Additions to the Plus range of materials testing machines

Citation

(2006), "Additions to the Plus range of materials testing machines", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2006.12778dad.003

Additions to the Plus range of materials testing machines

Additions to the Plus range of materials testing machines

Keywords: Machine tools, Aircraft components

Lloyd Instruments recently announced two new additions to its range of Plus series materials testing machines. The new LR100KPlus and LR150KPlus extend the range to nine models with capacities from 1 to 150 kN. The floor- standing LR100KPlus and LR150 KPlus can measure forces of up to 100 and 150 kN, respectively, and claim extended test speeds, better resolution, greater accuracy, improved data sampling rates and higher data storage than previous models.

The LR100KPlus and LR150KPlus are twin column, screw-driven systems, and can be used stand-alone or under computer control using NEXYGEN MT control and analysis software. The new instruments is said to offer extension resolution of better than 0.3 μ, an-improvement of more than ten times.

The incorporation of the Plus electronics in the new instrument has, it is reported, dramatically improved test speeds at both ends of the scale. With data sampling rates said to be increased more than 10-fold, tests can be carried out much more quickly. However, the minimum movement speed has also been reduced by a factor of 10 to 1 μ/min, with exceptionally smooth control.

This control precision and slow movement rate is essential for measuring the tiny movements that occur when rigid materials such as metals or ceramics are tested at high forces. Indeed, this precision is such that it would take 1.5 h for the machine to move the distance of a single sheet of paper of just 90 μ thickness.

Both of the new machines can store up to 600 individual test results as well as all test parameters. These include sample thickness, width, colour, batch number, gauge length and other information related to the test of sample. Results can be exported or printed using an optional printer.

The LR100KPlus and LRISOKPlus machines also make full use of “plug & play technology”. Intelligent transducer technology enables the machines to automatically detect which load cell, extensometer or other transducer is fitted prior to testing. Calibration points and capacity information are automatically acquired.

Both machines benefit from a comprehensive range of accessories, including grips, fixtures and load cells. The machines are suitable for general purpose routine and complex testing. They can be used for the testing of materials such as: heavy duty plastics, webbing, ceramics, composites, metals, underground plastic pipes, springs, welded materials, as well as for heavy duty bend testing and compression testing of ball bearings.

Details available from: Lloyd Instruments Ltd Forum House, Tel: +44 (0)1489 486399, Fax: +44 (0)1489 885118, E-mail: suzanne.sharpe@ametek.co.uk web site: www.lloyd-instruments.co.uk