Novel low-force universal testing to a ton

Ametek has launched its innovative LFPlus single-column universal testing machine designed for material testing and force measurement applications up to 1kN (225lbf).

Ametek has launched its innovative LFPlus single-column universal testing machine designed for material testing and force measurement applications up to 1kN (225lbf).

This high performance universal test machine is easy to use and can operate independently or under remote computer control.

The LFPlus uses loadcells or hand-held digital force gauges for precision load measurement with accuracies of +0.5% of reading and up to +0.15% of full scale, respectively.

The LFPlus features a test speed range of 0.05 to 1270mm/min (0.002 to 50in/min) with speed accuracy better than 0.2% (steady state).

These economical machines, which will be marketed under the company's Lloyd Instruments and Chatillon brands, also boast a large working space with flexible table configurations and a unique side mounted crosshead that isolates user controls from the testing.

"Our customers wanted a better system with improved speed control and a larger working area", says Mark Bartlett, Managing Director for Ametek's Material Test Business Unit.

"They wanted flexibility, the capability to configure a machine to match their work requirements, and a way of integrating existing assets like their Chatillon force gauges.

More importantly, they wanted a system that was easy to set up, operate and maintain but one that didnût compromise performance.

We feel our new LFPlus meet their needs and we are delighted with initial customer reactions".

The LFPlus features a modular design, so customers can combine features and build the solution to match their exact requirements.

Customers can use XLC Series loadcells or Chatillon digital force gauges as their load measurement device.

All connections for either the loadcell or force gauge are present at the crosshead eliminating extraneous cabling for power and signal communications.

Loadcells and force gauges are self-aligning and easily mounted to the intelligent crosshead.

The crosshead is a full 175mm (6.9in) from the column providing users with a spacious work area for large size specimens and crosshead travel is 500mm (20in).

Another example of the system's flexibility is the configurable work surfaces.

The standard work surface is either a universal grip adapter that uses a grip mounting stud and pins to mount Lloyd Instruments grips or threaded adapters for Chatillon fixtures respectively.

However, customers can also specify a variety of other work surfaces including an expanded table surface, T-slot table or stainless steel drip pan ideal for food testing applications.

The machine features a 10V DC analogue input and digital input for direct connection of extensometers, and bidirectional serial communication connections to a PC.

The LFPlus also features an easy-to-use and intuitive operator control panel.

The control panel combines a membrane keypad with dedicated function keys and a large, easy-to-read backlit LCD display.

The display has four lines of 40 characters so that information can be presented that is easy to read and understand.

Menus and prompts guide the users through setup and operation.

Displays can be configured to present information in a choice of languages.

Passwords can be configured that allow operations to be performed by authorised personnel only.

The LFPlus is introduced along side a new specially configured version of Ametek's comprehensive Nexygen MT software for materials analysis and data acquisition known as Nexygen FM.

This is ideally suited for force measurement and materials testing applications where the full power of Nexygen MT is not required.

The software is easy to set up and operate enabling the user to collect and analyse force load results and extension data.

And because the software is OLE2 compatible, results are easily exported into Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook for comprehensive and sophisticated reporting.

The flexibility and performance afforded by the LFPlus makes it ideal for a variety of applications including medical device manufacturing, electronic components, packaging, spring testing, food and pharmaceutical, plastics, textiles and more.

And its unique design and ease of use makes it perfect for the laboratory or production line.

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