TEST & MEASUREMENT PRODUCTS
CHANGING THE WAY STANDARD MATERIAL PROPERTIES ARE MEASURED
Imetrum has launched its new integrated material testing system, UVX. Designed specifically for use in high-throughput routine testing laboratories, the company says the Universal Video Extensometer (UVX) is set to change how standard material properties are measured. The system is designed to integrate with all
leading manufacturers’ test machines and it has been developed to maximise throughput speed and minimise the opportunity for experimental errors. The introduction of UVX means that replacing
contacting extensometers is now also cost-effective. This is down to both the time savings of the test process (especially if there is a need to remove a gauge prior to failure or if a sample is delicate) and the elimination of the risk of damage either from specimen failure or accidental crushing. Key to the ease of use of the UVX system are the
pre-calibrated extensometer modules. Specified by gauge length and strain range, the operator clips in the module suitable for the specified test, defines the measurement and the data is captured.
This means that the test technician or materials engineer does not need to understand optics, or worry about focus, camera settings or lighting. UVX can be calibrated to meet ASTM E83 class B-1 or ISO 9513 class 0.5, even for short gauge lengths and low strains. It is also supplied with a custom designed stamp for repeatable specimen marking and traceable ‘Validation Blocks’ to ensure that users always set the system up correctly. The complete system is controlled by Imetrum’s
Video Gauge software. Test templates can be saved and re-loaded, and starting the next test does not require careful manual positioning, either on a coupon or in software. The system can directly output tensile and compressive strains and extensions, stress-strain curves, modulus and Poisson’s Ratio, as well as be used for an automatic determination of crack-length and for full-field Digital Image Correlation (DIC).
Imetrum
www.imetrum.com
PORTABLE HYGROMETER FOR GAS SPOT CHECKS
The MDM300 I.S. high speed portable hygrometer from Michell Instruments enables gas pipeline operators to ensure safety and quality compliance in natural gas. The instrument is certified for use in hazardous areas around the world, with ATEX IECEx, FM, CSA, GOST INMETRO and TC TR Ex certifications. This means it is compliant no matter where the gas plant is located. Recognising that spot checks of natural gas often need to be carried out in remote locations, the MDM300
I.S. has a long battery life to allow up to 24 hours of operation between charges. Also, to ensure operators spend less time waiting for measurements, the device has a T95 response to -60°C dew point in less than 30 minutes. Michell says that more spot checks per day means time and money saved. Weighing 1.5kg, the instrument can be held during operation. The large buttons are placed so the user can
perform all operations using their thumbs, even when wearing gloves. The device also has an IP66/NEMA4 rated enclosure that is designed to stand up to the rigours of daily usage in harsh environments. To ensure the most reliable measurements and protection for the sensor, sample conditioning is a must.
Michell’s sampling options range from simple kits to control sample flow, through to a panel-mounted system which includes filtration, flow bypass, and pressure/flow indication.
Michell Instruments T: 01353 658000
www.michell.com/uk
HUNTING PIM SOURCES
Anritsu’s PIM Hunter is a passive intermodulation (PIM) test probe that helps field technicians more quickly discover the precise location of external PIM sources at cell sites. PIM Hunter complements Anritsu’s
Distance-to-PIM (DTP) technology that determines the distance between the antenna and external PIM. A technician can walk along the arc of that distance with PIM Hunter to detect the exact source of the PIM. Integrating the instrument with any of the compatible Anritsu handheld analysers featuring Burst Detect Sweep Mode creates the toolset required to more precisely identify external PIM sources for faster site repair. The instrument has been custom designed to support external PIM identification over the 600MHz to 2,700MHz frequency range. It utilises technology to return a consistent signal level regardless of probe orientation with respect to the PIM source. To maintain accuracy, the probe is manufactured using low PIM construction techniques so the probe does not act as a PIM source. A 0.9m extension shaft allows the test operator to maintain a safe distance from antennas under test.
Anritsu
www.anritsu.com
ONLINE SYSTEM IMPROVES TYRE PRODUCTION PROCESS
By installing a number of fully integrated online measurement systems from Micro-Epsilon in various stages of its tyre production process, a tyre manufacturer has reported improvements in process capability and tyre quality. Since early 2015, the plant has installed a
number of online tyre measurement systems from Micro-Epsilon in various stages of its tyre production process. These measurement systems are integrated into the production processes, inspecting the various tyre components as they are manufactured. This is crucial as it enables the plant to compare the actual tyre components being produced with the original design. Over time, this means the plant has been able
to improve its understanding of the behaviour of the process variables such as line speeds and temperatures, and the effects of changing these
on the quality of the products produced. The
thicknessCONTROL.TTP profilometer
system is fully integrated into the process and requires no manual intervention. The O-frame configuration system measures the complete profile of tyre sidewalls after they are dual extruded. The measurement system incorporates two directly opposed optoNCDT 2300 laser triangulation sensors. Each sensor traverses across the top and bottom surface of each extrusion with the software displaying the resulting thickness profile of each extrusion. The plant takes six key measurements across each profile of sidewall features, including thickness, width and area. The results are then compared to the stored design. No operators are involved in the process.
The line knows what is being produced and the inline profilometer system helps to verify
the profile dimensions of what is being produced and whether these match the design drawing. The plant has a complete visual profile of a sidewall which means that it can modify the design of the tools and dies if necessary, to reduce tool wear or to improve process quality.
Micro-Epsilon
www.micro-epsilon.co.uk
INSTRUMENTATION | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017
29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
