GLEEBLE 3180-GTC SYSTEM
The Industry-Standard Thermo-Mechanical Simulator for Precision Materials Testing
Advanced physical simulation system with direct resistance heating for high-temperature testing and thermo-mechanical analysis. The Gleeble 3180-GTC® represents the optimal balance between advanced capabilities and cost-effectiveness in thermo-mechanical physical simulation systems. As materials engineers and metallurgists face increasing pressure to accelerate product development while reducing testing costs, the 3180 delivers the precision and reliability of Gleeble's renowned technology at an accessible price point.
This versatile thermo-mechanical simulator combines closed-loop direct resistance heating, servo-controlled mechanical testing, and advanced digital control to replicate real-world manufacturing processes in your laboratory.
Whether you're validating weldability, optimizing heat treatment parameters, or characterizing material behavior under extreme conditions, the Gleeble 3180-GTC physical simulation system eliminates costly production trials and accelerates your path to market.
PLAN YOUR NEXT SIMULATION WITH GLEEBLE 3180-GTC
Discover how Gleeble thermo-mechanical simulators can accelerate your development programs, reduce costs, and deliver the precise data you need for confident decision-making.
CAPABILITIES THAT DRIVE MATERIALS INNOVATION
With the ability to achieve heating rates up to 8,000°C/sec and cooling rates of 10,000°C/sec max, the 3180-GTC high-temperature testing system faithfully reproduces the thermal cycles encountered in welding, casting, forging, and heat treatment operations—giving you the data you need to make confident materials decisions.
Thermal Control Excellence
- Heating Rate - 8,000°C/s
- Cooling Rate - 10,000°C/s
- Max Temperature - 1,700°C
- Force Capacity - 8 Tons
Direct Resistance Heating
Achieve maximum temperatures up to 1,700°C with exceptional heating rates of 8,000°C/sec, enabling accurate simulation of rapid thermal processes like electron beam welding and laser processing.
Ultra-Fast Quenching
Cooling rates up to 10,000°C/sec replicate industrial quenching operations and rapid solidification processes with unmatched fidelity.
Precision Temperature Control
Closed-loop digital control maintains temperature accuracy within ±1°C, ensuring reproducible results across multiple test runs.
CORE FEATURES ENGINEERED FOR PERFORMANCE
Every component of the Gleeble 3180-GTC has been designed to deliver the precision, versatility, and reliability that modern materials testing demands.
Mechanical Testing Versatility
- Dual-Direction Force Application: 8 metric tons of force in both tension and compression enables comprehensive mechanical characterization from hot tensile testing to uniaxial compression
- Wide Stroke Range: 100mm maximum stroke with rates from 0.01 to 1,000 mm/sec accommodates both quasi-static and dynamic testing requirements
- Servo-Controlled Precision: Closed-loop mechanical system delivers accurate strain control for complex deformation schedules and recrystallization studies
- Real-Time Monitoring: Simultaneous measurement of force, displacement, temperature, and thermal expansion provides complete process visibility
Advanced Physical Simulation Capabilities
- Weld HAZ Simulation: Accurately replicate welding thermal cycles to assess weldability, predict HAZ microstructure, and optimize welding procedures before production
- Melting and Solidification: Perform in situ melting and controlled solidification testing to characterize as-cast structures, identify ductility dip regions, and optimize casting parameters
- Deformation Dilatometry: Conduct continuous cooling transformation (CCT) and continuous heating transformation (CHT) studies with or without applied deformation
- Hot Ductility Testing: Evaluate material behavior at elevated temperatures to prevent hot cracking in welding and casting applications
- Strain-Induced Crack Opening (SICO): Quick, cost-effective thermo-mechanical process optimization for forging and forming operations
EXPLORE THE NEXT GENERATION OF MATERIALS TESTING
Download the Gleeble 3180-GTC brochure to accelerate development and optimize your processes. Get the insights you need to improve quality and move faster.
|
Specifications |
3800-GTC | 3500-GTC | 3180-GTC |
|
Force Capacity |
|||
|
Maximum Compressive Force |
20 Metric Tons | 10 Metric Tons | 8 Metric Tons |
|
Maximum Tensile Force |
10 Metric Tons | 10 Metric Tons | 8 Metric Tons |
|
Stroke Performance |
|||
|
Maximum Stroke Distance |
125 mm | 100 mm | 100 mm |
|
Maximum Stroke Rate |
2,000 mm/sec | 1,000 mm/sec | 1,000 mm/sec |
|
Minimum Stroke Rate |
0.001 mm/sec | 0.001 mm/sec | 0.01 mm/sec |
|
Temperature Control |
|||
|
Maximum Temperature* |
3,000 °C | 3,000 °C | 1,700 °C |
|
Maximum Heating Rate |
10,000 °C/sec | 10,000 °C/sec | 8,000 °C/sec |
|
Maximum Quenching Rate* |
10,000 °C/sec | 10,000 °C/sec | 10,000 °C/sec |
|
Specimen Capacity |
|||
|
Maximum Specimen Size |
20 mm diameter | 20 mm diameter | 12 mm diameter |
CURIOUS ABOUT THE GLEEBLE SERIES 3180-GTC?
From system capabilities and testing applications to setup, operation, and support—find clear, expert answers to help you move forward with confidence. Browse the FAQ to get the insights you need, fast.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR TEAM
We can help select the best precision thermo-mechanical materials testing system for your needs.
