The Testing Times

A new generation of instrument has been added to our highly successful FH Series of hardness testers - the Micro Vickers, Vickers and Micro Brinell FH14  The machine has improved on conventional hardness testing methods, with the introduction of features such as digital/optical image evaluation and combined   intuitive operator software, helping eliminate operator influence on final test results.   The incorporation of a unique force actuator system, which utilises an electronically controlled closed loop system and advanced force sensor technology, also allows for  forced feedback data to achieve absolute accuracy, reliability and repeatability on each of the forces used for a specific test. “In addition to the advanced electromechanical force application system, the FH-14 offers superior quality mechanical and optical components, as well as innovative software functions of I-Touch™ workflow control,” said Sean Malloy, Hardness Application Testing and Technical ...

Robotic exoskeleton technology has been with us for almost sixty years but the most recent advances in its composites base could see it being an integral part of missions to Mars in the 2030’s. A more detailed technical analysis of the composites engineering utilised in the development of the exoskeleton can be found by listening to an Inform webinar, produced via IOM3, via  https://vimeo.com/563847105/6cdf28dbdf To many of us the term exoskeleton is reserved for the realms of science fiction or conjures up images of body armour clad superheroes such as Iron Man or even Batman. Although the vast majority of these have sprung from the fertile imaginations  of artists and writers, the equally fertile lobes within the scientific community are turning this science fiction into science fact. An exoskeleton is a rigid structure that wraps around the body and is often used to assist joint movement. This ‘exosuit’ try ’ s to act like an artificial muscle, aiding the wearers’  mus...

The Tinius Olsen Sales Team are spread all over the world, from the USA to China and almost everywhere else in between. George Jackson is an excellent case in point.    George is originally from Gloucestershire, where he spent a lot of his time playing rugby! He started at under 8’s and progressed all the way though the age groups to play for Thornbury RFC, with the highlight playing a cup final at the memorial stadium in Bristol – the old home of Bristol Rugby.    He also represented Bristol combination U20’s and his County at U20 level playing on major rugby grounds such as Gloucester’s  impressive ground, Kingsholm and the REC in Bath.   “I don’t get much chance to play these days, with my role here at Tinius Olsen taking priority. There’s also the Covid situation but never say never. If I never pick up a rugby ball again I have a huge number of great memories to look back on,” said George.    Starting his career in engineering with a Renisha...

Technical experts at Tinius Olsen have contributed their technical prowess to industry publications and their readers for many years.  This month one of the leading titles within the plastics industry, Plastics Technology, have published an excellent interview with our own Applications Specialist, Harry Yohn. The feature takes an in-depth at the use of a melt indexer, such as the MP1200, to test the melt flow rate as defined by current test standard procedures.   Harry has been a product applications specialist for Tinius Olsen since 1996 and has nearly 32 years of experience in mechanical and testing of plastics. He is also Vice Chair of the ASTM International Committee D20 on Plastics, as well as Subcommittee Chairman for the Thermal Properties group, D20.30. He has also been honored with several ASTM Service Awards. In the Plastics Technology interview, Harry suggests that although all operators say they follow the published test standards, such as ASTM D1238 or ISO 1133, n...

Plastics pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues facing us today as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Europe alone releases micro plastics equivalent to 10 billion plastics bottles into the environment every year through such products as fabric softeners, shampoos and cosmetics, as well as agricultural and industrial products. This extremely damaging environmental problem has become so serious it has prompted efforts to write a global treaty, negotiated by the United Nations. Over half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years, with current production levels standing at almost 500 tonnes annually. This is generating some 381 million tonnes of plastic waste over the same period. So where do we go from here? One solution to industrial plastic waste has been developed by Cambridge based Xampla. The company has created the world’s first plant protein...

Tinius Olsen are delighted to be supplying one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of electrical terminals and earthing products, as part of their significant company investment in 2020. Total Connections 2009 have made this investment to expand their in-house testing facility as a part of their overall product development strategy. Based in Calne, Wiltshire, they supply some of the largest organisations in the UK including Airbus (specifically A350), McLaren for non-production motorsport cars and BAE Systems for military applications. Other customers include Jaguar Cars, the London Underground and the Royal Navy.  They have also supplied products to the NHS Temporary Nightingale and Field hospitals in the fight against the current Covid 19 pandemic.  “Total Connections 2009 Ltd have made a significant investment in new machinery in 2020, mainly to automate our manufacturing processes and increase our overall offering,” said Director of Engineering, Ross Davies.  “A...