Design eliminates roundabout steps that are irrelevant to ageing ovens but found on typical off-the-shelf electronics control packages
Benz Materials Testing Instruments has introduced a carefully configured electronics system for its series of 6, 9, and 28-hole test-tube ageing ovens.
The new design allows for easier operator interface than is currently available on ageing ovens.
It also comes standard with a RS232 output jack, enabling block temperature to be graphically monitored and controlled from a PC. The Benz electronics package also features a larger LCD display with 16 characters instead of the standard six characters, allowing descriptions of status and operations to be more complete than is elsewhere available.
Whereas ageing oven temperature control electronics are typically off the-shelf packages, the Benz design eliminates roundabout steps that are irrelevant to ageing ovens.
The operator does not become distracted with configuring offset temperatures or calculating proportional integral or differential functions, none of which are required because the PID controllers are already configured for the ovens.
The Benz operator interface therefore allows direct control of typical block operations such as timed functions, automatic on/off, and automatic temperature ramping and soaking.
Because unnecessary steps are eliminated, set point temperature is reached without delays.
The new Benz electronics package is integral with its 2003 models of the LGB-6, LGB-9 and LGB-28 ovens.
It can be retrofitted to existing Benz ovens, some of which have been in the field for 20 years or more.
Benz ageing ovens are inexpensive, safe tabletop ovens that test the ageing properties of elastomer and plastic compounds for seals, gaskets, bearings, hose, belting and o-rings.
Known for temperature consistency (+/-0.2C), the ovens are used by compound manufacturers and processors, by analysts and independent testing labs dealing with acids, corrosives and hydraulic materials, and by chemical manufacturers and suppliers.
Footprints range from 30x35cm to 63x82cm, weight ranges from 23 to 160kg.
They meet ASTM standards D471 and D865 and other national and international standards.
Benz ageing ovens are compatible with other Benz elastomeric testing instruments such as the Benz brittle point tester, the Benz melt flow tester, the Benz tensile tester and the Benz Mooney viscometer.
