DLM Installs New Tensile, Compression Testing Machine

Dynamic Load Monitoring (UK) Ltd. (DLM) has installed a 250 kN-capacity testing machine at its workshop in Nursling, Southampton. The ZwickRoell tensile and compression machine will be used to test new products and for recalibration work.

11/11/2026

DLM is a supplier of load cells, load monitoring technology, and cable working equipment to the lifting, rigging, wind energy, and wider renewables sector. The ZwickRoell AllroundLine Z250 SW testing machine presents many benefits, including the ability to calibrate to a lower capacity at higher accuracy. Applications will include testing links, shackles, compression products, shear pins and S cells, designed for accurate force measurement in both tension and compression.

Chris Harrison, managing director at DLM, said: “The machine enables us to increase the rate at which we can calibrate load cells, whether new products or recalibrations on clients’ existing items. It also has a much larger bed, allowing us to calibrate longer load pins and weigh pads that traditionally we would have either struggled with or would have required extra tooling to be added to existing machines, thus, saving time operationally. The machine is operated entirely via a PC, allowing calibration profiles to be programmed and uploaded for different types of load cell.”

Tensile, compression testing fleet The testing machine, DLM’s fourth, was sourced jointly by Calvin Sparrow, workshop and hire lead; and Nick Fayle, QHSE operations manager. The calibration team can adjust the machine in increments from 0.2 kN up to its full 250 kN capacity. Importantly, the new machine increases DLM’s capacity to handle smaller load cell calibrations, as well as requests for new builds. It comes in response to growing demand for these services.

Calvin said: “Nick and I increasingly saw the need for this type of testing machine through our day-to-day work and conversations with customers. Being able to offer additional testing and calibration capabilities has also generated further interest, so there is clearly demand for what we can now provide. We already have four calibration technicians and are looking to expand the team further in the coming months; we have the capacity to run the entire testing fleet simultaneously, as demand requires.”

The investment is part of DLM’s wider approach to developing its in-house manufacturing and testing capabilities. While the company continues to work with a number of trusted, long-term suppliers, its growing machining and testing capacity gives it the flexibility to manufacture specialist products in-house and retain greater control over the manufacturing process.

Harrison added: “This investment improves our ability to fulfil more of our specialist work internally. Our machining and testing capabilities allow us to produce specialised or short-run products efficiently, while keeping the material in-house throughout the manufacturing process.

“We will continue to invest in machinery and equipment that supports DLM’s growth, with a particular focus on developing our specialist load cell expertise. We’re busier than ever, and we have some significant plans for the next 12 months that will increase our capacity, strengthen our in-house capabilities and support the continued growth of the business.”