Engineering Systems | 5 kN Compression Testing Machine (Ref: CT6)

5 kN Compression Testing Machine (Ref: CT6)

The CT6 is a compact, vertical loading compression testing machine with a maximum capacity of 5 kN (500 kg). It weighs 15 kg and can be moved and carried by one person. The CT6 replaces the CT5 and is packed with features and options, including connections for a weigh balance and calliper, enabling weight and thickness measurements to be incorporated into the test routine. A new feature is the facility for attachment of an acoustic sensor. This can be used for fracture / crack detection etc.

Test results and statistic analysis data can be printed on the internal printer or transferred to a PC via a USB or RS232 interface. A future Ethernet connection option will allow a number of machines to be networked together and results stored centrally.

Demonstration videos will be available soon.

Features

500 kg (5 kN) Capacity, resolution 0.1 kg. Resolution 0.001 kg with the optional 5 kg load cell
Weigh Balance & Calliper Interfaces are provided
Statistical Analysis output gives Min, Max, Mean & Standard Deviation for load, weight and thickness, with time & date stamp
USB and RS232 interfaces are provided, optional Ethernet interface
Digital Curve Plotting (Load vs Displacement) routine is available
Test Functions and setup parameters are accessed via the front-panel keypad
LCD Display shows load, speed, crosshead position, weight, thickness, test count & other information
Load Cell ID feature recognises pre-calibrated load cells and automatically sets the correct calibration factor when changing load cells
Integral 30 Column Printer with very easy to change paper roll
Test Speed adjustable between 0.1 and 50 mm/min
Choice of Units - kg, kp, N, lb
Automatic Sizing of new batches of specimens allows a quick 1-button setup
Acoustic Sensor input is provided for crack detection
Stainless Steel or power coated outer casing option
3 & 4 point Bend Test attachments are available

Applications

Compression Testing:

Compression testing can be carried out using the standard platens supplied with the CT6, as shown here on the right. The machine can be automatically set for the specimen size and the test routine is completely automatic, optionally including weight and thickness measurement.

CT6 3 Bend Testing

3 & 4 Point Bend Testing:

A 3-point bend rig and 4-point test adapter are available as optional extras.
The picture on the right shows a specimen being tested in a 3 point bend rig using ø3 mm non-roller lower contact points. These allow very small specimens, down to 8mm long, to be tested. ø8 mm roller or non-roller contacts are also available for testing larger specimens. A two point roller contact adapter provides the facility for 4 point bend testing.

Click here for more information on 3-point bend testing.

Other Applications:

Engineering Systems will design and manufacture special purpose test rigs and supply various pillar extensions and accessories to special order.

Test	Weight	Thick	Load
No.	(mg)	(mm)	(kg)

1	379	4.73	1.04
2	381	4.74	1.63
3	380	4.74	1.82
LAST RESULT CANCELLED
3	378	4.71	1.43
4	380	4.72	1.86

----------------------------
BATCH STATISTICS
----------------------------

Batch No: 3
Batch Size: 4

Load Stats
----------------------------
Min: 1.04 kg
Max: 1.86 kg
Mean: 1.49 kg
Std Dev: 0.34

Time: 14:43 FRI 02/05/08
Calibration No: 0004

Results Output & Statistical Analysis

After each test is complete the test results are printed on the internal printer (shown opposite) and sent to the USB or RS232 port. If a weigh balance and / or calliper are connected, weight and thickness are also printed.

If required the results of the last test can be cancelled; the next test results then replacing those results. In the example here the third result was cancelled.

When a batch is complete statistics can be calculated for load, thickness and weight. Min, Max, Mean & Sample Standard Deviation can be printed for the current batch, along with the batch number & size, and a time / date stamp. Again the statistics are also sent to the USB / RS232 interface.

Each time a new size is set, the product details can be entered using the front-panel keypad. This information will be printed along with the new size details.

Operation

For compression testing, the specimen is placed between the two platens. The bottom platen is stationary, whilst the top platen is attached to a load cell. During a test the load cell moves downwards to crush or break the test specimen. Fracture is automatically detected and the fracture load is displayed on the LCD.

The load cell returns to its preset position ready for another test and the internal printer prints the load data, and weight and thickness if a weigh balance and / or calliper are connected. Results can also be displayed on a PC. When testing of the batch is complete, pressing the STATISTICS button gives a print of the statistical data for the batch.

The machine can be used in Manual or Automatic mode:

Automatic mode: A new specimen size is set by pressing the NEW SIZE button, inserting a specimen between the platens and pressing the TEST button. The new size is automatically detected and the machine is ready to test the new batch. The applied load operates at two speeds, test speed and full speed. Test speed is adjustable and can be set between 0.1 and 50 mm/min. Full speed is approx. 50 mm/min. In automatic test mode, the crosshead moves downwards at full speed to within 1 mm of the specimen and the changes to test speed until a fracture or acoustic crack is detected; full reverse speed is then applied and the load cell returns to its preset position.

Manual Mode: The crosshead is positioned using front-panel manual controls and will return by 1 mm after a fracture is detected.

Fracture Detect % Adjustment

During a test, fracture is detected when the instantaneous load falls to a set % of the peak load detected during that test. This is typically set to 70% but can be changed if the tablet or specimen characteristics are unusual. The fracture detect level can be set to any value between 30 and 90%, via the set-up menu CT6 Calibration Using Proving Ring

Calibration

Each machine is calibrated before it leaves the factory using a dead weight loading system. The machine can also be re-calibrated using a proving ring, as shown on the right. A daily electronic load check can be made to ensure the calibration is still electronically valid.

A passcode protected calibration routine guides users through the calibration procedure and prints a calibration certificate. Previous calibrations can be restored in case a load cell is calibrated accidentally. A calibration number is printed on statistical analysis data to check the correct calibration values are in use.

An optional calibration reminder can be set to warn when re-calibration of a load cell is due. The reminder interval can be set to 6 or 12 months.

Guards

A pair of guards is provided; these rotate about a pivot attached to the load frame base. For batch testing, closing the guards can automatically start the test sequence. If the guards are subsequently opened, the test will be aborted and the crosshead will return to its preset return position.

Load Cell ID CT6 Load Cell ID

Each load cell contains a unique serial number, enabling pre-calibrated load cells to be installed and the correct calibration factor, for that load cell, to be restored automatically. If a load cell has not been previously calibrated on that machine, a prompt is made to calibrate it before that load cell can be used. Calibration details for up to 5 load cells can be stored in the machine.

Machine Design & Construction

The CT6 is designed to provide a strong, robust and compact mechanical strength testing machine which is conservatively rated on performance. The precision made mechanical loading system loads the specimen at a constant speed regardless of applied load. Protection is incorporated to stop a test cycle if the load cell is overloaded or the crosshead reaches its limit of travel. Diagnostic messages are shown on the LCD to help resolve any problems that do occur.

The CT6 is housed in a robust steel case, available in either a stainless or powder coated steel finish.

The operating firmware in the machine can be updated using a PC via either the USB or RS232 interface . Customers can check for updated versions of firmware and find instructions for downloading the firmware here. Specific customer requirements such as special test or statistics routines or output formats can be accommodated through custom written firmware - contact Engineering Systems for more details.

Standard Specifications with 5 kN Load Cell

Choice of 4 output units: Kilogram (kg), Kilopond (kp), Newton (N) or Pound (lb)
Maximum load: 500 kg, 500 kp, 5000 N or 999.9 lb respectively
Load resolution: 0.1 kg, 0.1 kp, 1 N or 0.1 lb respectively
Minimum detectable fracture load: 3 kg
Minimum width between pillars: 55 mm
Crosshead travel: 50 mm
Maximum test height: Depends on pillar extension length, maximum extension of 300 mm
Load indication: 20x4 character LCD, internal printer, USB & RS232 interfaces
Test speed range: 0.1 - 50 mm/min
Fast forward and fast return speed: 50 mm/min
Calibration: Dead weights in kg or proving ring
Power requirements: 220/240 VAC 1.6A or 110/120 VAC 3.15A (external selection via fuse holder)
Machine dimensions: Width 380 mm, Depth 270 mm, Height 320 mm
Machine weight (without accessories): 15 kg including guards
Shipping size: 400 mm x 400 mm x 350 mm
Shipping weight: 20 kg

Optional Accessories

Accessories available for the CT6 include 500 kg, 50 kg, 10 kg and 5 kg load cells, a tablet slide, 3 or 4-point bend rigs, an acoustic sensor and a proving ring. The picture on the right shows the tablet slide, used to catch debris after testing, fitted to the CT6. Contact Engineering Systems for more details on any of these.

Pricing