| Recently Zwick Service designers were confronted with an interesting task that they were able to solve successfully. A testing machine was required for the performance of tests to determine the compression properties of fiberglass-reinforced plastics according to DIN 14126. Such materials are employed for the construction of wind-power plant propellers, (racing) motorcycles, and shelters, for example, as well as in ship building. Moreover, Formula 1 racing utilizes fiberglass-reinforced materials. The test is carried out using a special compression fixture manufactured according to ASTM requirements.
The customer decided in favor of a used Z250 testing machine with a universal electronics control. The tester was to reliably determine the compression properties in the laminar layer according to DIN ISO 14126 and, at the same time, allow tests to be performed effectively on specimens of different dimensions.
Up to now, for ASTM testing devices, a fixture was required for each specimen dimension to be subjected to testing. However, the Zwick Design Office came up with a smart solution: a Celanese compression fixture that allows standard specimens according to the German standard to be inserted for testing and, with its exchangeable jaw faces, facilitates specimen changes during testing for quick and easy handling. After pre-acceptance in the application lab, the machine was delivered to the customer, where it soon proved its worth in daily operations.
With this cost-effective solution, the customer was able to save the costs that would have been incurred for investment in a second testing device and the necessary adaptation to enable testing according to DIN. Sales of further Zwick/Celanese compression fixtures is intended. |
