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...