Digital controllers and Windows-based software update electro-mechanical and hydraulic load frames from many manufacturers to meet new requirements and certification standards
Admet, a provider of integrated materials testing systems, says it is expanding its electro-mechanical and hydraulic testing machine retrofit business.
Admet retrofits enable laboratories, manufacturers and other organisations that test metals, plastics, textiles or other materials, to perform new tests that cannot presently be handled by older machines while providing more sophisticated and integrated results reporting.
Admet can upgrade virtually any system, including equipment from ATS, Baldwin, Instron, MTS, Riehle, Satec, Shimadzu, Tinius Olsen, United and others.
An Admet retrofit increases accuracy and flexibility, reduces test times, ensures error-free reporting and conformance with standards, archives test results to generate comprehensive reports, and facilitates the reporting of test results over networks or the Internet.
"Most load frames are built to last," commented Richard Gedney, Admet founder and president.
"They do not wear out, even after 50 years. However, we have experienced monumental changes in software tools, microprocessors, op-amps and analogue-to-digital converters since the early 1990s.
The essence of an Admet retrofit is to replace the 'brain' of the machine with one that includes the latest in software and hardware technology. This enables technicians to conduct more sophisticated tests and to meet new testing requirements without the expense of new systems".
Retrofitting existing test frames has a clear cost benefit over buying new equipment.
By adding digital controllers or Windows-based software, customers are able to continue to use the most expensive and durable component of the testing system - the load frame.
A retrofit costs from US$1,500 for the integration of a simple digital indicator to $35,000 for a new servo-hydraulic power unit with a Windows-based materials testing system.
Admet retrofits can be installed at the customer's site in one to three days.
