Reliable calibration of the entire measurement chain allows the combination of a three-zone high-temperature furnace, thermocouples and a temperature controller to deliver accurate, standard-compliant temperatures on the specimen. The high-temperature furnace can easily be swung right out, allowing room-temperature tests to be performed using the same testing machine. To ensure protection for the operator from specimen splinters during room-temperature tensile tests, the testing machine is equipped with a safety device and electrically interlocked drive.