TESTING | MATERIALS


The goal of test equipment makers is to offer easier- to-use equipment that offers higher precision at lower cost.Peter Mapleston looks at the latest developments


Hardware innovations will simplify materials testing


From the simplest manual tensile testers through to the most sophisticated FTIR and X-ray fluorescence systems, equipment for analysing polymers, compounds and parts is increasingly accurate, user-friendly, and affordable. This article will explore some of the most recent developments. Some years ago, Lacerta Technology, which specialises in thermal analytical technologies, developed its IdentiPol range of instruments specifically for plastics. The company, together with its exclusive IdentiPol distributor FTT, now says a “next generation” QA2 identiPol is available to bridge the gap between the basic plastic tests found in traditional quality assurance facilities and the complex instruments used in scientific laboratories. FTT says the compact QA2 IdentiPol system is both simple to use and affordable, while still delivering on the same physical parameters as the research and development instrumentation (DMA and DSC) on which its technology is based. The QA2 is said to help users prevent incorrect material entering production and ensures availability


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of a quick “go/no go” decision regarding material quality assurance. No knowledge of materials properties or testing is said to be required to use it. “This quick assessment of incoming materials ensures production is running at full capacity and that quality control targets are being met,” says FTT. “It also offers the flexibility in exploring cheaper material suppliers to reduce costs, but at the same time allowing product quality to be maintained and proof of material conformance demonstrated.” The company says the operator simply enters


supplier, material and batch information into the software to run a test. Built-in diagnostics ensures that samples always run under optimum conditions, without intervention. In the first stage of the test, samples are moulded within the unit to produce a consistent sample for measurement. The moulded sample is then cooled and transferred to the test station where it is rapidly heated. At this point, several thermal properties are measured and used to determine a fingerprint of the material, which is


Main image: Automation is a key theme in today’s materials testing systems. Sikora’s Purity Concept V light table, for example automates optical pellet inspection


April 2019 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 79


PHOTO: SIKORA


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