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.

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We can help select the best precision thermo-mechanical materials testing system for your needs.

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