The Testing Times

We have just addes nine new platens to our range of Compression platens, these are for use with our U-Series machine. The New platens are available in 3 different capacities, 100kN, 150kN, and 300kN. The Platens also come in 3 different Diameters, 100mm, 150mm, and 200mm.

This hefty grip was designed for a customer who was testing geotextiles. The grip weighs a whopping 60kg (approx) but is required in order to meet the requirements of the material. These grips have a maximum clamping force of 200kN, with a maximum tensile load of 50kN. They accommodate samples to with a maximum width of 200mm, and maximum sample thickness of 14mm. The maximum hydraulic pressure is 700 bar. We have engineered similar grips for different tensile loads, and clamping strengths - ideally for use on our U-Series machine . For more information contact us

It's sometimes necessary to attach a grip or fitting that has no way of self aligning , in these cases we've developed several ingenious ways to add this function to the machines. One of these methods is to use a Self- Aligning Fixture like the one shown in the picture. As it is designed to fit a 150 kN U-Series machine it is somewhat massive. The top thread being 1" UNF in diameter and the bottom an M33. It weighs, a not insignificant , 7kg; has a 110mm body diameter and is nearly a foot tall. The central pin that you can see has is supported by a Nitrile block which allows it to float, whilst absorbing the shock of a sample failure.

A flexural test tells the tester how much force a specimen can withstand in the middle when supported at a distance (or its flexibility!). This test supports the specimen between two loose fitting ‘rollers’, the distance apart of which can be set for a specific test or specimen size. Once the sample is in place the anvil can be brought down just above the specimen. A variety of tests can then be performed. The specimen can be flexed a certain number of times to judge it’s elasticity or plasticity over a given time. The specimen could be flexed until it breaks, it could be flexed for a specific time and the responding force measured. This is a Heavy Duty system, which has been designed to suite the U-Series 100 kN System . It has a travel of 400mm from centre (800mm overall) and Ø10mm rollers. This can all be recorded in the software and multiple specimens can be tested.

Some of the more destructive tests that our systems are designed to perform can be quite violent, the forces and materials used can have some explosive results. It is often important to guard the rest of the room or the user from flying shrapnel. We produce guards for these reasons, as the U-Series is over 2 metres tall and a large footprint; the U-Series needs to have a huge guard. We made the guard a close rectangular fit around the system; it is free standing although there are some mounting points to attach it to the system. aluminium section and composite sheet make the frame up, which is a very strong (and heavy) structure. It has two wrap around doors and polycarbonate windows that allow the user to see and control the test. For safety the control unit and an emergency stop have been placed on the right hand door. I can safely say that this is verging on architecture, rather than engineering!