TPT May 2015

Technology News

Advanced video extensometer launched at JEC Europe

reliability tests that mimic the functional use of the product being tested. It allows for easy setup of tests that require repetitive cycles for component quality testing commonly used with customers testing foam and spring, or performing proof-loading tests. Step-by- step loading patterns mimic functional use of medical devices and consumer electronics products. For dynamic and fatigue testing of composites, Instron demonstrated the ElectroPuls™ E3000 all-electric test instrument with a nominal force capacity up to ±3kN, designed for both static testing at low speeds and high- frequency dynamic testing at several hundred hertz.

INSTRON, a provider of testing equipment designed to evaluate the mechanical properties of materials and components, exhibited the new AVE2 advanced video extensometer at the JEC 2015 event in Paris, France, in March. Conforming to the rigorous composite standards ISO 527 and ASTM D638, the AVE2 is a fully integrated device that adjusts to the normal fluctuations of environmental conditions in the lab, and is easily adapted to any testing machine that uses a ±10V analogue input. Designed to reduce errors from thermal and lighting variations that are common in most labs, the AVE2 uses the real-time 490Hz data rate while achieving a 1-micron accuracy. Visitors to JEC were also able to see Instron’s new TestProfiler. Featured in Bluehill ® 3 software, TestProfiler offers flexibility in setting up automated product

Instron UK Email: info_news@instron.com Website: www.instron.com

Instron’s AVE2 advanced video extensometer

Cage forming for square sections THE latest generation of linear cage forming technologies has been put into operation in North Europe, at a manufacturer of high quality stainless steel tubes. The complete, fully automatic tube mill, including surface finishing, tube end facing, unloading and packaging sections, can produce square tubes from 40 x 40mm to 120 x 120mm, and rectangular tubes from 50 x 40mm to 180 x 60mm, in a thickness range from 2 to 8mm in stainless steel austenitic, ferritic and Duplex grades. The maximum mill speed is 80m/ min. The mill can produce all square and rectangular tubes within the size range, without change of any rolls in forming, welding, sizing, straightening and clamp jaws in cut off. The main advantages of the technology include facility and rapidity in changing the profile dimensions; simple maintenance; and simplicity in software utilisation. The mill makes it easy to produce both square and rectangular tubes by means of computerised control, where data is stored in order to produce all the tube sizes in the range. The PLC records all the utilised data, and it is possible to create particular ‘shapes’ with different angles. From the PC it is possible to see the ‘tube flower’ to be produced. The average time for changing tube set-up is around ten minutes.

SIDE LOADING FOR FAST TOOL CHANGE AND NO LIFTING REQUIRED • Infinitely adjustable expansion & reduction • High production capability TUBE END FORMING AV65

• Up to Ø 152mm • No tube clamping required • End form on or near bends • High quality build with practical platforms • Full 12 month warranty. • Twin Head Machines also available

Unit 24, Padgets Lane, South Moons Moat, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 0RB, England. T: +44 (0)1527 518520 E: info@avamatic.co.uk W: www.avamatic.co.uk Germany: Tel: 02150 2500 Netherlands/Belgium: Tel: (04756) 6888 USA: Tel: 708 272 7880

Olimpia 80 Srl – Italy Email: olimpia@olimpia80.com Website: www.olimpia80.com

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M ay 2015