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Small, smaller, micro all automatic |
| Zwick has opened up totally new dimensions with its innovative and performant X-Linear automatic testing system developed for BASF in Ludwigshafen (Germany). In line with the current trend in technology where everything is micro, the new system targets testing of the smallest specimens. But the exciting thing about it is that testing is done automatically.
The smallest sample slated for tensile testing has a length of 23 mm and a shoulder width of 2 mm. The outstanding feature apart from the system's ability to handle micro-sized materials is the fact that it covers a wide range of specimens: as many as 20 different types and sizes of plastic specimens can be tested. And the highly performant system doesn't just stop at tensile testing of samples, bending tests can be carried out as well.
The overall system consists of an automatic specimen feeding system in X-Linear design, a 20 kN materials testing machine, pneumatic grips, a bending unit, a cross-section measurement station, and a specimen magazine for up to 450 samples. The magazine is specially designed so that specimens can also be conditioned within its inserts.
The greatest benefit of this automatic system are extremely low operator effort and high ease of use. All the operator has to do is feed the magazines and press the start button. And off it goes! This means that the system can conveniently be run in ghost shifts at night or on weekends. Additionally, control of the system is especially easy thanks to the very user-friendly testing software Zwick testXpert® and the integrated automation module autoEdition, both of which run on Windows 2000/NT.
Typically, automatic testing systems are deployed where large testing capacities are required or current capacities are no longer sufficient to meet demand. Then, automation can be done either by investing in a completely new system or retrofitting legacy equipment. The additional costs incurred for an automatic system in comparison to using a manual system generally pay off within two to three years, a strong selling point for strategic investment.
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| Release Date: 2002-08-01 |
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