Materials testing is a respected and established technique which is used to ascertain both the physical and mechanical properties of raw materials and components. It can be used to examine almost anything from human hair to steel, ceramics or composite materials.
In order to address the challenges posed in the testing of a wide range of materials, Testing Machines & Calibration Instruments can offer an extensive array of high performance materials testing machines. These machines have been developed to conduct accurate, repeatable force measurements between 0.1 N and 300 kN (0.0225 lbf – 67,443 lbf). Elongations of between 1 micron and 2.5 m (98.4 inches) can be measured, depending on the machine being used.
Common testing capabilities include the following:
- Deformation Strength
- Rupture Strength
- Shear Strength
- Adhesion Strength
- Bond Strength
- Delamination Strength
- Tear Resistance
- Creep and Stress Relaxation
- Crush Resistance
- Coefficient of Friction
- Elastic Limit
- Flexure / Bend Strength
- Break Load
- Tensile Strength
- Young’s Modulus
- Ductility
- Toughness
- Puncture Strength
- Compression
- Elongation
- Peel Strength
Applications of Material Testing Machines
Materials testing machine are ideal for use in production, quality control, education, research or laboratory settings. Due to the extensive testing capabilities mentioned above, these devices can be used in a diverse range of applications within markets such as:- Electronics
- Automotive
- Paper and Board
- Medical
- Building Materials
- Metals
- Plastics
- Textiles
- Rubber
- Packaging
- Pharmaceuticals
- Wood
Different Types of Material Testing Machines
A universal materials testing machine is configurable for a range of applications. This can be accomplished by selecting the appropriate load cell, sample holder grip, materials testing software (optional) and any required accessories such as thermal cabinets, high temperature furnaces or extensometers.At the core of each materials testing system is a robust, high stiffness load frame while advanced electronics guarantee that data collection is accurate, exceeding the requirements of BS EN 7500-1 and ASTM E4.High Elongation Sample Testing
Extended height frames can be acquired for all single and dual column systems. These are suitable for testing high elasticity materials, or where samples are to up 2.5 m (98.4 inches) high (depending on the model in question).Grips and Fixtures for Material Testing Machines
Universal materials testing machines can be adapted into being highly specialist testers for a wide range of applications. This is possible with the addition of a selection of probes, standard grips, fixtures and flexural jigs. Lixian Instruments can provide grips and fixture offerings in an array of sizes, styles, gripping surfaces and capacities including:- Wedge action grips for rigid samples
- Self-tightening grips to reduce operator fatigue
- Bollard grips for wire, rope, thread and fiber testing
- Vice action grips for films or semi rigid materials
- 3- and 4-point bending jigs
- Compression platens available in many sizes
- Pneumatic action grips for faster sample clamping
Load Cells for Material Testing Machines
Load cells can be provided in capacities ranging from 5 N to 300 kN, depending on the machine being used and the test being performed. These are accurate, self-identifying full bridge strain gauged load cells which have been developed to meet international standards for load cell accuracy.Extensometers for Material Testing Machines
Plug and play extensometers have been designed to accurately measure elongation, determining results such as yield, modulus, proof stress and more. These include:- Contacting strain gauge type for rigid materials (for example metals)
- Non-contacting laser type for high elongation materials (for example plastic film)
- Automatic contacting long travel type for rubbers and elastomers
Elevated and Low Temperature Materials Testing
Elevated and low temperature materials testing is commonplace in a diverse range of industries. Furnaces and thermal chambers can be provided for testing between -70 °C and +1,50 °C. These furnaces and chambers can be software controlled if required.Testing and Control Software for Material Testing Machines
The software allows for quick, powerful and reliable testing as well as easy control of a range of data analysis features. NexygenPlus is provided as a full, comprehensive package that does not require any additional modules. It includes:- User interface customization facility
- Comprehensive suite of test setups
- Video and still picture capture system
- Security and audit trail utility
- Data export utility for connection to LIMS and SPC packages
- SPC trend and histogram charts
- Complete library of standards