Efficiency of Continuously Increasing Load During Tests

This month, Instron hydraulic wedge grips had the privilege to be on the cover of Materials Testing, a German-English materials testing journal. The journal published an article by an Instron customer about testing the fatigue behavior of construction materials.

Microstructure-Oriented Fatigue Assessment of Construction Materials and Joints Using Short-Time Load Increase Procedure is written by Dr. Ing. Frank Walther, a professor of materials testing engineering (WPT) at TU Dortmund University in Germany. The article follows fatigue testing of construction materials with increasing load. Instron's WaveMatrix™ Software allows test runs with continuously increasing load using its "Calculations" and "Advanced Control" modules.

In Walther's experimental test, he used a servo-hydraulic testing system with Instron hydraulic wedge grips. During the test, various environments and manufacturing processes were used to determine how the conditions impacted the fatigue breakage. The fatigue load was increased frequently to determine the cyclic hardening and softening response as well as the cyclic characteristics impact on fatigue strength. Pleasantly, Walther found that this application of continuously adding load actually resulted in thorough data in a short amount of time.

Talk about efficiency!

Walther's experiment with Instron hydraulic wedge grips as seen in Materials Testing

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Webinar Archive Hosts Recordings

Instron live webinars provide the opportunity to hear updates from experts on industry news and testing techniques. If you happen to miss the webinars, our library hosts the recordings:

Check back to watch the archive grow. Read more

Instron's European Sales Director Discusses Rental Program

 

Tom Davies, European Sales Director, talks with AZoM about our contract rental program, piloted in the United Kingdom. The program offers the flexibility to rent Instron systems and accessories with no upfront investment. A rental can be issued on a monthly or a quarterly basis in order to try the latest equipment.

 

Since the program began last autumn in the UK., it has received significant interest and may be expanding to other countries.

Read more on this interview at AZoM.com.

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Instron Year in Review

We've created a Year in Review to highlight exciting moments of 2013. We want to keep you up to date on all aspects of Instron® – from our community relations to our acquisitions to available webinars, and new products. There was never a dull moment or a period of time when we weren’t aiming to meet the expectations and needs of our customers. Every experience you have with Instron is invaluable to us as a company. Specifically within TechNotes, I work with our application engineers and product managers to bring you the most relevant and industry-specific news that will assist with your testing applications. Instron professionals are some of the best in the industry and hold seats on many of the ASTM and ISO committees. It’s my goal to share with you their knowledge and experience in order to better support your testing applications. So keep the feedback and questions coming! I welcome any chance I have to speak with you on ways to better communicate just exactly what you’d like to hear. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward into 2014 and I look forward to future communications with you! Best regards, Denise Czerpak TechNotes Editor

Download Now: A Year in Review

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Instron at Alabama Composites Conference, Birmingham

Instron was at the Alabama Composites Conference (ACC) from June 19—20 in Birmingham, Alabama. Southeast Applications Engineer Jim Gleason and Kent Wallace, Dynamic Systems, were on site. ACC is held every two years at the University of Birmingham, Alabama (UAB) and focuses on latest innovations in the composites industry. Instron is proud to support such an event because it sees participation from a wide range of industry partners working with composite materials.

We exhibited an ElectroPuls E1000 and had a few Instron personnel at ACC to give information about our other product lines like electromechanical systems, CEAST impact machines, hydraulic systems, etc.

Check this out for an array of topics covered during different sessions of this conference. I found the ENERGY, GREEN, and BIOCOMPOSITES section very interesting in terms of using natural fibers as reinforcements to the matrix.

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Analysis at Every Stage of the Plastics Lifecycle

In their April Issue, Plastics Engineering has shared insight on Instron’s investment of analysis for every stage in the plastics lifecycle. As Instron develops new products, a heavy emphasis is being placed on improving efficiency and increasing production without sacrificing quality. Automation, among other things, helps to remove manual errors and in turn, provide more consistency and repeatability.

The AutoX can perform multiple types of tests with high accuracy and travel. The TrendTracker™ is a results management software package that allows the user to search, view, and compare multiple test results generated over time.  Responding to customer needs, the CEAST HV500 can be used to test specimens at temperatures as high as 500 °C and a low-cost Carousel Automated Feeding System can carry out tensile, tear, and t-peel testing of thin-film plastics. Read more

Protecting Your Investment: The Instron BioCoat

Do you perform mechanical testing with an Instron BioPuls Bath, a homemade bath, or with wet specimens? Medical devices and biomaterials are often tested in a bath of water or saline heated to 37 °C (body temperature) to replicate a more physiologically accurate environment. While this creates an accurate simulation, using liquid can pose a risk of damaging your Instron system, since many of the frame’s electronics are housed directly under the liquid-filled test space. More often than not, the risk usually comes from filling and emptying the bath.

This risk can be minimized by using the Instron BioCoat: a flexible, polyurethane cover for any single column Instron system (you may remember our post from July). The BioCoat, along with a base plate adapter, creates a water-resistant seal around the base of the machine, greatly minimizing the risk of leaking water or other liquids damaging the electronics within the base of the Instron frame. The flexibility of the BioCoat also allows for easy access to the load and strain cables in the back of the machine.

This video shows how the BioCoat protects the base of the Instron frame. As always, you can contact your local Instron representative for more information. Read more

Why Automatic Extensometry?

When testing the mechanical properties of a specimen, being able to accurately and repeatedly measure the strain the specimen sees is crucial. Many testing standards require that a separate device, commonly known as an Extensometer, be used to ensure the most accurate strain data possible.

So before you run a test, attach a device onto the specimen to measure the strain… that doesn't sound bad, now does it? Now think about having to test hundreds of specimens. Odds are, manually attaching an extensometer to every specimen will add significant time to your testing process. This is where an automatic extensometer should be used.

Automatic extensometers allow the user to simply place their specimen into the grips that are being used during the test and hit “start”. You don’t have to worry about attaching the extensometer and removing it once the test is done; it’s done for you! Automatic extensometers can save time, increase repeatability, and reduce operator influence on results.  If you are interested in automatic extensometry, check out the AutoX 750. Read more

Advantages of a Twin-Bore Capillary Rheometer

Capillary rheometers allow users to better understand the processability of a thermoplastic prior to extruding or injection molding. This improves yields and reduces recycling/regrinding.  Also, the rheometer enables users to perform process optimization to improve productivity by better understanding a thermoplastic’s rheological behavior under specific test conditions.

These rheometers are available in single- and twin-bore configurations. The twin-bore systems offer some important advantages:

• First, the ability to perform two simultaneous and independent rheological tests at once increases testing throughput, which is invaluable in quality control testing.
• Second, it allows for the direct comparison of the behavior of two lots of the same material, or two different materials, which is of benefit to both the quality control tester and the researcher.

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What is the Bagley Correction and Why do I Need to Perform One?

When testing using a capillary rheometer, it is desirable to know the pressure drop along the capillary. Realistically, it is not possible to test for this inside the die itself, and pressure transducers are typically located just above the die. While this makes the machine design much simpler and more budget-friendly, it does introduce a very particular kind of error that affects readings of pressure drop, shear stress, and viscosity.

When the melt is pushed through the die, there are two drops in pressure that it experiences. First of all, the pressure drop due to the ‘entrance’ effects experienced at and around the die-mouth. This is related to the shape and size of the die and the compaction of the melt from a large to a small geometry. Additionally, there is a second pressure drop experienced between the start and end of the capillary. It is this second quantity that we are really interested in, and the separation of the two quantities is the product of the Bagley correction. The Bagley correction is unique for each configuration and set of parameters; it is only changed in die length that does not require a new correction to be performed.

Performing a Bagley correction might seem daunting, but it’s actually rather simple involving two basic rheology tests. Each test should be set up with identical parameters (a simulation of the anticipated testing conditions) and dies of the same geometry, but differing lengths. The analysis then consists of a mere pinch of high school algebra. Essentially, the two tests (ideally performed simultaneously on a dual bore machine) produce data that can be expressed as simultaneous equations:

E + A = x   (1)

E + B = y   (2)

Where E is the pressure drop due to entrance effects; A and B the drop in pressure in each barrel due to the lengths of the dies; x and y the pressure drop recorded by the transducers in each barrel. 

Then:

B = cA   (3)

Because:
1. The ratio of the length of one die to the other is known (c).
2.  The drop in pressure across the die is proportional to the shape, size and length of the die.
3.  The dies have the same shape and size.
4.  Thus the ratio of the die lengths is also the ratio of the pressure drops between the two dies.

Then taking equation 2 from equation 1:

A – B = x – y   (4)

A – cA = x – y   (5)

As c, x and y are known, you can now work back through the equations and calculate A, B and E. Software can be used to automatically perform the necessary calculations and execute a Bagley correction on all data collected following the procedure.

Having said this, if the data is purely for Quality Control purposes, then you won't need to perform the Bagley correction. As long as each test is executed using strictly the same equipment in the same configuration, then the results are comparable. 

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How Many Ways Can You Break an Egg?

This is the question we recently pondered with Ken Zuckerman of Pete & Gerry's Organic Eggs.

We tested 3 types of their eggs: Organic, Nellies Cage Free, and Marans Heirloom. Testing with a electromechanical testing system using compression platens the breaking force ranged from 37 lbf to 62 lbf. The Organic eggs broke with the least force - 37 lbf, while the Nellies broke with an average of 54 lbf. The mahogany Marans heirloom eggs were the strongest no matter which way we tested them.

Take a look at the video to see the tests. Read more

Video: Capabilities in Materials Testing

Materials testing is an interesting field of science - discovering the potential of multiple materials for use in such a wide range of industries: academic, automotive, biomedical, construction, defense, healthcare, and more. Everything we use in today's world is, at one point, tested for durability, strength, and resilience. Take a peek inside the world of materials testing at Instron.

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Impact Testing of Resins for Olympic Slalom Canoes

The Canoe Sprint is making its Olympic debut in 2012, while the Canoe Slalom, modeled after Slalom Skiing, has been an Olympic sport since the Barcelona games 20 years ago.

The disciple requires 13,000 liters of water to rush down the course every second. These canoes must navigate a course with up to 25 gates in white water conditions. Needless to say, the impact forces on both the internal and external layers of the canoe materials are significant and must be capable of withstanding these harsh conditions.

By using resins and composites with a resin matrix, which are widely used for building hulls and products destined for permanent water contact, including competition boats and surfboards, these canoes will be ready to take on the course.

The best way to test the impact resistance of the resins used is to perform fully instrumented impact tests according to ASTM D3763 or ISO 6603-2. Read more

How Much Action Can Hip Protectors Take on the Field Hockey Turf?

We love field hockey here at Instron and are looking forward to catching some of the action as it unfolds during the London Olympics 2012. Field hockey is an exhilarating game that demands speed, stamina, and excellent hand-eye co-ordination from its players in order to succeed.

Unfortunately, field hockey also presents numerous opportunities for injuries due to the fast-paced, repetitive actions of the sport (not to mention the use of the hard stick and ball!). A high proportion of these injuries can be prevented by ensuring the correct protective equipment, such as hip protectors, are worn.

At Instron, we use our CEAST 9350 Impact Testing System to test the impact resistance of protective items such as the hip protectors worn during hockey. The evaluation of the performance of the protector is conducted by simulating a fall on the impact test system. The test configurations of these systems can then be specifically designed in order to accurately reflect the pressures placed upon the protector during different falls and test their suitability for use—clever!

Read our recommended testing solutions for impact resistance of hip protectors using our CEAST 9350 testing system. Read more

Instron Exhibits at the World Biomaterials Congress in China

Instron continues to focus on global trends, and this week biomaterials was at the center. Instron and its ElectroPuls machine traveled to the city of Chengdu to visit the World Biomaterials Congress. With offices in Beijing and Shanghai, Chengdu is also important to Instron as it is considered the Chinese "hub" of biomaterials research and development and full of potential opportunities. Its many universities and research institutions offer strong technological and human resources support. Learn more about Instron’s experience at the exposition and the new trends in the biomaterials world. Read more

Leading-edge Technologies for Materials and Components Testing Consolidated under one Roof

For the first time ever, Instron and four other members of Illinois Tool Works' (ITW) Test and Measurement Group will combine forces at Control 2012 in Stuttgart, Germany and jointly present their offerings under one roof. At Stand 1522 in Hall 1, visitors will find a host of valuable information for testing a wide spectrum of materials and components, from hard to soft and from ductile to brittle.

The companies will be presenting their product portfolios and newly developed products for static and dynamic tensile, compression and torsion testing (Instron), non-destructive X-ray testing and computed tomography (North Star Imaging, NSI), crack detection (ITW Tiede), hardness testing (Wilson Hardness), and specimen preparation (Buehler).

Instron will focus on its cost-saving 5900 EXTEND™ Retrofit Packages for upgrading legacy Instron testing systems. Retrofit packages enable customers to safeguard their original investment by utilizing state-of-the-art electronic control systems and testing software. Other instruments presented at Control include the all-electric dynamic testing instrument, Electropuls® E1000, and the 5969 dual column mechanical testing system.


NSI, based in Rogers, Minnesota, will make its European debut as a globally leading provider of X-ray systems and industrial Computed Tomography (CT) systems, both standard and application-specific, for the 3D monitoring of the interior structures of components made from a wide range of materials. At Control 2012, NSI will showcase the newly-developed X-View X25 -- a high-resolution CT which requires only limited space in the test lab and is primarily dedicated to checking the quality of small parts with submicron resolution for markets such as electronics, research, and medical device.

ITW Tiede is a global manufacturer and supplier of systems and accessories for surface crack detection on magnetizable and non-magnetizable components using the magnetic particle and penetration test methods. A new product in the area of magnetic particle testing, which will be launched at Control 2012, is the company's compact and therefore extremely versatile ISOTEST 30 E high-current power pack for magnetization of test specimens with alternating or full-wave direct current.



Wilson Hardness is one of the internationally leading manufacturers of systems for hardness testing to Rockwell, Knoop / Vickers and Brinell. The brand “Wilson Hardness” combines three renowned manufacturers – Reicherter, Wolpert and Wilson – each one representing a long tradition in manufacturing hardness testers. A highlight at Control 2012 will be the company's complex, yet easy-to-use automation systems for hardness measurement, which help users save time and money. A main point of interest will be the company's new, user-friendly and intuitive software to support increasingly complex testing challenges in production and test laboratories.

Buehler, a leading manufacturer for materials preparation and analysis equipment, will highlight its automated grinding and polishing systems Series EcoMet/AutoMet at  Control 2012. These powerful, stable and sturdy devices are conceived for applications involving high specimen throughput. The programmable 'Pro' model variants enable presetting of the required amount of material to be removed. An optional Burst System ensures flexible and cost-efficient metering of polishing suspensions and lubricants.


All five companies are housed under the Illinois Tool Works (ITW) umbrella. ITW, based in Glenview, Illinois, is a highly diversified and de-centrally organized industrial company with a staff of over 60,000 that operates 825 businesses located in 52 countries spanning the globe, and provides a wide spectrum of products for the international market. The major activities of the company are concentrated in the areas of Transport, Industrial Packaging, Power Systems & Electronics, Food Equipment, Construction Products, Polymers and Fluids, and Decorative Surface. A further group of businesses, including the materials testing systems and software manufacturers present at Control 2012, are part of IW's Test & Measurement Group. Read more

Free Webinar: Modernizing Your Old Tester

Are you in need of a new testing system, but just don't have the budget right now for new equipment? Did you know you can modernize your test frame at a fraction of the cost of a new testing system? Join our free webinar (Tuesday, December 6th at 11 AM EST) and participate in the discussion with Frank Lio on the different types of retrofits, the retrofit process, technical and user benefits, costs, and whether your frame is a good candidate.

Register for the webinar - or leave us a message below! Read more

New Training & Research Center in Moscow

Ben Randles, Instron’s North Europe Sales Engineer, and Dmitry V. Livanov, Rector of the National University of Science and Technology "MISiS", signed a partnership agreement and officially opened the new International Scientific and Research Centre in Moscow.


The aim of the new centre and the joint collaboration, which will also be supported and assisted by Instron’s long-term Russian partner “Novatest LLC”, is to provide:

• The highest standard of training for students, using the latest Instron equipment and software
• Extended vocational training courses for teachers & professors in modern methods of mechanical testing and experimentation
• High-end research capability for MISiS specialists
• R&D Contract testing business from Industrial customers for MISiS
• A reference site and training facility for Instron

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Automated testing of Suture Materials

In our previous featured post Automated Testing: Are You Doing It?, we talked about the benefits of using automation for your material testing needs, such as increased profitability and improved quality thanks to streamlined testing procedures.

In this video, we would like to show a specific example of Automated Testing where the system is configured to perform unattended tensile testing of biomedical suture specimens.



A typical automated test sequence includes the following steps:
- The robot retrieves a batch separator with a barcode label affixed from a rack, scans the barcode, and downloads the specimen and testing information to the Testmaster2 Automation Control Software.
- The separator is then discarded into a bin and a specimen is retrieved from the racks and placed into the tensile frame and tested.
- After the test, the specimen is removed via a specimen removal device at the back of the frame, which utilizes a low-noise, industrial vacuum to aid in full removal of the tested sutures from the grips area.
- The robot then inserts the next specimen to be tested.

Do you think automated testing is a good solution for labs? Leave us a comment to discuss! Read more

Live Calibration at ANTEC

Despite the busy traffic at ANTEC, our very own Ben Twombly, Director of Rheology & Thermal Products, takes a few moments to show us just how easy it is to calibrate a pendulum tester.

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