A majority of the testing equipment from Tinius Olsen comes with computer-assisted data acquisition and machine control system. The Horizon software package enables data collection, analysis, graphing (where appropriate) and storage. Control over testing operations can be offered if the testing machine enables it.
Horizon features an extensive selection of pre-defined testing programs, including robust analysis of testing data, advanced reporting and complex control. Such programs can be altered and optimized further to suit the specific needs of the customers.
The testing data gathered by these programs can be exported to an outside source and later shifted to other data analysis systems.
Moreover, Horizon databases can be configured for sharing across various computers on a company’s network, enabling the testing programs and testing data to be used by multiple systems.
The use of Horizon will make materials testing easier for users, regardless of whether it has been engineered for the challenging rigors of R&D or the charting and analysis functions of QC testing.
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Key Features
- Advanced machine segment control
- Data archiving and backup are available
- Data stored with SQL server express
- Customizable report layout
- Data exporting (results/statistics/limits/points)
- Formula generation can be performed
- Data importing (result entries/limits)
- Library of pre-defined testing programs
- Networking databases
- RS232 device communication
- Method/output editor is available
- Multiple graphs/reports for output
- Comes with touchscreen
- Multiple machines controlled by a single Horizon software
- Video extensometer capability
- Multiple users
- Report consolidation
- Security lockout capability
Test and Recall
The testing area enables live data from the machine to be viewed when the test is being executed. Multiple tabs display the recalling of earlier testing data, as well as each testing machine linked to the software.
As soon as a testing tab is developed, it need not be destroyed. When users intend to run a new testing program, they can just change the Tab Options and load a new program. They can configure each testing tab to exhibit multiple graphs, custom results, multiple plots on a single graph and live data (such as custom formulas). They can even personalize each tab to suit their preferences.
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Method/Output Editor
The testing program moved from the Library can be tailored for the customer in the Method and Output Editors. Users can develop custom batch or sample identifiers for the purpose of reporting and recalling.
Users can improve the control of the machine with the latest machine segments. The tests can be automatically accepted, and the report can be emailed or printed based on pre-defined limits. They can also tailor multiple reports for numerous recipients. Specimen data (like dimensions or limits) can be imported from an outside file based on an identifier. Results, statistics, limits and/or curve points can be exported to an external file.
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Custom Results
The methods moved from the Library include various results that have been standardized. Yet, in the Result Editor, custom results can be made. These results can be defined as entry type, a single point along a curve, a live source, a calculation between two points along a curve or even a calculated formula. Based on how the result has been made, it can be added to a testing panel to be viewed at the time of the test or added to a report.
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Library of Methods
A range of pre-defined testing routines is provided in a searchable database. Such techniques are based on Standards from ASTM, EN, ISO, DIN, BS and many more. Such routines involve testing in tension, flexure, compression, melt index, hardness, torsion, impact, heat distortion and more. Every method can be moved into the user’s main database and tailored with their units, identifiers, report layouts, etc. More and more routines are added to the Library with each new version update of Horizon.
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Help Desk
The software offers access to the tutorials that guide a user through several activities in the software. It exhibits details of the Software Key, including the items purchased. System Information exhibits useful data about the software as well as the computer that it is installed upon.
This directs the Tinius Olsen support staff when questions arise regarding the system functionality.
Image Credit: Tinius Olsen