Materials testing gets a Plus of 30K power

Citation

(2004), "Materials testing gets a Plus of 30K power", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 76 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2004.12776bad.007

Materials testing gets a Plus of 30K power

Materials testing gets a Plus of 30K power

Keywords: Materials, Testing, Equipment

Lloyd Instruments announce the launch of a powerful new universal testing machine aimed at mid range force testing applications. The LR30KPlus materials testing system is the latest addition to the acclaimed Plus range that is said to offer all the benefits of simple operation, result accuracy and flexible control with the company's advanced NEXYGEN MT control software.

One key feature claimed of this powerful new 30 kN machine is the ability to achieve test speeds as low as 1 μm/min with exceptional smooth control. Engineering tests are said to have shown overwhelmingly that it would take a staggering 1h 30 minutes for the LR30KPlus to move the distance of a single sheet of photocopier paper just 90 μm thick. This control precision is essential for measuring the tiny movements that occur when tough materials such as metals, ceramics and webbing textiles, are tested under high forces. The twin column frame also provides superior stability needed for all manufacturing, quality control and research laboratory environments.

A more advanced system than its predecessor, the LR30KPlus is considered easy to operate and incorporates the same electronics that characterise the Plus range. The 8 kHz data sampling rate ensures test accuracy during every measurement. A “Plug and Play” facility automatically identifies any attached accessory, such as a loadcell or extensometer, whilst intelligent menus and prompts make light work of the operation. Storage is available for ten different set-ups and up to 600 test results in a battery backed up RAM. A self-diagnostics feature reduces machine downtime for routine problem solving and servicing, and instrument upgrading is done electronically via a flash upgradeable processor without having to make any changes to the internal circuitry.

Greater control also comes from the company's NEXYGEN MT software. Along with a huge test library, key features on the latest upgrade include strict multilevel security and audit trails for complete traceability of users and data. Additional analysis is possible using video capture and “live” test playback, and integrated drivers allow seamless machine control in a LabVIEW platform.

Other machines in the Plus range include the LR5KPlus and LRIOKP/ustwin column machines (5 and 10 kN, respectively); the 5 kN single column LRXPIus, and the 1 kN low force LFPlus bench top machine for affordable entry level testing. An extensive range of easily interchangeable load cells, grips, environment chambers, extensometers and other accessories are available to meet the needs of different industries. Furthermore, custom grips and machines with extended frame sizes (for testing high elongation materials) can be precisely made on request for specific applications.

Lloyd Instruments recently passed its Transition Audit from ISO 9000:1994 to ISO 9001:2000 for complete customer assurance. This means that the company and its quality management system is at present fully accredited to the new standard, which includes TickIT accreditation for software excellence.

Details available from: UK: Lloyd Instruments Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1489 486399; Fax: 444 (0)1489 885118; E-mail: sharpes@lloyd-instruments.co.uk, Web site: www.lloyd-instruments.co.uk

USA: AMETEK Test and Calibration Instruments Division. Tel: +1 (727) 536 7831 Ext. 3393; Fax: +1 (727) 539 6882.

Far East: AMETEK Singapore Pte. Ltd. Tel: +65 6484 2388; Fax: +65 6481 6588.