ADVANCED HYDRAULIC WEDGE ACTION GRIPS
For Static and Dynamic Testing of Metals and Composites
Instron’s Advanced Hydraulic Wedge Action Grips deliver reliable, high‑performance specimen gripping for both static and dynamic materials testing. Engineered for versatility, these grips support dynamic tests up to 500 kN and static tests up to 600 kN, making them ideal for demanding metals and composites applications.
Interchangeable jaw faces accommodate a wide range of flat and round specimens, while the self‑adjusting wedge mechanism maintains a constant, controlled clamping force throughout the test — independent of the applied load. As long as an active hydraulic pressure supply is connected, the grips automatically apply the defined clamping force to ensure greater consistency and repeatability across tests.
Principle of Operation
Each grip functions independently of the other, an external hydraulic supply providing pressure to both open and close the grips. When gripping pressure is applied, the relative vertical position of the specimen/jaw faces remains unchanged to prevent specimen load generation during the gripping process. Once the grip faces contact the specimen the hydraulic pressure produces a vertical force on the grip head. The grip force will remain constant as the design automatically compensates for specimen thickness changes.
Application Range
- Type of loading: static or dynamic, reverse stress
- Specimen material: metals, composites, plastics
- Specimen geometries: round and flat section using appropriate optional jaw faces
Specifications
| Catalog no. | Static Load Capacity | Dynamic Load Capacity | Temperature Range | |
| 2742-301 | ±30 kN | ±30 kN | 4° C to 65° C | Learn More |
| 2742-450 | ±50 kN | n/a | 4° C to 65° C | Learn More |
| 2743-401 | ±130 kN | ±100 kN | 4° C to 65° C | Learn More |
| 2742-501 | ±312 kN | ±250 kN | 4° C to 65° C | Learn More |
| 2742-601 | ±600 kN | ±500 kN | 4° C to 65° C | Learn More |
360 View
Catalog no. 2743-401
Catalog no. 2742-501
Advanced Hydraulic Wedge Grip Accessories
Specimen Alignment Device
The optional specimen alignment device (cat no. CP135054) is recommended for improving alignment consistency, helping achieve greater repeatability and accuracy in test results. It is compatible with the 2743‑401, 2742‑501, and 2742‑601 grip models.
Piggyback Load String Adapters
Piggyback load string adapters allow high-capacity grips to remain on the load string while providing a connection to utilize a wide variety of other fixtures.
Hydraulic Grip Pumps
Instron’s hydraulic grip pumps provide precise and dependable clamping force for demanding, high‑capacity testing applications, powering grip systems up to 600 kN.
Looking for a pneumatic alternative?
Check out our 50 kN and 100 kN pneumatic wedge action grips (catalog no. CP137834 and CP137835).
