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If high volume, repetitive testing is causing a bottleneck in
your operation, automating to meet critical deadlines can
be a business imperative. An investment in automation
can be justified for a number of reasons, all of which directly impact
your laboratory's contribution to profit.
Key Benefits
- More QA/QC can be performed per product
- Increased productivity
- Faster, more economical time to market
- Reduced labor costs by using fewer shifts
- Elimination of operator errors
- Improved operator safety
Complete Turnkey System or Retrofit to Existing Equipment
An Instron® TestMaster™ Automation System is available as a complete
turnkey system programmed to your testing operation and increased throughput
needs. TestMaster can also be retrofitted to most Instron
testing instruments to provide a fully automated solution with
long-term protection of your initial instrumentation investment.
Easy Set up and Continuous Monitoring
Test specimens are easily placed in convenient storage magazines
or specimen racks, depending on specimen type. Then, with only four
system prompted steps, testing conditions are set, tests are performed,
and results are reported with little or no operator involvement.
Skilled technicians are free to perform more sophisticated tasks
while accurate, repeatable material testing information is generated
automatically.
System Reliability and Self-Monitoring Allow Unattended Operation
Error reporting, correction, or in some cases, system shutdown
procedures are designed into the control sequence so that unattended
second and third shift operations can be confidently performed.
TestMaster ensures maximum utilization of equipment capacity
through unattended, “round-the-clock” testing to optimize testing
productivity.
Eliminate Errors and Invalid Results
Computer control and robotic specimen handling ensure consistent
test procedures and precision of hundreds of specimen insertions from
preloaded magazines or storage racks. Instron testing software
provides precise data analysis and reporting matched to your
needs. Automated measurement of specimen dimensions and
bar code reading stations eliminate tedious, error-prone operations.
Often, the enhanced accuracy and repeatability alone can justify a
TestMaster system.
Reports in the Format of Your Choice
TestMaster performs all tests in full compliance with domestic
and international standards. Printed reports containing individual
specimen results, testing conditions, statistical analysis and
operator comments are produced automatically. Reports can be printed
in a number of standard or customizable formats.
Typical Standard Applications
- Plastic Tensile—ASTM D638, ISO 527
- Plastic Flex—ASTM D790, ISO 178
- Elastomer Tensile and Tear—ASTM D412, ASTM D624
- Basic Metal Tensile—ASTM E8, EN 10 002
- Complex Metal Tensile R&N—ASTM E8, EN 10002, ASTM 517, ASTM E646
TestMaster Automation Building Blocks
Instron Universal Testing Instrument
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Instron testing systems provide comprehensive, versatile
solutions for the widest range of materials testing requirements.
Each system features advanced digital electronics combined
with robust load frames and drive systems to provide consistently
high accuracy and reliable performance. Extensive safety
features protect operators and equipment.
Automation Robot
The unique modular design of the automation system, along
with a robot appropriate for the specific application,
provides the broad control and handling capability needed to
fulfill a wide range of applications. Specimen manipulation
is performed using robotic arm end effectors and specimen
grippers that are programmed for specific applications and specimens.
With a position accuracy of 1 mm, the automation robot is
capable of accurately and consistently aligning specimens
within the testing space. The robot provides 5 or 6 degrees of
freedom depending on the application. The end effector and arm can
move simultaneously with base motion, maximizing specimen
throughput.
TestMaster Automation Supervisor
The Automation Supervisor software acts as master controller for the
entire system. It provides top-level commands to the robotic
system controller and the materials testing software. The
Supervisor provides for entry of set-up parameters that define
the configuration such as test grips and fixtures, type of
measuring device, and number and location of dimension
measurements. Each configuration is assigned a descriptive
name for easy reference by the system operator.
Materials Testing Software
Instron's innovative test and control software makes even the
most complex testing applications easy to set up and operate. Instron's
Windows-based materials testing software packages
enable flexible application solutions for a wide range of standard
and specialized tests.
Automation Modules
Modules are designed specifically for use with Instron TestMaster
Automation Systems. All devices accept operating commands
from the robotic controller that in turn executes instructions
from the Automation Supervisor.
Identification Module
The Identification Module automates batch and specimen
identification by reading a wide range of information from a
bar-coded label, including batch size, specimen identification,
testing conditions, limit values, results calculations and report
formats. In some applications, multiple batches of specimens can
be placed in a single storage magazine and, by reading the coded
information, test methods and conditions can be changed with each
new batch. A wide variety of inspection formats are supported.
A bar-coded label containing all batch information is attached to
a spacer placed in the storage magazine in front of a batch of test
specimens. The robot first passes the spacer through the bar-code reader's
field of view, recognizing the batch information and establishing
the test parameters.
Testing methods can also be changed for
individual specimens by placing the coded label on the gripping
tab of the specimen itself, which can then be passed through the
reader's field of view.
Universal Specimen Dispenser with Storage Magazines
Success of an automated test system begins with the introduction
of test specimens into the testing environment. The Universal
Specimen Dispenser, along with its specimen storage magazines,
accommodates a wide variety of materials, specimen shapes and
testing conditions while ensuring positive presentation of test
specimens.
Consisting of a vacuum head mounted on a rodless cylinder,
the dispenser accurately and repeatedly lifts specimens to a fixed location
for presentation by the robot. The storage magazines store up to
16" of test specimens including plastics, composites, thin films,
elastomers and sheet metal. Standardized magazine installation minimizes
downtime and ensures accurate alignment. Priority specimens can be
easily placed in the queue without interrupting the testing program.
Dimension Measurement Module
The Dimension Measurement Module precisely determines specimen
dimensions. Highly accurate, pneumatically driven digital measurement
probes sense the width and/or thickness of the test specimens and
transfer the measurements to the Instron data
acquisition and analysis software. Single probe and dual probe models
as well as high-resolution models are available.
The units are designed for data consistency, repeatability and
integrity. The measurement probes contact the specimen with a fixed,
predetermined force. Precise placement of the specimen on the
measurement base and the ability to program multiple measurements
increases versatility while maintaining accuracy. Interchangeable
probe tips, designed for specific materials and test specifications,
minimize the possibility of specimen deformation errors.
Operator training
During system installation and acceptance testing, the
Instron installation team provides training in basic operation
so you can immediately enjoy the benefits of automation. Later,
formal operator training programs covering Instron test systems,
materials testing software and robotics programming ensure
that automation system benefits and productivity are fully achieved.
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