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Case Studies | Materials Testing and Properties | 12th August 2025

Promoting Practical Learning in the new ATAC Building: How the City of Wolverhampton College Inspire their engineering students to become future industry leaders.

At City of Wolverhampton College, engineering educators have embraced the power of practical learning to engage students more deeply, equipping them with real-world skills that align with modern industry demands. 

Inside the newly established Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre, the City of Wolverhampton College’s engineering students are gaining hands-on experience and engaging directly with the core principles of materials testing and properties that shape real-world engineering.

We spoke with the engineering department’s Curriculum Manager Jim Wilkins, whose responsibility is ensuring equipment purchased helps them deliver the desired automotive and advanced technology engineering course content, and encourage learners to strive and achieve their engineering qualifications.

Watch our full case study video delving into the teaching curriculum and the TecQuipment’s solutions shaping the engineering students of Wolverhampton here, and continue reading to learn about the importance of the practical teaching within the new ATAC building.

Why Practical Experimentation Matters

Theory on its own doesn’t always land effectively with students — especially in engineering, where the physical behaviour of materials and structures plays such a central role.

“We’ve found that if we teach theory on its own, it isn’t always as helpful to the students,” explains Jim. “What we’ve been able to achieve is a blend of theory and practical. So, students not only learn about which metal might be strongest — they actually test that theory using real equipment, right here in the lab.”

The hands-on approach is proving invaluable. With class sizes between 16 and 18 students, the setup allows learners to gather around the equipment, see it in action, and work together on live demonstrations — all while reinforcing classroom concepts with real data and tactile experience.

Choosing TecQuipment: Designed for Real Education and Real Industry

Before the college moved into to the brand new £8.1 million engineering and automotive (ATAC) building (funded in part by the Wolverhampton Council and the West Midlands combined authority), they had no materials testing equipment. The move created an opportunity to rethink how they deliver engineering education — and TecQuipment became a part of that transformation.

“We were looking for industry-standard equipment — something robust, accurate, and supported by a brand we could rely on. TecQuipment’s solution met all of those needs, and more.”

Through a competitive tender process, the college selected the Universal Testing Machine (SM1000), which is now integrated across different levels of engineering courses — from apprenticeships to more advanced study. The equipment is built to handle a wide range of stresses and test types, making it ideal for educational institutions seeking to mirror real-world testing environments. 

The Universal Testing Machine (SM1000) now sits proudly in the ATAC’s machine shop alongside milling and turning machines, robots in the advanced manufacturing section, CNC machines, laser cutters and material testing equipment. 

From Installation to Education: A Partnership Approach

Working with TecQuipment wasn’t just about buying a machine — it was a comprehensive, collaborative experience.

“From the very first enquiry through to delivery, commissioning, and training, the TecQuipment team have been ideal. We’ve had helpful, supportive conversations throughout. When Dave from TecQuipment came to deliver the training, he not only showed our staff how to use the equipment, but he also demonstrated tests live in front of our apprentices. That hands-on exposure made a big impact.”

The Advantage of using the Universal Testing Machine (SM1000)

The SM1000 is a 100 kN (10-ton) capacity bench-mounted materials tester. It’s a comprehensive tool for both tensile and compressive material testing and features a wide range of interchangeable accessories for different test types.

The equipment features:

  • A hydraulic ram hand pump for fine control and tactile feedback
  • A magnetic safety guard for clear experiment views and user protection from potential hazards
  • Interchangeable grips and collet arrangements for easy specimen swaps
  • Digital load display for accurate force readings
  • A digital Vernier gauge to measure extension or deflection
  • Full compatibility with TecQuipment’s VDAS® data acquisition system

Students can conduct tests such as:

  • Brinell hardness
  • Double shear
  • Cupping
  • Compression of concrete, springs and metals
  • Tensile testing on metals and polymers

A great advantage for students using the Universal Testing Machine (SM1000) is with the hydraulic ram powered by the hand pump during the elastic to plastic part of the graph, feedback is sensed through the user’s arm. Without even looking at the experiment, the user can feel the yield point has been reached and the load weakening or lessening whilst the specimen is still extending. This feedback is a great sensory way for the student to understand what is happening during the test, something that can only be inferred with textbooks. 

Data-Driven Learning with VDAS®

TecQuipment’s VDAS® (Virtual Data Acquisition System) takes the SM1000 to the next level by enabling live data capture, graphing, and analysis. Whether capturing data manually or automatically, students can:

  • Record values for load and extension
  • Plot classic Hooke and behaviour graphs
  • Identify the elastic and plastic regions
  • Calculate Young’s Modulus from real-time results

The software also exports directly to Excel, supporting straightforward integration into lab reports and coursework.

Visualise Strain and Stress in 3D with DefleX®-3D

An exciting addition to the SM1000 setup is TecQuipment’s DefleX®-3D, a digital image correlation (DIC) system that allows students to visually map strain across a specimen during testing.

With one or two high-definition cameras, DefleX® lets learners:

  • Track specimen deformation in 2D or 3D
  • Observe colour-mapped stress regions
  • Detect micro-imperfections or stress concentrations in real-time

Using DefleX® alongside the SM1000 turns a simple tensile test into a sophisticated materials science exploration — bringing cutting-edge industry tools right into the classroom.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Engineers

The Universal Testing Machine (SM1000) is a great introductory tool for students aiming for careers in automotive, aerospace, or civil engineering and needing to understanding material properties. From carbon steel to aluminium and nylon, learners at City of Wolverhampton College are developing a tactile understanding of stress, strain, and material failure — the kind of experience that theory alone cannot provide.

Building Real-World Confidence Through Hands-On Experience

The City of Wolverhampton College’s approach within the new ATAC building is a shining example of how modern engineering education can — and should — bridge the gap between theory and application. By investing in high-quality, industry-standard equipment the college is not only enhancing the learning experience but also inspiring confidence in the next generation of engineers.

This isn’t just about meeting course objectives — it’s about preparing students to thrive in real-world roles, whether on the shop floor, in a design office, or within advanced research and development teams. With every test they conduct, and every data point they analyse, these learners are building the critical thinking, practical skills, and engineering intuition that employers value most.

At TecQuipment, we’re proud to support institutions like the City of Wolverhampton College in creating world-class learning environments that energise educators and empower students. Together, we are shaping a future where engineering education is immersive, relevant, and ready for industry.

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Interested in transforming your own engineering labs?
Speak with the TecQuipment team today and discover how we can help you equip your students with the tools they need to succeed in the engineering world of tomorrow.

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