Hot tearing is a complex thermomechanical phenomenon occurring in the semi-solid region. Strain in this region can induce cracking and localized alloying element segregation. An apparatus for investigating hot tearing was developed utilizing a servo-motor controlled cylinder to apply a pre-determined amount of strain to the solidifying shell. A special mold was developed using filling and solidification modeling to ensure that dendrite growth was perpendicular to applied strain. A computer-automated system was utilized to control the strain and strain rate and measure the force and displacement. Solidification experiments utilizing AISI 1020 steel validated the apparatus capabilities and optimized testing parameters.