Abstract: The apparatus of the invention measures and evaluates deformation characteristics of mechanically deformed test pieces, which characteristics depend upon the structural and mechanical properties of the test piece. The apparatus includes a loading device for supporting and placing a mechanical load on the test piece and a TV camera mounted for visually scanning the test piece as it is being deformed. The TV camera has an output for producing signals representative of the scanned picture. A control unit is connected to the output of the TV camera and produces control pulses responsive to the output of the TV camera and to a feedback signal from an evaluating unit. A first output of the control unit is connected to the loading device for controlling a program of mechanical load applied to the test piece. The evaluating unit has a first input connected to the output of the TV camera and second input which is connected to a second output of the control unit.