Tinius Olsen launches the next evolution of testing software with their Horizon package. As part of their development process, they have taken the best features of their existing software offerings, including QMat, Test Navigator, and EP600 software, incorporated a host of report writing and data manipulation capabilities and, in the process, created a new, unmatched testing platform that will make easy work of materials testing programs, whether they are designed for the charting and analysis functions of QC testing or the challenging rigors of R&D.
One of the first features users will encounter within the Horizon software is its use of the most current Windows environments. These familiar formats make it easy to use and learn, particularly since the same familiar functionality is preserved throughout the program.
Key Features
- Test Method Library
- Tabbed Test and Recall Area
- Multifaceted security
- Multiple Machine Control
- Multilingual
- Output Editor
- Test Editor
- Method Editor
- Result Editor
- Touchscreen enabled*
* Requires Windows 8 operating system and a touchscreen.
Method Library and Test Area
If the user’s testing regimen follows a quality control analysis to a range of international standards, then the Test Method Library is perhaps the first place one will want to visit. Here one can pick their desired test technique, which has been written in compliance with various international test standards.
For instance, if users have to test for the melt flow index of incoming resin to ASTM D1238 procedure B, they only have to select that routine from the list in the library. Likewise, if users need to establish the pipe crush strength in compliance with EN802, the tensile strength of a steel reinforcement bar in agreement with ASTM E8, or the Vicat softening temperature of plastics in compliance with ISO 306, just make the selection from the library, check machine and specimen parameters, and begin the tests – just four clicks of the mouse from start-up to testing!
If, on the other hand, users want to develop their own calculated result from a test, using a national standard as a template, they only have to incorporate the result (and calculation) to the output and save the test set-up with a unique name.
Alternatively, one can develop their own test technique to gain complete control over how the test machine performs over the course of the test. The control segments, specimen parameters, control options, report output and how the test machine and software communicate with each other can be programed.
Key Features
- Tests for tension, melt index, flexure, compression etc
- Searchable database of international test standards
- Standards from ISO, EN, ASTM, BS DIN and many more
- Ability to tailor the test setup using a standard as a template
- Several levels and types of security to protect equipment and data
- Setups are available in many languages and dialects — one can even create their own
Tabbed Test and Recall Area
The subsequent feature users may notice is that Horizon can undertake several tests simultaneously, controlling and gathering test data from several machines (assuming that the PC has the required hardware to regulate multiple machines). This is true whether one is controlling and gathering data from several melt indexers, hydraulic tensile testing machines; and/or electromechanical testing machines – whether they are performing tensile, flexural, tear, compression, peel, or other tests.
Key Features
- Examine test results from earlier tests while performing live tests
- Ability to test several machines and machine types, with adequate PC power and bandwidth
- Numerous graph types can be used for each test
- Recall function enabling users to include key data perhaps not available, or missed, pre-test
- Full PC networking integration and backup across a PC network
Result Editor and Output Editor
Multiple, different graphs can be generated per test, using various measurement axes. After all the data has been collected, Horizon can consolidate it into reports that can be customized to the users or their customer’s individual needs. The output editor allows unmatched formatting of data. One can choose what live data can be revealed during the test; the acceptable limits of the results; the graphical representation of the test, in numerous formats; the layout of the report including the use of the user’s or their customer’s logo; and export or convert the resultant data into another format.
These reports can be circulated across one PC, many PCs, or even across a network; the presentation of these test reports matches with several common formats, including ERP.
Key Features
- Numerous graph types can be used per test, such as load v time or stress v strain
- Unique results can be calculated that draw on parameters and results from other tests and equipment
- Data can be exported to a variety of different formats
- Reports can be created in the precise format one desires
- Reports can be produced using customer’s logo
- An overview enables you to preview what has been created
Report Generation
Key Features
- Many graph types used in the test can be presented in the report
- Drop-down list of standard results, and unique results, can be presented in the reports
- Reports can be produced using user’s logo or their customer’s logo
- Common SPC analyses can be preformed and the graphical results printed
- Single reports can be produced for each completed test; furthermore, summary reports can also be produced
Help Desk and Support
Horizon is one of the leading technologically advanced testing software packages but it has retained the two important criteria of simplicity and value throughout the development process.
For any questions on the operation of the software or how to produce different reports, the program offers on-line help, built-in tutorials, and access to the Tinius Olsen Help Desk.
Report Generation
Hardware Requirements
- 2 GHz Pentium Dual Core or better
- 8 GB RAM:
- Using several testing machines may require extra memory and/or a faster processor
- 32-bit systems are limited to a maximum of 4 GB, of which only 3.25 GB is available due to system overheads
- 512 MB DirectX 10.0 capable video card or better
- 40 GB of available hard disk space (minimum)
- A non-integrated Video Card is recommended for best performance
- Note: SQL Server 2012 Express (installs with Horizon) requires a minimum of 6 GB
- Machine communication:
- RS232 Machines (i.e. 398, SR2, S-Series, T-Series, 602, MP993, MP600, Impact and HDV)
- One port per testing machine is required. The port may be either an integrated RS232 port or USB port using an RS232/USB adapter
- USB machines (i.e. MP1200 and VMC controlled)
- One USB port required per testing machine
- Extra ports:
- One USB port for use with the software key (required)
- Ports required for barcode scanner, each measuring device, etc
- One USB port and one display port if using touchscreen purchased from Tinius Olsen
- Mouse or pointing device and keyboard supported by Windows
- DVD-ROM drive (to run installation DVD)
- Monitor:
- 32-bit color
- 1600 x 900 (sidescreen) or higher
- If a touchscreen is used, Windows 8 (or above) is best
- Windows-compatible printer, for reporting capabilities
- Windows-compatible speakers and sound card for audio playback
- An active internet connection (for TeamViewer use and Help Desk support) is advised
Software Requirements
- The Horizon Software is designed for 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems running Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8. It will not install on anything below these (i.e. Windows Vista SP1, Windows XP, Windows 7).
- Note: A 64-bit operating system is preferred for best performance.
- Note: If using Windows 8 (or higher), the ‘.NET Framework 3.5’ Windows feature must be enabled before attempting installation
- Internet Explorer 8 or higher
- Once installed, users must be granted complete read\write access to the installed software folders (i.e. the Horizon and Microsoft SQL Server folders).
Key Features
- Multiple licensing of Horizon for many installations to review approaches, results, and reports away from the testing machine, lab or plant
- Multi-level user password capability
- Total PC networking integration and backup across a PC network using industry-standard SQL database structure
- Recall function enables users to incorporate key data perhaps not available, or missed, prior to the test
- Live results during test; there is no limit to the number of results exhibited and these do not have to be used in the test report
- Integral Team Viewer licenses enabling TO engineers to log in directly, upon request, and provide on-machine technical support
- With adequate PC power and bandwidth, many testing machines can be operated from a single PC
- Users can use pre-written global standards techniques as templates to alter and formulate their own test approaches
Tinius Olsen's Data Collection, Analysis and Storage – Horizon Software
Materials Testing Software
Library search result Looking for a standardised tensile test routine.
Test screen showing the tab labeled for multiple MP1200 melt Indexers The software is ready to start the tests on multiple MP1200 or MP600 models etc, while at the same time controlling the tests being performed on the first tab. This example is an H5kT tensile tester.
Results A six-station Deflection Temperature Under Load test run on an HDTM603.
Graph set-up In the Output Editor function of Horizon software.
Customized formulae can be written to create your own unique results In this particular example, the result calculation is a ‘standard’ result and consequently uneditable and grayed out.
Result Screen Tabs allow the generation of a single test report for each specimen, and also a summary test report. On each report, individual results from drop-down lists, including operator generated results, can be selected for display.
Control segments setup within the Method Editor section of Horizon software The number of control segments available for each test and test type is unlimited, although experience indicates that typically no more than five are generally used.
Help Desk launch page From here you can access on-disk/on-line tutorials, details of the program key, and email our manned Help Desk. You can also access Team Viewer, which allows our software engineers to take control of your computer for test set-up or control help.
As an additional resource, you can also link directly to our application-based microsites, which feature an Ask-The-Expert forum where users can put questions to our market and application technologists.