Instron, a leading provider of testing equipment designed to evaluate the mechanical properties of materials and components, is pleased to announce new generation of HDT and Vicat Testing Systems designed to significantly reduce workload and increase efficiency in the testing lab.
The new Instron® HV Series includes three different systems – the entirely manually operated HV3S with two (optionally three) testing stations plus two systems with larger bath size and higher automation level – HV6M and HV6X – for up to six testing stations. All of them use advanced electronics that automatically zero the position of the LVDT measuring sensors before starting a test, reducing test time and human errors.
For occasional to continuous testing
With its manual lifting station and weights application, the HV3S is a first choice for laboratories that perform HDT or Vicat tests at a low volume.
Furthermore,its compact size make it an ideal system for busy laboratories with a lot of test equipment. Where HDT or Vicat testing is part of the daily activity, the HV6M features manual weights application on up to six stations with a motorized lifting mechanism designed to significantly reduce operators’ efforts. Where time is absolutely crucial, the HV6X system offers both motorized lifting station and weights application on all of its up to six testing stations, making it suitable for laboratories with a continuous backlog of specimens.
Its interlocked cover shield restricts access during test execution, protecting the user from moving parts. Together with its optionally integrated fume filtering and extracting system the HV6X perfectly fits into work environments where safety procedures are extremely strict and extracting system automation is required.
Multiple features for increased working comfort and safety
The intuitive design of weights eliminates the risk of selection mistakes. The weights are stackable and enable the user to handle them with confidence. A wide range of stress values can be achieved without the need for any additional tools. Users of the HV3S benefit from the smooth lifting mechanism of the stations, combined with the ergonomic position of the handle. This allows for raising and lowering the stations safely and easily. The user-friendly touch screen, which is standard for all three systems, has a simple and clean look and allows for operation without a computer. The intuitive workflow offers a seamless interaction with the system for a quick test setup and data export.
All three systems use silicone oil as heat transfer medium – 2.4 USA gal for HV3S, 4.2 USA gal for HV6M and HV6X – to cover a temperature range from 20 °C to 300 °C with a resolution of 0.1 °C. A continuous oil monitoring routine helps reduce the risk of running invalid tests as well as increase productivity, alerting when the bath level is out of range or oil degradation could adversely affect test results. Rapidly bringing the oil temperature back to its starting level after a test run allows the user to start the next test with minimal waiting time and reduces water consumption.
The optional Instron Bluehill® HV Software allows to run tests, edit methods, analyse results or configure the system with a few mouse clicks. It secures the test methods, preventing inadvertent changes, to ensure repeatability and ISO as well as ASTM standards compliance over multiple shifts and numerous operators. Bluehill® HV also allows for creation of specific user profiles based on the operator’s level of expertise. The software simplicity allows for running tests with even further minimised effort, rising laboratory efficiency and throughput to a new level.