MICROTEST Electromechanical Materials Testing Machines EM0 MICROTEST - Electromechanical Materials Testing Machines EM0 series MICROTEST MICROTEST, S.A. Instruments and Equipments for Materials Testing (+34) 91 796 33 32 www.microtest-sa.com 1
DESCRIPTION MICROTEST EM0/FR electromechanical testing machines are designed to test a large range of materials, including: rigid and reinforced plastics, composites, ceramics, geo-textiles, mortars, textiles fabrics, ropes, wood, sheet metal, welded specimens, rubbers, adhesives, and medical products and components, in tension, compression, flexure, shear, tear and peel. They are widely used in R&D Centers, Industry, Testing Laboratories, Educational centers, and for calibration purposes in Force Calibration Laboratories. EM0 machines are built in capacities ranging from 1kN to 20kN, both tension and compression. Under demand they can also be made in other capacities. In MICROTEST EM0 machines the load is applied by means of a single screw driven system in a single column frame. The construction of the machine load frame, with a guiding column and pre-loaded leadscrew, make these frames have excellent rigidity with negligible frame deflection. This electromechanical system is a double effect one and is driven by a DC electric motor (or a brushless motor) and includes an optical encoder for a continuous measuring of the crosshead position that allows also the control of the test speed. Inside the lower chassis of the frame there is a transmission system transmitting the mechanical power to the screw, usually including a heavy duty gearbox and a pulley system. EM0 series is an advanced, latest model with widows based testing SCM0 software package, data acquisition and manipulation, Single column, calibration facility, Interchangeable Load cells, Fully automatic recognition of load cells/auxiliary equipment, Adapter, Microprocessor controlled new automatic monitoring, control, data technology throughout the test period, Pneumatic Grips, footswitch control, control JOG along with display, Emergency stop, user friendly interface, data storage and retrieval. The frame axial stiffness for this machine is >20kN/mm and requires no special foundation. This design allows for a single test zone for both tension and compression tests. Users can load specimens with minimal effort. This feature is further enhanced by a programmable switch mechanism that allows the operator to quickly set upper and lower crosshead limits at any point within the frame s clearance. The crosshead is actuated by the screw driven system and guided by a robust column. The vertical crosshead travel is determined for the length of the screw and can be modified under demand. 2
The main advantages of electromechanical testing machines over the hydraulic systems are: High stability, mainly at low speed or long term tests (corrosion under tension tests, creep tests, etc.). Capability of keeping the load during long intervals, with error under 0.1% of the applied force, or even better (< 0,01%) in the case of calibration by comparison force standard machines or high stability of load tests. Electromechanical machines can be operated at speeds ranging from a minimum of 0.05µm/min to a maximum of 200 or 600 mm/min (or even 0mm/min, depending on the model), which accommodates a wide range of materials and specimens. Minimum maintenance: They do not need oil, filter or joints replacement. They do not need extra space for hydraulic power source and they do not need any pipe or external fittings to transmit the mechanical power. Very low noise in comparison with hydraulic systems and without the risk of leakage of oil. Low consumption of energy and no need of expensive cooling systems. Moreover, the displacement of the crosshead allows the application of the load without impact, in a continuous way. MICROTEST EM0/FR machines have ever shown a very good behavior in long term tests, where it is necessary to keep the load or the position during long time at a high level of stability. The electromechanical testing machines include one or more force transducers (load cell) that provide better precision measurement of the applied force than pressure transducers or gages used in traditional hydraulic systems. In this way the force measurement is not affected by oil temperature, local disturbances caused by the oil flow, friction in the load cylinder, etc. The test speed is digitally controlled and measured by means of a high resolution motor feedback system rotary or an incremental optical encoder placed in the motor axis, obtaining a high precision controlled movement, helped by the high gear ratio of the system. 3
ACCESSORIES The EM0 machines flexibility is further extended by a wide array of accessories instrumentation, grips and fixtures to perform all kind of test with the higher efficiency. These accessories include various LVDT extensometers, compressometers, strain gage extensometers, high temperature extensometers, as well as grips, holders, jigs or platens for holding the test specimens. They can also be delivered with special testing equipment as high temperature furnaces. MICROTEST can provide a great variety of grips and accessories, depending on the material or test. Among others: Compression platens. Pneumatic or manual grips for tensile tests with different jaws. Bend fixtures. Other test fixtures (shear, friction, tear, peel, etc) Extensometers, furnaces, etc. This flexibility makes EM0 machines very suitable in a lot of standardized axial tests, where the force to be applied is under the load capacity of the machine, in tensile test or compression tests in the same single test zone. Among others, with the suitable fixture, the following tests can be done: Tensile tests on metal samples: standard shapes, ribbons, springs, screws, fasteners, washers, wires, cables, elastomeric samples, etc High temperature creep tests Corrosion under tension tests. Tensile tests on polymers, composites, rubbers, textiles, ropes, webs, wood, etc. Tensile tests on standardized steel samples. Tensile, shear or bending tests on aluminium samples or profiles. Compression tests on concrete, mortars, ceramics, foams, wood, rocks, etc. Friction tests, peel tests, shear, etc. Bending tests on mortars, concrete, ceramics, wood, paving tiles, etc. CBR and Marshall test. Calibration of force transducers (EN ISO 376). Do not hesitate to contact us to consult any need about your tests. 4
CONTROL, MEASUREMENT AND ACQUISITION SYSTEM The control and measurement is performed by the SCM0 electronic board developed by MICROTEST. This electronic board provides a closed loop control of the machine and analogue to digital conversion for at least 8 channels. The control includes digital input/output lines connected with the machine and motor driver covering the rest of the control and security functions of the control system. The machine control can be monitored by means of a computer via USB connection. The software SCM0 allows also the recording of the different quantities data during the test. EM0/FR machines make use of this SCM0 software that enhances the features of the machine for any kind of test or material, allowing the user the full control of any of the functionalities of the machine. It s a very reliable and adaptable system. The description of the SCM0 software specifications is shown apart. All database and controlled parameters are managed using a computer (included) with the MICROTEST SCM0 software (English version). SCM0 software helps the user to automate his operations, providing a powerful Method and Result Editor, with the possibility of exportation of data to Excel or ASCII files that allows the generation of customized reports. The test curves can also be rescale, recall and replot by a Graphics Editor A control panel is available in two ways: by computer, SCM0 software and an SCM0 electronic unit with additional touch screen panel interface (AFL-W10 type, optional) for manual control which enables test start, test stop, return, test status indication and variable speed up/down jog buttons, fine position up/down buttons and specimen protection features. It includes two soft keys, results display, programmable function keys and specimen protection. The SCM0 electronics can be connected to this touch screen to provide stand alone management of tests. The control system also includes: software selectable servo-control by force or by displacement (or other quantity), displays for the configured channels, digital zeroing of any channel, fully configurable channels, calculated channels, configurable alarms, digital recording of every configured quantity, selectable sampling, automation of the tests (tests methods and complex sequences of movement or load), definition of test parameters, calculations, graphical display of the recorded data and test results, etc. SAFETY SHIELD AND PROTECTIVE ELEMENTS Every standard EM0 machine includes a protective shield at the front side of the load frame. This shield is made on a high resistance and transparent polycarbonate and protects the user from any potential debris. The machine has also mechanical and electronic limits features (including emergency button) supplied to prevent movement of the actuator beyond desired regions of operation or in case of emergency.. 5
General Technical Specifications MODEL EM0/1, 2, 3/FR EM0/5,10/FR EM0/20/FR Force capacity 1kN, 2kN, 3kN 5kN, 10kN 20kN Max speed [mm/min] 700, 1000 700, 1000 500, 1000 min speed [mm/min] 0.01; 0.1 0.01; 0.1 0.01; 0.1 Smallest free distance [mm] 66 66 100 Adapter Size [mm] 15.9 15.9 Motor [Watt] 50 ; 90 90; 200 180; 250 Voltage [~V] 220/110 220/110 220/110 Motor type DC DC DC Movement [mm] (**) 500 1200 500 1200 700 1200 Weight [kg] (***) 36 37 55 56 80 120 Dimensions [mm] (***) 1036 1677 1036 (*) Basic standard specifications. Dimensions, weights and supply voltage can be adapted to the customer s needs. They are only approximate and dependant on the specific technical proposal. Maximum speed value affects power value and therefore the power value can be different from the above ones. (**) Without accessories. (***) This dimensions and weight are only typical or example values. This model is always defined under customer s specifications. NOTE: Because MICROTEST has a policy of continuous product improvement, we reserve the right to change design and specifications at any time without prior notice. 1677 1280 500 400 1780 550 450 MICROTEST, S.A., C/ Valle de Tobalina, 10, 28021 MADRID (Spain) Tel.: (+34) 91 796 33 32 // microtest@microtest-sa.com // http://www.microtest-sa.com 6