Material testing is the measurement of the characteristics and behavior of specimens under various conditions. Material testing applications vary and there are also a variety of material testing systems and equipment. This blog post covers the different types of material testing equipment and goes over important points in equipment selection criteria.
Universal Testing Machines
Universal Testing Machines are be used to determine the mechanical properties of test specimens in tension, compression, flexion, bend, peel, friction, and more. As suggested by its name, a universal testing machine (UTM) can be used for a wide range of testing applications. In addition, different grips and fixtures may be used with the same machine to expand the system’s capabilities. Test fixtures designed per ASTM/ISO/EN test methods may also be used.
What types of Universal Testing Machines does ADMET offer?
ADMET offers hydraulic as well as electromechanical universal testing machines and a variety of grips and fixtures to expand the capabilities of the system. Depending on the force capacity, single column and dual column as well as tabletop and floor standing models are available.
Static Testing and Fatigue Testing
Testing systems that run static tension, compression, bend testing and those that run multiple cycle fatigue tests consist of different components and controls.
Fatigue tests require the testing machine to be configured to run multiple cycles under repeated tension-tension, compression-compression, tension-compression, or other combinations of repeated cyclic loading. Fatigue testing machine controllers and software have additional features compared to static test system controllers. Fatigue controllers may be programmed to generate sine, square and triangular waveforms and provide AC, DC, quadrature encoder transducer conditioning. Fatigue testing software can be used to view and store waveforms and peak/valley/cycle data.
Does ADMET offer fatigue testing machines?
ADMET offers both static testing and fatigue testing machines. Fatigue testing system designs include tabletop and floor standing machines. We offer two different fatigue controllers, MTESTQuattro Dynamic Controller and the DC1x Dynamic Fatigue Controller, both offering high-speed closed-loop feedback.
Closed Loop and Open Loop Feedback Mechanism
When deciding on a testing system to test your materials and products, you might come across testing systems that offer an open-loop controller and others that offer closed-loop controller feedback. Closed loop control allows testing machine motor to continuously send information to the closed-loop controller and also information to be sent from the motor to the closed-loop controller. The main difference between an open-loop system and a closed-loop system is that the closed-loop system has the ability to self-correct while the open-loop system does not. Consequently, closed-loop systems are often called feedback control systems while open-loop systems are also known as non-feedback controls.
Are ADMET systems equipped with open loop or closed loop control?
All ADMET designs incorporate a closed loop feedback control. Since the beginning of our product development, we have used closed loop control technology as we believe that accuracy is critical to meet the expectations of our customers. Click below to read more on principles of operation.
Testing Systems, Parts, Software Engineered & Made in the USA
There are a couple advantages to purchasing testing equipment that is engineered and made in the USA. When systems are designed locally in the US, engineers are able to provide a system that meets all your needs. If customization is required, this can be done without the longer lead times and exponentially increased customization costs. If part replacement is required, local parts can be easily sourced and replaced. The generic software menus or analyses may not be covering all your testing needs; a local software development team can diagnose your needs, communicate their solution, and develop the required changes you are looking for. In addition, local Technical Support is also always beneficial as it avoids crucial bottlenecks for system support such as language barriers or time zone differences.
Are ADMET testing systems made in the USA?
All ADMET testing systems are engineered and made in the USA. Our Product Engineering, Software Development and Technical Support teams are based off our office in Massachusetts. We appreciate that quality testing and research may require further input from engineering. Our Sales process involves a diagnostic approach where we go over your application in detail to provide a comprehensive solution, whether the hardware or the software, for your testing application. Our Technical Support is able to provide lifetime equipment and software support without the common barriers faced with overseas support.