MECHANICAL SYSTEM

The Servo-Hydraulic Machine (Servo-Pulser) located within a purpose built section of the Mechanical Testing Department is a Shimadzu built EHF-ED30.

This machine is capable of providing a Dynamic Load of up to 300 kN (or a Static Load to 450 kN), a Stroke Length of up to 100mm and an oscillation frequency to 50 Hz. Two rear mounted Moog Servo Valves control the Platen Actuator to the precision expected from servo control.

A constant volume hydraulic pump provides a constant high pressure to ensure that the system can react at high speed at all times, allowing for high flexibility and control.

A Stainless Steel Cryogenic Bath is also available for testing of materials at lowered or elevated temperatures.

CONTROL SYSTEM

A state of the art Instron Fast Track 8800 Digital Control System has Recently been installed. Using modern digital control increases the range and flexibility of tests that can be performed by Servo-Hydraulic Test Systems.

Such tests as Plane Strain Fracture Toughness (KIc), Critical Crack Tip Opening Displacement (CTOD), Fatigue Crack Propagation Rates (da/dN) and User Defined Wave Shapes for Fatigue Analysis – all to Australian, British or ASTM Standards. The ease of use of the system also allows for industry standard static testing to be performed. Client specification tests can also be performed with relative ease of set-up.

The continuous feed back control system automatically tunes the system and adjusts the input to allow for drift of parameters. This provides more consistent results with a higher accuracy than was previously possible.

The digital control system not only expands our testing capability, but also improves efficiency, allowing us to pass these savings onto our customers. While presenting a clear, easy to read professional report, which can be customised to our clients needs.