The Testing Times

We've been thinking, there are lots of great resources and information regarding testing machines and attachments, but we don't want to put them all on here. It might get a little cluttered... Our colleagues at Tinius Olsen have put together a good list of resources on the Tinius Olsen Homepage. The direct link to the list can be found here

830-001 ASTM D2519-02 Electrical Insulating Varnish The ASTM standards (sometimes) give accurate and very precise instructions on how a specific test should be performed. This is an example of one of these tests, the parts and method are explicitly layed out within the standard document. This attachment uses a 3 point bend applied to a coil to test the strength of Electrical Insulating Varnish. The coil, made from various metals, are wrapped tightly around an anvil. The anvil is then removed and the coil placed in the varnish solution. The coated coil is then placed in this 3-point bend and then tested. This is then used to show the properties of the varnish when applied to the metal. As this test uses the appropriate materials in an accurate situation it should produce good results.

W e often come across the problem of testing the strength of fixing methods like adhesives. But how do you test the finished product once the product is produced? Increasingly credit and debit cards have small microchips on them. These are generically called 'Smart Cards' as they contain a great deal of information on the 'chip. To test the strength of these cards, in particular the bonding strength, this attachment has been developed. It is adjustable so that the 'chip can be tested wherever it is placed on the card. There is a retaining arm that is used to hold the card in place, this has a roller on the bottom that allows quick changes. There is a specific routine that allows the chip to be pushed through and the force required is measured...

We sometimes need a little help to get things off the ground... For safetys sake, it's worth hiring the correct equipment to move Tinius Olsen machines around. This is one of our machines being moved into our Demo Suite, which happens to be upstairs!

A Luer fitting is the common name for a tapered fitting that adheres to ISO 594. In this case it was necessary to hold a needle which had a Luer attachment on it. this was to be used for puncture testing, so no thread was required. Used as in conjunction with S0994, this test used a range of standard needles with Luer ends. This simple needle or luer attachment could be used for any number of compression, puncture tests on components with Luer ends.

This Grip is used to test the bodies of Sharps Containers. As you might imagine, it is very important that 'sharps' cannot penetrate the sides of the container. This grip is used to hold a fine needle in one end, and a sample of the moulded box the other. There is a piece of foil underneath the specimen , this allows the system to know when the needle has punctured right through. An accurate measurement of the force required is then taken. The needle holder rotates allowing the user to insert the needle without bending over or risking hurting themselves with the needle. The base is a simple stand with hole, the connection to the foil is made with a clip.