Instron

Join Instron at Pharmapack 2026

Join Instron at Pharmapack 2026 – Stand 4D95

Instron is excited to announce our participation in Pharmapack 2026, taking place from January 21–22 in Paris. Our team of medical device testing experts will be on hand to discuss your compliance challenges and share innovative solutions aligned with the latest international standards.

Whether your project involves the characterization of medical devices, syringes, Luer locks, or implant materials, Instron is your trusted partner for implementing precise, reliable, and painless testing methods in your laboratory — fully compliant with the most demanding standards.

Visit us at Stand 4D95 and take advantage of our free access badge: Use promo code FCEX484 during online registration to claim your complimentary entry.

Pharmapack 2026

Want to learn more before the show? Explore our dedicated Biomedical Testing pages or contact us to schedule a meeting during Pharmapack.

Discover why “The Difference is Measurable.”

We look forward to seeing you in Paris!

Instron Launches 100 kN Table Model Universal Testing System

Instron Launches 100 kN Table Model Universal Testing System

Instron® is excited to announce the release of its new 100 kN table model for the 6800 and 3400 Series universal testing systems. Delivering unprecedented force capacity in a tabletop frame, it offers a powerful and space-efficient solution for labs testing materials such as metals and composites.

Until now, materials testing labs could achieve testing forces of 100 kN only with Instron’s floor model systems, but thanks to recent engineering advancements, they can now gain all the needed testing power from a model that reduces the footprint by 40% – eliminating a common hurdle for many space-constrained facilities.



Please accept marketing-cookies to watch this video.

Because power constraints can pose another obstacle in many labs, the new 100 kN model operates off a standard electrical outlet – similar to Instron’s other table model systems – alleviating concerns about limiting placement options in the lab or needing an electrician to perform wiring upgrades.

While this versatile model capably handles a range of materials such as plastics and elastomers, it is primarily designed to test high-strength metals, alloys, and composites – which commonly require force capacities in excess of 50 kN, the previous maximum for Instron table models – enabling labs to meet standards like ASTM E8 and ISO 6892. It is also capable of meeting stringent Nadcap alignment requirements when equipped with suitable accessories.

Among other advantages, the new table model enables strain control, a key benefit for metals manufacturers and labs that need to achieve repeatable, comparable results across different machines and locations.

Both the table model and floor model 100 kN systems are built by Instron to be versatile and handle low-force as well as high-force testing capacities. For lab managers, the choice primarily comes down to available space, power capabilities, and budget.

Instron 3400 and 6800 Series 100 kN Universal Testing Systems

“We introduced this table model as a way to give this important market the flexibility to test how they want, whether that’s in a smaller or larger form factor,” said Instron product manager Joseph Blenkhorn. “Many of our customers who use table models want to expand their testing capabilities as they work with stronger materials. Now, with the 100 kilonewton model, they can future-proof their labs from a capacity standpoint.”

The new table model is compatible with nearly all of Instron’s 100 kN accessories for testing alloys and composites – plus hundreds of accessories used for plastics, elastomers, and other materials. It is available in standard and extra height versions to accommodate numerous fixtures and frame accessories, including temperature chambers for non-ambient applications.

Learn More

GO TO 6800 SERIES
GO TO 3400 SERIES

Bluehill Central 2 Software Platform Released

Instron Announces Bluehill Central 2 Software Platform

Bluehill Central's Lab Management Module

Instron® has launched a new iteration of its Bluehill® Central software platform, for the first time offering the powerful Lab Management module as a stand-alone option for labs of all sizes seeking to easily manage their Instron assets and access test data.

Bluehill Central 2 enables centralized management of Bluehill Universal software applications that are tied to multiple Instron testing systems, as each system sends and receives data from the central database. It allows labs to remotely manage Bluehill Universal test templates, users, results, file revisions, and audit trail data.

Previously available only when bundled with the Traceability module, the Lab Management tool enables connected Instron testing systems to access Bluehill Central’s file repository to run controlled test methods, export results, upload and download files, and manage user permissions.

With the latest release of Bluehill Central, the Lab Management module also offers new features including offline syncing, new read/write access, and file revision status management.

The new offline mode syncs and stores method files on each Instron machine in the lab so that users can continue testing even if a network outage occurs. Files and folders remain available, and tests that are run offline are automatically pushed to the database when the network connection is restored.

An extra layer of security has been added to the read/write access options, giving labs greater ability to restrict access to specific files, folders, and methods. Individual files can be locked so they’re editable only by certain people, for example, and specific operators can be prevented from running tests that they aren’t yet trained to run.

The file revision status management available with Bluehill Central 2 makes it easy to view and control a method’s revision status – Active, Obsolete, Draft, or Pending Review – which helps to streamline method life cycle management.

“Bluehill Central 2 reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that tackle pressing lab challenges, from efficiency to data security,” said Dan Caesar, Software Product Manager at Instron. “By offering stand-alone Lab Management and introducing these key features, we empower laboratories with unprecedented control and productivity.”

The Lab Management module is available without needing to purchase the Traceability plug-in, but Traceability is a valuable option for labs that want to review file changes remotely and filter and print the audit trail from test systems. The compliance-friendly plug-in is especially beneficial for labs in fields such as biomedical, aerospace, automotive, and defense that are highly regulated by the FDA.

Another popular plug-in, Bluehill Central’s TrendTracker, enhances a lab’s data analysis by allowing users to export test results from all connected systems to track trends in data over time.

New AT3 Floor Model Automated Testing System

Instron Introduces New AT3 Floor Model Automated Testing System

Instron® has released the new AT3 Floor Model testing system, an unrivaled option in automated metals testing that delivers up to 300 kN of force within a compact footprint for a broad range of applications.

Occupying only 5 by 7 feet of floor space, the new floor model is designed to easily handle the testing of metals and high-strength composites, which commonly requires forces of 100 kN or higher. The system offers the same conveniences as the traditional AT3 Table Model, such as automated specimen measurement, material handling, and data collection.

Featuring a 3-axis actuator that replicates the same actions for each specimen, the AT3 system automates multiple operations to improve the throughput, repeatability, and safety of a lab’s testing while freeing up staff operators’ time to tackle other tasks.

An operator loads a batch of specimens and hits Start, and the AT3 handles everything from there — measuring the specimen, placing it in the test frame, and even discarding it after testing. The system automatically records multiple width and thickness measurements along the specimen gauge length. A barcode scanner automatically transfers specimen data and test parameters to a Bluehill Universal® sample file.



Please accept marketing-cookies to watch this video.

Compatible with Instron’s 6800 Series universal testing systems, the AT3 Floor Model features storage racks that hold up to 150 test specimens. The racks are designed to compensate for the bend/bow/twist associated with metal specimens.

AT3 Floor Model automated testing system
Instron's AT3 Floor Model Automated Testing System

“We’ve worked with a lot of metals manufacturers that needed a system with this combination of force, compactness, and simplicity — that’s the sweet spot with the new AT3 Floor Model,” said Instron automation specialist Richard Spiegel. “Even if they’re tight on space, testing labs can get that power of up to 300 kilonewtons along with easy access to the working area right up front.”

The system is compatible with Instron’s AutoX750 automatic contacting extensometer and the all-new AVE3 Advanced Video Extensometer. While the AT3 Floor Model footprint is compact, it provides enough space for a pad printer, which is a valuable tool for specimen preparation in a lab that utilizes an AVE3.

The floor model also works with AverEdge32™, which measures strain at 32 locations along the specimen gauge length and then averages them in real-time, ensuring accurate and repeatable r-value calculations.

Explore the AT3

Instron Introduces New 10-Year Mechanical Systems Warranty

Instron Introduces New 10-Year Mechanical Systems Warranty

Instron's 3400 and 6800 Series universal testing systems
Instron's 3400 and 6800 Series universal testing systems

For every purchase of a new 3400 or 6800 Series universal testing system, Instron now includes a 10-Year Mechanical Systems Warranty — the first of its kind in the materials testing industry.

While a one-year Factory Warranty already comes standard with all 3400 and 6800 Series systems, this new offering guarantees that each machine’s mechanical systems will be covered against any potential defects for the next decade, assuming normal use and operating conditions. This benefit applies to systems installed after June 5, 2025.

The expansion of coverage brings with it a simple message: Instron is confident in the reliability and longevity of its products, and we want every customer to share that confidence.

Chart of Instron's 10-Year Mechanical Systems Warranty coverage

The 10-Year Mechanical Systems Warranty covers the following mechanical components that drive the movement of the universal testing system:

  • Crosshead
  • Columns, guide posts, and ball screws
  • Base beam
  • Layshaft assembly
  • Pulleys and belts

Rarely does an issue arise with any of these key components, but the new 10-year warranty ensures that customers are covered just in case — providing added peace of mind.

“This can be a big purchase for people who rely on materials testing in their business, and we stand behind our product in that lightning-strike scenario if something unexpected were to happen,” said Instron product manager Stephen Sobchuk. “I think it says a lot about our brand.”

Accessories and electronic components of the testing system are not covered under the 10-year warranty, but customers can opt for an Extended Warranty that would cover those parts beyond the initial one-year Factory Warranty period.

Additionally, due to the uniqueness of automated systems and custom systems, neither type would be covered under the 10-year warranty. (Custom systems include those that are built with extra height, extra width, or a dual test space, for example.)

For the 10-Year Mechanical Systems Warranty to remain valid on new 3400 and 6800 Series systems, operators need to avoid using their machine outside of the specified operating conditions — like exceeding the load capacity or running it in an excessively hot or cold environment — and avoid any improper handling or unauthorized modifications.

Customers can learn more, including the full terms and conditions, by contacting Instron’s support team or reaching out to their local Instron service provider.

Buying a sophisticated piece of testing equipment can be a significant decision for any business. Sobchuk said Instron wanted to put itself in the shoes of the people making those decisions, who are looking for assurance that their equipment will continue to deliver reliable value over the long haul — thus maintaining a smooth and uninterrupted business operation.

“You get confidence when you buy an instrument from us. You get confidence in the accuracy of the data coming out of the machine,” said Sobchuk. “And then you get confidence that if something happens — if lightning strikes — Instron's got your back.”

Register Now for the 2025 Metals Testing Showcase

Register Now For The 2025 Metals Testing Showcase

Registration is now open for the 2025 Metals Testing Showcase hosted by ASM International in partnership with Instron. Join us August 19 - 21 at ASM's headquarters in Materials Park, Ohio, for a complimentary event featuring a combination of technical presentations, equipment demonstrations, training opportunities, and networking for professionals working with metals and metal alloys.

2025 Metals Testing Showcase save the date!

Technical Program Topics

  • Testing Machines: What’s under the hood of your mechanical, hydraulic, or electrodynamic test machine, and how does it work?
  • Test Standardization in the Metals Industry: Why is standardization important and what challenges does it introduce?
  • Fatigue and Fracture Toughness: How is this testing performed for metals, and when is it needed?
  • Automation in Metals Testing: How robotic systems help minimize variability, raise confidence in results, and deliver high volume testing throughput.
  • Advances in Strain Measurement: Recent advances in strain control extensometry, along with averaging transverse strain measurement for automotive alloys and challenges for elevated temperature tests.
  • Safeguarding Your Data: Improving data integrity by using revision histories and recording to increase traceability in your data. Managing test methods and data in multi-frame labs; automating analysis for consistency.
  • Lab Management: Managing test methods and data in multi-frame labs.
  • Practical equipment and test demonstrations

In-depth Training

We are excited to offer admission at a promotional rate for showcase attendees who register for one of the Instron training courses scheduled to occur on-site during this event. Elevate your lab by taking an in-depth training course on static test development with Instron software. Sign up soon - only 24 seats available each day! Must confirm by July 24th.

Showcase Partners

In addition to our hosts at ASM, Instron is excited to welcome a selection of showcase partners who will be joining us to share their solutions for complementary needs in a metals testing laboratory. Full details will be announced soon.

Call for Papers

Instron and ASM want to showcase YOUR experience. Do you have a story you'd like to share about using Instron equipment in your lab? Sign up today for a 30-minute speaker block to highlight your application and share your insights.

Register NOW

Instron Launches New AVE3 Advanced Video Extensometer

Instron Launches New AVE3 Advanced Video Extensometer

Instron® is excited to announce the release of the AVE3, an advanced non-contacting video extensometer that delivers precise strain measurement with unparalleled, micron-level accuracy for tensile, compression, and bend testing.

The highly versatile AVE3 can measure both modulus and strain to failure on a diverse range of materials such as plastics, metals, composites, biomaterials, textiles, and elastomers — along with sensitive materials like films and foils. Compliant with ISO 9513 and ASTM E83, the AVE3 allows labs to reliably test to any standard with one device, without needing to purchase and maintain multiple clip-on extensometers.

Instron's AVE3 extensometer operates with the patent-pending CDAT airflow technology.

The AVE3 can be configured to accommodate a range of gauge lengths and elongations. New kinematic mounting enables each lens to automatically snap into the factory-calibrated location, making it easy to capture accurate data every time.

To guard against typical lab air disturbances like HVAC systems and human operators' movements, the AVE3 uses Instron's patent-pending Constant Density Air Tunnel (CDAT) technology, which creates a force field–like protective barrier around the test space.

This CDAT airflow technology eliminates errors, reduces noise in test data, and improves accuracy by as much as five times (compared to video extensometers without CDAT technology).

In addition, Instron's Dynamic Cross-Polarized Lighting system provides a robust solution for fluctuating lighting conditions in different lab spaces. The patented system dynamically adjusts its illumination levels to ensure all markings on the specimen are perfectly illuminated for consistent results in any test environment.

Designed for compliance with ISO 6892-1 and ASTM E8, the AVE3 extensometer enables closed-loop strain rate control — the preferred mode for testing strain rate–sensitive metals. This capability is especially valuable for laboratories focused on achieving consistent, repeatable results across different systems and locations. Leveraging CDAT airflow technology and advanced dynamic lighting, the AVE3 delivers a virtually noise-free strain signal, eliminating the need for heavy filtering that can distort results or introduce lag in test control.



Please accept marketing-cookies to watch this video.

"Environmental variability has long been the Achilles’ heel of optical strain measurement. Even minor shifts in lab temperature or lighting can introduce significant signal noise and undermine data integrity," said Casey Willis, Instron's Product Manager for strain measurement devices. "The AVE3 directly addresses these pain points with its patent-pending CDAT (Constant Density Air Tunnel) airflow technology and a patented illumination system — two core innovations that ensure consistent data, even in variable lab conditions. For labs that demand reliability at the highest level, the AVE3 sets a new benchmark."

The AVE3 ships with a new, simplified calibration plate that can clip directly onto the specimen — with the load string intact — making it easier for operators or managers to easily confirm that their existing calibration is still valid. Full calibrations can be completed in less than a minute, reducing the time it takes to begin testing.

Optional add-ons for the AVE3 include AverEdge32TM, which simultaneously measures strain at 32 locations along the specimen gauge length, then averages them in real-time, providing a repeatable transverse strain value that is critical for calculating the r-value of sheet metal (per ISO 10113 and ASTM E517).

Labs can also record images of their testing to be used with the optional Digital Image Correlation (DIC) software, which compares images of a tested specimen's surface to generate full-field strain and displacement maps, synchronized with Bluehill® Universal test data.

25 Ways to Test a Syringe: On-Demand Webinar

25 Ways to Test a Syringe

On-demand Webinar to Demystify International Syringe Testing Standards

Professionals across the pharmaceutical and medical device industries are invited to attend an upcoming webinar that promises to provide a comprehensive overview of the international standards shaping syringe testing. The session will explore the technical intricacies of testing requirements, from the syringe's subassembly components to their performance in prefilled configurations.

The webinar will take participants through the evolving expectations for syringe testing across the entire value chain—from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) responsible for fill-finish operations. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the nuances of how testing evolves as products move closer to patient-ready use.

One of the key features of the webinar is an in-depth discussion of individual test methods. Experts will share best practices for equipment setup and data analysis, offering practical guidance tailored to different laboratory environments. The session will highlight strategies for configuring equipment to reduce setup time while ensuring compatibility with a wide range of syringe formats.

Participants can expect to leave with a clearer understanding of:

  • The components of syringes and the testing protocols required for each part
  • How to match syringe styles and use cases with the appropriate international standards
  • Methods for interpreting complex references and equivalencies among various regulatory guidelines
  • Approaches to streamline lab operations and ensure consistent, reliable testing outcomes

This educational event is especially relevant for professionals involved in quality assurance, regulatory affairs, laboratory management, and syringe design or manufacturing. Whether you're navigating ISO standards or working on the front lines of fill-finish operations, the webinar aims to equip you with the tools and insights needed to optimize testing workflows and ensure compliance.

View 25 Ways to Test a Syringe now

Instron Exhibiting at InterBattery 2025

Instron Exhibiting at InterBattery 2025

[Instron Exhibiting at InterBattery 2025

Join us at InterBattery 2025, Korea’s leading battery exhibition. Instron will be exhibiting our 6800 Series universal testing system, Bluehill® Universal testing software, and E3000.

  • Dates: March 5-7, 2025
  • Where: Samsung Coex, InterBattery 2025, Hall D, Seoul, Korea
  • Booth: DL 122

Register here to buy an exhibit hall pass.

Instron Exhibiting at The Battery Show North America 2024

Instron Exhibiting at The Battery Show North America 2024

 

Join us at the Battery Show, North America’s largest and most comprehensive advanced battery event, to see demonstrations of Instron’s latest materials testing systems, accessories, and software – including our 6800 Series universal testing systems, AVE 2 non-contacting video extensometer, and other grips and fixtures specifically designed for testing battery materials and components.

  • When: October 7-10, 2024
  • Where: Huntington Place in Detroit, MI

Use promo code SPECIAL for a free expo pass or 20% off a conference pass.

Register Now

Instron Launches Next-Generation Autoinjector Testing System

Instron® Launches Next-Generation Autoinjector Testing System

 

Instron is excited to announce the release of the next-generation Autoinjector Testing System for full functionality testing of pen and autoinjectors to ISO 11608. Developed in close partnership with pharmaceutical companies and CDMOs, this system measures a variety of essential performance requirements, including cap removal, dose accuracy, activation force, injection time, needle depth, and needle guard lockout.

The ability to perform a complete sequence of tests on one system, rather than multiple systems, simplifies testing, data consolidation, and the validation process, and streamlines tech transfer to production sites.

The addition of simple autoinjector test methods to Instron’s Bluehill Universal software empowers users to easily develop and change test methods. The user simply selects which tests (cap removal, injection, and/or needle guard lock out check or defeat force) are to be run and sets the desired parameters. The system then automatically runs through the test sequence and provides results including cap removal and activation forces, injection time, needle depth measurements at the start and end of injection, click detection, delivered volume, and safety check results.

Autoinjector Test Sequence

"Throughout the development of this system, the user interface and experience has been a major focus,” explains Theresa Smith, Product Manager at Instron. “Our customers in development settings require flexibility as they work with new devices and combined products. With this system, they can easily and quickly change setups to test different devices or perform challenge testing. At the same time, our Bluehill software offers the simplicity and traceability that is needed in production settings. It can be a challenge to design for those very different functions, so this system’s adaptability is really exciting.”

Bluehill Universal for autoinjectors also improves compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) by integrating system suitability testing (SST) into its workflow. SST prompts users to perform daily verification checks on the load cell, machine vision camera, and scale. The system only allows device testing to proceed once these checks have been successfully completed. SST details are recorded in the Traceability module’s audit log, offering a robust and searchable record.

To simplify tech transfer, Instron’s Bluehill Central lab management software can be added to streamline management and transfer of both device and SST test methods between testing systems in the same lab and other sites around the world.

Instron also offers services, including on-site calibrations and IQOQ services, to help testing labs accelerate their validation process.

Learn More

Dortmund Biomedical Workshop

Dortmund Biomedical Workshop

#image_title

Join us on September 17th and 18th in Dortmund, Germany, at our Instron Biomaterials Workshop. This is a great opportunity to talk to testing experts about the mechanical evaluation of biomaterials, implants and medical devices in both R&D and QA environments. Pre-registration is required for this event. For more information, please contact [email protected].

Helpful Links

Follow Us

LinkedIn YouTube Facebook Instagram

Subscribe

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases.

By clicking submit you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.

© Illinois Tool Works Inc. All rights reserved.

    EN