System for palm-sized testing machines works with analytical equipment to test materials, small mechanical systems and aid in the microstructure analysis of materials
Admet has teamed up with Ernest Fullam to produce the first commercially available servo controlled tester that fits inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
The result is a Windows-based system that automatically loads the specimen and calculates macroscopic mechanical properties while the SEM records micro/nanostructure changes in a material.
To accomplish this, Admet extended MTestWindows, its flagship materials testing system, so that it would operate with the Fullam test frame. Researchers, developers and manufacturers now have a powerful instrument to study macroscopic and microscopic mechanical properties when materials are loaded in tension, compression or flexure.
Fullam, a supplier of specialised accessories for electron and light microscopes, offers Admet MTestWindows with its line of palm-sized test frames.
Commented Peter Fullam, president, "We've tried to use standard laboratory information management systems but the result was patched together and it was very hard to integrate tensile test findings with data analysis tools.
"With the Admet system we have a plug and play solution.
"Now, when we receive an order, we send the frame to Admet.
"It does all of the wiring connections and cabling - the whole package.
"When the full system is returned to us, we test it using a laptop computer, add peripherals, and ship the whole package to our customer". For data acquisition, the frame is connected via the SEM's vacuum port cover to Admet's machine interface box, which includes connections and signal conditioning for all transducers, a motor amplifier for powering the miniature motor under servo control, and a serial port for connection to a personal computer or workstation running MTestWindows software.
The machine interface box employs a speedy 32-bit microprocessor to acquire data, accurately control the movement of the test frame and transmit the captured data to the computer.
MTestWindows tracks and reports all tests.
Since MTestWindows is designed to work with load frames, it gathers and reports all test data for commonly used mechanical tests.
It plots stress vs strain curves as the tests are in process.
Key test parameters, such as peak load/stress, offset yield, modulus of elasticity and other measures are also reported.
MTestWindows saves raw test data and results so multiple tests can be easily compared.
Its X-Y plot capabilities and ability to export data in standard formats make it easy to integrate with other data analysis and laboratory management systems.
MTestWindows includes inputs for load, crosshead position and axial strain with options for a transverse strain channel and servo control.
Load accuracy exceeds American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E-4 standards.
The MTestWindows software has minimal system requirements and works on all Windows operating systems (95 and higher).
A user manual for the software is included with the distribution CD.
" MTestWindows is a proven materials testing system that has been used in thousands of applications," said Richard Gedney, Admet founder and president.
"Now, it helps researchers to measure and observe devices and materials at the micrometer and nanometer levels and integrate test data into standard laboratory management systems.
"This facilitates the research and development of new materials and addresses the need for a sophisticated mechanical testing instrument".
MTestWindows consists of a 32-bit Windows application program and an easy-to-install machine interface box which makes it ideal for new or retrofit applications.
It is available immediately directly from Admet or Fullam.
