ADMET Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADMET retrofits universal testing machines to add new capabilities – save costs

Digital controllers and Windows-based software update electro-mechanical and
hydraulic load frames from Instron, MTS, Tinius Olsen and others to meet new
manufacturing requirements and certification standards…

NORWOOD, Mass. – Aug. 11, 2003 – ADMET Inc., a provider of integrated materials
testing systems, today announced that it is expanding its electro-mechanical and
hydraulic testing machine retrofit business. ADMET retrofits enable laboratories,
manufacturers and other organizations that test metals, plastics, textiles or other
materials, to perform new tests that cannot presently be handled by older machines
while providing more sophisticated and integrated results reporting.

ADMET can upgrade virtually any system, including equipment from ATS, Baldwin,
Instron, MTS, Reihle, Satec, Shimadzu, Tinius Olsen, United and others. An ADMET
retrofit increases accuracy and flexibility, reduces test times, ensures error-free reporting and conformance with standards, archives test results to generate comprehensive reports, and facilitates the reporting of test results over networks or the Internet.

“Most load frames are built to last,” commented Richard Gedney, ADMET founder and president. “They do not wear out, even after 50 years. However, we have experienced monumental changes in software tools, microprocessors, op-amps and analog-to-digital converters since the early 1990s. The essence of an ADMET retrofit is to replace the ‘brain’ of the machine with one that includes the latest in software and hardware technology. This enables technicians to conduct more sophisticated tests and to meet new testing requirements without the expense of new systems.”

Retrofits save money
Retrofitting existing test frames has a clear cost benefit over buying new equipment. By adding digital controllers or Windows-based software, customers are able to continue to use the most expensive and durable component of the testing system – the load frame.

A retrofit costs between $1,500 for the integration of a simple digital indicator to $35,000 for a new servo-hydraulic power unit with a Windows-based materials testing system. ADMET retrofits can be installed at the customer’s site in one to three days. A new 400,000 lb. universal testing machine costs between $150,000 and $200,000, so a retrofit would save well over $100,000. Even for a 60,000 lb. machine, which would cost $50,000 to $55,000 to replace, the savings would be in the tens-of-thousands of dollars.

Retrofits meet new requirements
Another benefit of retrofits is that they enable users to conduct new, more sophisticated tests through better control of the testing machine and more sophisticated reporting.

For instance, Dexter Axle upgraded its Riehle electro-mechanical testing machine at its Fremont, Indiana, manufacturing plant to perform modulus tests on rubber cords used in its Torflex axle system. Commented James Bryan, Dexter Axle quality technician,“Before the upgrade, I was using the manual system. It was very difficult to accurately control the different speeds. Our results were all over the map and I had no confidence in the results. Now we get results that we can rely on and we can easily transfer them to our statistical quality control system or to a spreadsheet.”

Additionally, retrofits can help companies meet certification standards. Digital controllers help gather and report data in formats that can help ensure compliance with reporting requirements for Six Sigma, federal and state regulations, and customer requirements. Retrofits can also eliminate manual record keeping, reduce errors and expedite moving data into corporate management systems.

ADMET retrofits include the easy-to-use and easy-to-learn Precise Digital Controller, a standalone unit, or MTESTWindowsTM, a PC/Windows-based materials testing system. Both control the load frame and can report findings over network connections. Retrofits also include the replacement of servo-hydraulic power units, servo motors and drives. Retrofits are performed at the customer site by ADMET engineers and include training and integration services.

About ADMET
ADMET Inc. combines high quality products and services with total cost effectiveness to deliver the industry’s most efficient materials testing systems. Its products range from materials testing frames to software and specialized control units. The company offers new testing systems as well as retrofits of existing machines from ATS, Baldwin, Instron, MTS, Riehle, Satec, Shimadzu, Tinius Olsen, United and others. Highly skilled engineers provide customers with personalized research and development services and support to make ADMET the most responsive materials testing equipment supplier. ADMET’s loyal customer base includes leading manufacturers, testing labs, researchers and universities in aerospace, automotive, biomedical, construction, metals, plastics, textiles and other industries. ADMET can be reached at 800-667-3320, sales@admet.com or by visiting http://www.admet.com.

Mail: ADMET, 51 Morgan Drive, Norwood, MA 02062, USA.
E-Contact:sales@admet.com; webmaster:webmaster@admet.com
tel. (781) 769-0850 fax (781) 769-0884