Compression and Flexural Testing Machine – QT-300B / QT-300BD
The QT-300B / QT-300BD Compression and Flexural Testing Machine is designed to measure the compressive and flexural strength of cement mortar prism specimens using a single, dual-function testing system. The compression testing frame supports loads up to 300 kN, while the flexural testing function applies loads up to 10 kN for three-point bending tests on intact 40 × 40 × 160 mm cement mortar prisms. Both testing functions operate through a shared hydraulic power source and control system, providing an efficient, space-saving solution for cement testing laboratories. With Class 0.5 accuracy across both test modes, the machine meets the requirements of EN 196-1, ASTM C109, ASTM C348, and ASTM C349.
The QT-300B features a computer-controlled operating system with a standard keyboard for data entry and machine control. The QT-300BD offers a touchscreen interface for convenient operation. Both models automatically record and process test data and generate printed test reports upon completion. The adjustable constant loading rate allows operators to set the required stress rate according to the applicable testing standard. An automatic overload protection system stops hydraulic pressure when the preset load limit is reached, helping protect the machine, testing fixtures, and specimens.
Both the QT-300B and QT-300BD come with standard fixtures for compression and flexural testing. The upper compression plates are available in fixed and self-aligning ball-head designs. The self-aligning plate accommodates minor specimen surface variations to support proper load distribution during compression testing. A dedicated 60 mm loading plate supports the required contact points for flexural testing at the specified span positions. Switching between compression and flexural testing requires only a fixture change, allowing laboratories to perform both tests on one machine without a separate power-up sequence.
Compression and Flexural Testing Machine – QT-300B / QT-300BD Applications
The QT-300B / QT-300BD Compression and Flexural Testing Machine is designed for strength testing in quality control laboratories, certification facilities, and research institutions working with cement, building lime, calcium sulphate binders, and other hydraulic binder materials. Its dual-function design supports compressive and flexural strength evaluation for material quality assurance, product development, and compliance testing.
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Cement Quality Control and Certification: Measures the compressive and flexural strength of 40 × 40 × 160 mm cement mortar prisms to assess batch consistency and verify performance against applicable requirements, including EN 196-1 and ASTM C109.
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Building Lime Testing: Determines the compressive and flexural strength of lime-based mortar specimens for construction material evaluation and mix verification in accordance with EN 459-2.
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Floor Screed and Calcium Sulphate Binder Testing: Evaluates the strength of calcium sulphate-based screed binders to support product qualification, quality control, and formulation development under EN 13454-2.
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Pulverized Fuel Ash (PFA) Cement Testing: Supports strength activity assessment of PFA-blended cement and related materials for product quality control and binder formulation evaluation in line with applicable BS 3892-1 requirements.
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Masonry Mortar Testing: Evaluates the compressive and flexural strength of masonry mortar specimens for material development, quality assurance, and compliance assessment under applicable BS 4551-1 methods.
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ASTM Cement Testing: Performs flexural strength tests and compressive strength tests on mortar specimens, including prism halves broken during flexural testing, in accordance with ASTM C348 and ASTM C349.
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Construction Materials Research: Assesses experimental cement formulations, supplementary cementitious materials, and chemical admixtures to study their effects on mortar strength at different curing ages.
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Third-Party and Commercial Testing Laboratories: Supports documented cement and mortar strength testing for construction material manufacturers, contractors, research organizations, and testing service providers.
Standards
The QT-300B / QT-300BD supports cement, lime, mortar, and hydraulic binder strength testing in accordance with the following standards, subject to the applicable test method, specimen configuration, fixtures, and loading requirements.
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EN 196-1 – Methods of Testing Cement: Determination of Strength
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EN 459-2 – Building Lime: Test Methods
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EN 13454-2 – Binders for Floor Screeds Based on Calcium Sulphate: Test Methods
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ASTM C109/C109M – Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars
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ASTM C348 – Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Hydraulic-Cement Mortars
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ASTM C349 – Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic-Cement Mortars Using Portions of Prisms Broken in Flexure
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BS 3892-1 – Pulverized-Fuel Ash: Specification for Pulverized-Fuel Ash for Use with Portland Cement
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BS 4551-1 – Methods of Test for Mortar for Masonry
Compression and Flexural Testing Machine – QT-300B / QT-300BD Key Features
The QT-300B / QT-300BD Compression and Flexural Testing Machine combines cement mortar compression and flexural strength testing in one compact system. With computer-controlled operation, automatic data processing, configurable loading rates, and Class 0.5 accuracy, it supports precise and efficient strength testing in cement laboratories and construction materials testing facilities.
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Dual-Mode Compression and Flexural Testing: Performs compressive strength testing up to 300 kN and flexural strength testing up to 10 kN using a single machine, providing an integrated solution for cement mortar prism testing.
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Keyboard or Touchscreen Control: The QT-300B features a standard keyboard for data entry and machine operation, while the QT-300BD incorporates a touchscreen interface for convenient control and test navigation.
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Adjustable Constant Loading Rate: Allows operators to configure the required loading rate according to the applicable test standard, supporting consistent loading throughout the test cycle.
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Automatic Data Processing and Report Generation: Automatically records and processes test results and generates printed reports after testing, reducing manual data handling and simplifying laboratory documentation.
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Class 0.5 Measurement Accuracy: Provides Class 0.5 accuracy for both compression and flexural testing channels, supporting precise strength measurements for quality control and standards-based testing.
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Automatic Overload Protection: Stops hydraulic loading when the preset load limit is reached, helping protect the machine, fixtures, and test specimens from excessive loading.
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Fixed and Self-Aligning Compression Plates: Includes fixed-type and ball-head upper compression plate options. The self-aligning design accommodates minor specimen surface variations to support more uniform load distribution.
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Compact Dual-Function Design: Integrates compression and flexural testing capabilities within one machine, reducing laboratory space requirements and simplifying equipment setup for cement mortar strength evaluation.
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Quick Changeover Between Test Modes: Allows operators to switch between compression and flexural testing by changing the required fixtures, without a separate machine power-up sequence.
Theory and Method
Cement mortar strength testing determines a material's resistance to compressive and flexural loads by applying a controlled force until specimen failure. The QT-300B / QT-300BD Compression and Flexural Testing Machine records the peak load and uses the relevant specimen dimensions and test parameters to calculate strength. Its dual-function design supports both compression and flexural testing of 40 × 40 × 160 mm cement mortar prisms.
Compression Testing Principle
During compression testing, a half-prism obtained after flexural fracture is positioned between the upper and lower compression plates. Hydraulic loading applies a controlled force to the specimen at the rate specified by the applicable test method. The machine records the maximum load reached before failure, and compressive strength is calculated by dividing this load by the specimen's loaded bearing area.
The QT-300B / QT-300BD control system allows the operator to configure the required loading rate for the selected test method. Consistent loading conditions help improve the repeatability of test results and support reliable assessment of cement mortar strength.
Flexural Testing Principle
Flexural strength testing uses a three-point bending arrangement with the intact 40 × 40 × 160 mm mortar prism supported on two rollers at a specified span. A central loading roller applies force at the midpoint between the supports, producing bending stress within the specimen. As the load increases, tensile stress develops along the lower surface until the prism fractures.
The machine records the peak load at failure, which is used with the support span and specimen dimensions to calculate flexural strength, also known as the modulus of rupture, according to the applicable test method.
Loading Rate and Test Protection
Maintaining the prescribed loading rate is essential for obtaining consistent and comparable cement mortar strength measurements. Variations in loading conditions can affect the recorded failure load and contribute to differences between test results. The QT-300B / QT-300BD allows operators to configure the loading rate through its control system according to the selected standard and test procedure.
An automatic overload protection system stops hydraulic loading when the preset load limit is reached, helping protect the machine and testing fixtures from excessive force. Together, controlled loading, peak-load measurement, and automatic data processing support efficient strength testing in cement and construction materials laboratories.
Compression and Flexural Testing Machine - QT-300B / QT-300BD Technical Specifications
The QT-300B and QT-300BD share identical hydraulic and mechanical specifications. The only differences between the two models are the control interface and load frame dimensions.
| Parameter |
QT-300B (Keyboard) |
QT-300BD (Touchscreen) |
| Max Capacity — Compression |
300 kN |
300 kN |
| Max Capacity — Bending |
10 kN |
10 kN |
| Accuracy Class |
Class 0.5 |
Class 0.5 |
| Compression Space |
180 mm |
180 mm |
| Piston Stroke — Compression |
80 mm |
80 mm |
| Piston Stroke — Bending |
60 mm |
60 mm |
| Upper Plate, Fixed Type — Compression |
Dia. 108 mm |
Dia. 108 mm |
| Upper Plate, Fixed Type — Bending |
Dia. 60 mm |
Dia. 60 mm |
| Upper Plate, Ball Head — Compression |
Dia. 170 mm |
Dia. 170 mm |
| Lower Compression Plate |
Dia. 205 mm |
Dia. 205 mm |
| Load Frame Dimensions (L × W × H) |
1150 × 500 × 1400 mm |
1160 × 500 × 1400 mm |
| Power Supply |
380 V (220 V optional), 50 Hz (60 Hz optional), 0.75 kW |
380 V (220 V optional), 50 Hz (60 Hz optional), 0.75 kW |
| Control Interface |
Standard keyboard |
Touchscreen |
| Weight |
500 kg |
540 kg |
| Primary Test Specimen |
40 × 40 × 160 mm cement mortar prism |
40 × 40 × 160 mm cement mortar prism |
