly into the test environment, reducing post-test processing time. With various general purpose, application specific, and user-defined calculations available, this module can help to provide deeper insight into material behavior during fatigue testing.
The Advanced Control Module introduces an expanded range of control modes and waveform types, enabling more sophisticated adaptive testing for challenging materials and complex test requirements. Including Mixed-Mode Control, Automatic Phase Compensation, and Frequency Sweep, the Advanced Control Module can be combined with the Calculations Module to enable outer-loop control using calculated channels — for example, enabling fatigue test control based on cycle energy or Dynamic Mechanical Analysis results.
The Specimen Self-Heating Control (SSHC) module is primarily designed for composite and polymer fatigue testing where specimens generate internal heat under cyclic loading. This is a common challenge that can degrade specimens and compromise test consistency, and by adaptively controlling test frequency in response to specimen temperature, the time required for long-life tests can be reduced significantly.
Common Upgrade Questions
Here are answers to the questions we hear most often from customers considering an upgrade. For the full list of frequently asked questions, visit the WaveMatrix3 FAQ.
No. WaveMatrix3 simply receives data from the 8800 Classic or MT controller and cannot affect calibration.
Compatible Testing Systems
WaveMatrix3 is compatible with the following Instron dynamic and fatigue testing systems
Linear electric motor driven dynamic test machines for fatigue and fracture mechanics testing. Compatible with 8800MT controllers running MR24 firmware or higher, or 8800T controllers running v8.15 or higher.
General purpose servohydraulic systems ideal for high-cycle fatigue, low-cycle fatigue, fracture mechanics, and quasi-static testing.
Talk to an Instron Expert
Ready to upgrade your dynamic testing software? WaveMatrix3 is available for new systems and as an upgrade for existing WaveMatrix1 and WaveMatrix2 users. Contact Us to discuss your upgrade or request a quote.



