Instron Corp

I have 3 dual column Instron Mechanical testers in the R&D labs I manage. One is newly purchased and two are older models that have existed since Merlin Software. Once I have the equipment inhouse, it is manufactured with reliable quality. The BlueHill 3 software has been a technical nightmare. There have been multiple bugs in the user calculations and the cycle counting. After multiple phone calls and a few on-site visits, there is still not a solution to a few of our problems. The biggest frustration is the customer service. In April 2014 a test engineer ordered an accessory for our equipment. As on today (6/20/2014) the equipment is not able to be used because the wrong parts have been shipped multiple times. There is one contact who over promises, but he doesn't have a sales/service team to support him to meet those demands. We would use Instron much more if they could improve customer service and response time. After many errors, it becomes costly in time to wait for Instron to deliver.

Strengths: Years of service, durability

Needs to improve: customer service, software bugs, turnaround time

Instron software (Bluehill 3) is fairly limited and rigid in its analysis capabilities. There are competitor products that have much greater analysis features and allow you to customize methods to better suit your testing needs. The software also has quite a few bugs, which Instron tries to remedy by coming out with new software versions every few months. This, however, is not a solution for those industries that have to validate equipment and cannot simply upgrade to the latest version of the software. The equipment is in general long lasting and durable, and the load cells are very easy to install.
Customer service is poor and often slow. Perhaps it is because their customer base has grown too large but often times I have to contact my sales person multiple times to get items quoted or my quote adjusted. There is also a lack of communication between departments and I am often invited to conference calls so that I can speak with multiple people at the same time in an attempt to get my question answered.
With all of the software issues and lack of reliable customer service, there are better options for your material testing needs.

Strengths: - long lasting equipment
- ease of use

Needs to improve: - poor/slow customer service - limited testing/analysis capabilities

I've purchased Instrons at the last three companies I've been at. They are reliable and offer the easiest to use interfaces. The electropuls systems are great if you don't have the facilities for a hydraulic machine. If you can get away with the limitations, this is the machine to get. It makes tuning a breeze. You can just use autotune for your fatigue testing. No more fooling around with the PID settings. In addition, you do not have to have the large hydraulic system. Runs on electricity only!

Customer service has been great. From specing out the machines to the annual service. No complaints here at all.

Strengths: Instron has great customer service, most advanced load frames, easy to use software and lots of different machine options to fit both your needs and budget

Needs to improve: Some software cost extra. Can be a bit pricy to get all the software to operate the machines. They are more expensive than the competition. Accessories while great, are expensive. Many are cheaper to build your own or buy other options.

I've been working with and around Instron systems my entire career and I have come to trust Instron as the very best in the business. Anything and everything from helping me spec out a proper tester that's versatile but cost effective to consulting with one of the many outstanding engineers on how best to address a particular problem using one of their systems. It's really hard for me to say anything negative. These guys are absolutely top notch!

Strengths: Instron designs and manufactures the most flexible, robust and high quality materials (pull) testers on the planet period. Every system is well thought out with the user in mind through intuitive user interfaces, variety in terms of footprint and functionality and the very best quality customer service that I have had the pleasure to do business with in 20 plus years.

Needs to improve: Price might be a weakness if your project is under tight budget constraints. But rest assured, you get value for your money.

We use Instron tensile strength testers for QC for a couple projects. They are good testers and easy to qualify and integrate into your quality system. Software is kind of a hit and miss. Its very cumbersome and annoying to set up initially but once that is all done, it is actually very nice to use. Instron will send a tech to help fix any issues you have with their testers. Pricing is kind of on the expensive side but for such an important piece I think it is justifiable. Overall, good mechanical testers that can be used for multiple things. We use them for medical devices.

Strengths: mechanical testers, software integration, customer service, in-house service

Needs to improve: software integration is kind of tricky and cumbersome to use

I worked with Instron to spec out a torsion machine to be delivered and installed at a contract manufacturer's site. The service technician and customer service reps were extremely helpful and responsive. They not only helped me decide on the right equipment to purchase, but also helped to reduce the overall cost of the job by paring down to the minimum specifications required. They also provided me with the specs/drawings required to design the appropriate fixtures for the equipment. Overall, a great vendor to work with.

Strengths: Wide variety of machines and accessories, knowledgeable service technicians, good customer service for custom equipment

Needs to improve: Leadtime on equipment (though comparable to other equipment installs)

I have used a number of Instron load frames, load cells and software. Instron's systems work well and are very versatile. Load cells are easy to change and appear to re-calibrate well. As with any fully functioned test machine, the software is very capable, but it can be difficult to get it to do what you want it to do without pouring through the manual for hours. Once established, however, the programs run smoothly. The cost of pneumatic grips and alternate specimen holding apparatus can get very expensive very quickly, but the quality of all Instron gear is consistently high.

Strengths: tensile/compression test machines

Needs to improve: none of note

We have used Instron testing instruments for many years. Their Customer Service and outside sales have always been very responsive to specific questions when trying to set up studies for either compression, tensile, fatigue, etc... Their website is a good source for information and examples for testing and setting up studies. The Instron measuring equipment are reliable, dependable and easy to use and program.

Strengths: Leaders in the Field of tension, compression, fatique, etc... testing instruments

Needs to improve: They are a bit pricey, when they have to come in for calibration on the equipment if cost and takes the better part of a day..

instron mechanical testers are of high quality. they get the job done and can be used for your traditional tube tensile, compression testing, and pouch peel testing. you can also get creative and use the linear motion to create a trackability test as well if you need it for access products. the software is easy to customize for specific cycling if needed.

Strengths: mechanical tester, tensile and compression force gauges and accessories, software is easy to customize

Needs to improve: equipment and accessories are not for the budget conscious

The machine generally does what we need but has some quirks - like shutting off the load frame intermittently. When we needed service, it was kind of disorganized and took way longer than it should have.

Strengths: Instron is like the Kleenex of mechanical testing. They're ubiquitous throughout industry.

Needs to improve: Their service could be better when it comes time to PM the machines. Too slow and disorganized. Their Bluehill software cannot be described as very intuitive to use, although the current gen is eons better than the old stuff.

The test systems and equipment are solid and are all on par with other machines and equipment on the market. Service is good. Software is simple and easy for anyone to train with moderate or no experience and become capable to make a custom test method. This simplicity can also allow it to lack the full customization that may be needed at times for more sophisticated test methods.

Strengths: Test equipment/machinery. Cost effective (comparatively speaking)

Needs to improve: software capabilities not as robust as other packages out there

We procure various measuring components from Instron and have been pleased to date. We use a number of their tensile testers daily and the quality is wonderful as they make sure our calibrations are accurate and precise. Customer service is great and easy to reach should any issues arise. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable and always quick to offer insight. Very reliable, quick quotes and realistic lead times. Will continue to order from.

Strengths: product quality, selection, customer service, durability

Needs to improve: pricing could be better

Very happy with there service. The Field Engineer was very knowledgeable in explaining the operation of the machine. All the Do's and Don't.

Strengths: Our Quality and R&D department use their system for inspection, measuring and testing purposes. The Field Engineer was very knowlegeable of the Instrument and capabilities. Measurments are accurate and precise. So far we have not had any issues with the instrument. Their technical assistance support is very good and responsive. Their quality is very good. Quotes are accurate. Their pricing is competitive. The

Needs to improve: None

Definitely travel to their headquarters in Massachusetts. Bring a sample and they may be able to test it in their lab.

Strengths: Instron excels at providing mechanical test systems--servohydraulic, screw-type, or the new ElectroPuls. At my facility, we have more than two dozen of their test frames.

Needs to improve: Pricy, especially the ElectroPuls. Their software has vastly improved over the years and is at least as easy to use as MTS'. Lead times can be long.

I use their load cells and tensile testers on a daily basis at work. We use them for our dialysis machines. The quality of the load cells and tensile testers are excellent in use. Works wonderful during calibration of devices. Haven't had any problems with their parts or equipment. Highly reliable parts. Definitely recommended to other manufacturers. Great customer support staff. Helpful with all phone orders..

Strengths: Great quality products

Needs to improve: None

We currently use their mechanical testers in our rework department ,they get the job done and can be used for your traditional tube tensile, compression testing, and pouch peel testing. Their software is very easy to customize and use we never have any problems with their products, always satisfied.

Strengths: They have a great line of electronic test equipment.

Needs to improve: Their equipment can get a little pricy depending on what you need.

I have never had any issues with instron's calibration services. I would rate the services they provide as very good.

Strengths: Knowledge of the mechanical testers and load cells that they calibrate. They are also able to repair systems and provide excellent advice on the maintenance on Instron systems.

Needs to improve: They are not always available on short notice. In an emergency situation, they will come out but they will charge a huge fee.

Great customer service. Have called in with questions, and they have readily answered with the correct advice in adjusting the settings.

Strengths: Essential piece of equipment used to test mechanical joints all the time in a med device lab.

Needs to improve: The pin provided by Instron used to tighten the testing platens sucks- it bends easily and doesn't function well. Even the intron service people who come in say it sucks.

Instron knows they have good devices. We have been using their products for years. They have good people on the field and very helpful to us.

Strengths: They are the standard in mechanical testing. Every company I work for uses their equipment using their products for various testings, They have great great expertise on their field and on the field.

Needs to improve: Maybe just make their software more robust and user friendly.

We've dealt with Instron for many years. They have always provided decent training whenever we have purchased new software for the tester. The machines are reliable and fairly easy to use and program. Customer service has been very responsive to our needs whoever the units need calibration or servicing.

Strengths: Reliable equipment, good customer service, very responsive to inquiries

Needs to improve: expensive equipment and software packages