Deflection Temperature and Vicat Testers –603 and 303 HDTM

Tinius Olsen's Models 603 HDTM and 303 HDTM are the newest generation of Tinius Olsen’s digitally controlled Automatic Deflection Temperature/Vicat test equipment incorporated with an automated testing sequence that proceeds according to user-specified control and configuration parameters.

The basic model 603 HDTM includes a six-station bath, a handheld terminal, and two test stations. Up to four more stations can be added and each test frame can be configured with optional accessories for Vicat or deflection temperature testing, including both 100 mm edgewise and 64 mm flatwise deflection temperature, as well as the 4” span test. Furthermore, the 603 HDTM is ready to be connected to Tinius Olsen’s HDV software so that the PC can configure the controller, assemble the test data, generate a test report, and save the results.

The 303 HDTM shares the same characteristics as the 603 HDTM, however, it has a maximum of three stations. On both machines, all test stations are pneumatically raised from the bath at the press of a button on the handheld terminal, permitting easy placement of the test specimens. After the specimens are loaded into the particular test positions, all the stations are lowered together into the oil bath by pneumatic pistons and the test can commence.

The start can be initiated by either the handheld terminal or straight from a PC running Tinius Olsen’s HDV software. Once started, the test is fully automatic and is performed according to the user specified program. After the test is done, power to the heater is cut and the cooling cycle is initiated.

Test parameters are keyed in via the numeric keypad on the handheld terminal. Entries for each station include test type, specimen dimensions, span, deflection/penetration, and stress or force. Starting temperature, maximum temperature, soak time, and rate of temperature rise are also entered for control of the bath unit. These configurations can be stored and used for future tests if needed. The 603 HDTM has an integral heat exchanger so that a fast cooldown is automatically initiated once the test is done. Using regular mains water, the temperature of the silicon oil can be lowered from a maximum of 300 °C to 20 °C above the water inlet temperature in approximately 20 minutes. The 303 HDTM is provided with an optional cooling system.

Once the cooling cycle is done, all test stations can be raised together, enabling easy removal of tested samples. In case a specimen is dislodged during the course of the test, it is safely caught in the specimen basket, thereby the heat transfer medium is kept as clean as possible. The handheld terminal also shows an uninterrupted display of temperature and deflection/penetration for each station during the test.

Specifications

Key Features

• Fully automatic control of total test cycle
• Conforms to ISO 75, ISO 306, ASTM D1525, and ASTM D648
• Bath has port with an exhaust fan to remove interior oil fumes
• Electronic transducers combined into the loading rod assemblies for 0.001 mm (0.0001”) resolution of deflection or penetration
• Air bearing-guided loading rods for virtually friction-free load application
• Loading nose and rod assemblies offer 76 grams nominal load for ISO 75 ‘flatwise’ deflection temperature tests on 4 x 10 mm specimens at 0.45 Mpa stress
• Built-in specimen basket to catch any dislodged specimens
• Built-in heat exchanger for fast system cooldown
• Automatic correction for thermal expansion of test frames
• Pneumatic station lift for easy specimen insertion and removal
• Accessories available include extra test stations, Vicat loading noses and needles, weights, deflection temperature loading noses, 64 mm span supports for ‘flatwise’ deflection temperature testing (stations are predrilled to accept the supports)

Notes

• Environmental temperature range: 60-100 °F (15-38 °C)
• Humidity range: 10-90% non-condensing, wet bulb method
• Storage temperature range: 14-115  °F (-10-45 °C)
• All models conform to all relevant European CE Health and Safety Directives
• Power: standard optional voltages 220/240 VAC, 50-60 Hz; power must be free of spikes and surges exceeding 10% of the nominal voltage
• Specifications subject to change without notice

Software

Tinius Olsen has developed Horizon, a complete software program that makes testing simple, efficient, and precise. It was based on its long history of delivering solutions to an enormous range of testing problems. Whether the test sample is paper, composite, metal, rubber, textile, polymer, or a micro-component, Tinius Olsen’s Horizon software does more than just data collection and presentation. It will help automate operations, spanning from R&D to the charting and analysis of QC testing. Tinius Olsen’s Horizon software sets new standards of data analysis by integrating a host of report writing and data manipulation capabilities that will make easy work of materials testing programs. As with a majority of features of Horizon, flexibility is paramount; reports can be customized by operators in any way they wish, as can all user screens allowing operators to concentrate on features that are most vital to them.

Besides powerful reports, Horizon Materials Testing software is scalable and networkable so operators and managers can run equipment and review test results from several sources and locations. Horizon provides a library of specific, standard, and application-focused test routines that have been developed in close partnership with customers worldwide and to the standards they are using.

Among the many beneficial features offered by Horizon are: a test routine library; test, output, method, and result editors; simultaneous multiple machine control; and multilayered security. This software is designed for data analysis, data acquisition, and closed loop control of virtually all Tinius Olsen testing machines.

Horizon is full of capabilities that increase productivity and enable users to construct, access, and use an advanced, powerful materials testing database. It uses the latest Windows environments, running on touchscreen-enabled monitors, to offer an intuitive user experience. Incorporated tutorials, online help, and help desk access provide extra user support.

Deflection Temperature and Vicat Testers – Models 603 HDTM and 303 HDTM

Picture 1 (Close-up of test station configured for a heat deflection test.)

Picture 2 (Model 603 HDTM shown with two test stations, one for deflection temperature and one for Vicat testing. The stations are raised for easy and rapid specimen insertion prior to a test and for specimen removal at the end of the test.)

Picture 3 (Model 303 HDTM shown with optional third test station (right), for deflection temperature and/or Vicat testing. Model here shown with three stations, gantry lowered, and optional cooling connections.)

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Picture 5 (Both the Model 603 HDTM and 303 HDTM can be controlled by a PC)

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