- 06/08/2026
STEP Lab – Fully electric fatigue testing machines
Fully electric fatigue testing machines open up new possibilities for materials testing laboratories. They are energy-efficient, low-maintenance and precise, and can now replace hydraulic systems in many applications.
Areas of application
These systems are of particular interest to manufacturers in the medical technology, automotive and aerospace sectors, as well as in research and development.
What was still considered the preserve of hydraulic testing machines just a few years ago can now often be achieved using fully electric systems.
Your benefits
- lower energy consumption
- no hydraulic oil
- less maintenance
- quiet operation
- high control accuracy
- clean laboratory environment
- lower operating costs
Why fully electric test systems are increasingly replacing hydraulic systems
In materials testing laboratories, hydraulic systems have traditionally dominated the 20 kN to 100 kN range. However, electromechanical testing machines are now ready to replace them.
Comparison
| Property: | EA Series: | Hydraulic equivalent |
| Installation requirements | ✔ Standard power supply only | ✖ Hydraulic power unit, pipework, oil and cooling management |
| Scheduled maintenance | ✔ No scheduled maintenance | ✖ Oil change, seal/filter replacement, pump maintenance |
| Risk of leakage / contamination | ✔ No hydraulic fluid. No risk of contamination. | ✖ Continuous risk; incompatible with cleanroom environments |
| Energy consumption | ✔60–80% lower; KERS energy recovery during cyclic tests | ✖Continuous operation depending on actual demand |
| Acoustic emissions | ✔ Quiet operation | ✖ Constant pump and valve noise |
| Repeatability of force control | ✔ Direct drive; no valve delay or pressure fluctuations | ✖ Latency caused by the flow path of the hydraulic oil. |
| Long-term durability | ✔ Designed for billions of cycles | ✖ Depends on the seal, the filters and the oil quality |
| Total cost of ownership | ✔ Lower over a period of 5+ years | ✖ Maintenance, consumables and energy costs add up |
Conclusion
STEP Lab’s fully electric fatigue testing machines combine precision, cost-effectiveness and sustainability, offering a future-proof alternative to hydraulic testing systems.
| EA025 | EA050 | EA100 | |
| Dynamic force | 25.0 kN | 50.0 kN | 100 kN |
| Static force | 18.0 kN | 65.0 kN | 134 kN |
| Maximum speed | 1,600 mm/s | 1,400 mm/s | 1,600 mm/s |
| Stroke | 250 mm | 200–300 mm | 200–300 mm |
| Frequency | 30 Hz | 20 Hz | 20 Hz |
| L×W×D | 775×130×300 | 1100×185×370 | 1320×280×600 |
| Operating temperature | 5–30 °C | 5–30 °C | 5–30 °C |
Would you like to know whether a fully electric fatigue testing machine could replace your existing hydraulic system? Our specialists would be happy to advise you.
Do you have any questions about our products, or would you like a quote?
We’d be happy to advise you – professionally and personally.
Step Lab for electrical actuation test machines
Step Lab was established in 2011 as a manufacturer specialising in mechanical testing machines, producing static, dynamic, and impact mechanical testing systems.
A diverse range of standardised and customised products is available. The machines are powered by electrical actuation and are controlled by the Test Centre controller and interface software, which has undergone continuous improvement and refinement.
