Continual process eliminates long wait time for testing specimens at elevated temperatures
Instron, a provider of testing equipment designed to evaluate mechanical properties of materials and components, introduces its new Multi Hot Station (MHS) tensile carousel system to easily and accurately test specimen temperatures.
Consisting of four split furnaces with four different temperature control systems, the system rotates, enabling each furnace to be successively loaded with a specimen, ramped to test temperature, soaked and moved into the test frame.
This continuous process eliminates the lengthy wait times usually associated with testing specimen at elevated temperatures.
For optimal heat resistance, the MHS carousel is housed in an octagonal stainless steel case with hardened insulation end plates.
Featuring a unique extruded heating tile with embedded elements for longevity of life and easy replacement, its temperature is monitored using three control thermocouples.
The basic model includes a furnace cut-out, allowing compatibility with a wide range of high temperature extensometers.
There is also an advanced model, which has three specimen thermocouples to monitor specimen temperature for use with a cascade controller.
To ensure that the furnaces and load strings are completely stable and aligned, the MHS carousel is securely attached to the machine base.
In turn, each individual furnace is attached to its own bracket, which is connected to the central carousel column.
This ensures a smooth rotation whether the user chooses to attach two, three, or four furnaces.
Additionally, each furnace has its own dedicated master/slave controller, optimising ease of operation.
For increased efficiency, the controller features indicator lights to alert users when the furnace is closed and/or positioned correctly in the load frame.
There is also an advanced temperature controller offered, allowing the user to read the temperature by an analogue comms connection.
For increased safety, it features two micro-switches, one which sends a signal when the furnace is closed and the other when the furnace is correctly positioned in the load frame.
Instron is a full-service materials testing company that manufacturers, distributes, services and provides training for a wide range of testing instruments, systems, software and accessories.
Instron has its corporate headquarters in Canton MA, USA, and European headquarters in High Wycombe, UK.
Instron offers a range of materials characterisation products for a diverse range of tests including tensile, compression, fatigue, impact and structural which can be used to test everything from the smallest microelectronic device to entire automobiles and oil rig supports.
Instron works in such varied fields as the automotive, food, metals, plastics and biomedical sectors.
