New Extensometer Technology Facilitates Better Materials Testing

With tight timelines and even tighter budgets, the pressure to deliver high-caliber products has never been more important. In a world where quality and reliability can make or break a company’s reputation, cost-effective testing techniques that improve testing efficiency and benefit from modern technological advancements are the ones that will give R&D, engineers and test facilities a distinct advantage.

Since the standardization of extensometry in the 1950s, the use of an extensometer—a sophisticated ruler used to measure displacement or strain on the surface of a test piece—has not changed significantly. However, it has become evident that this testing methodology needed a boost to keep pace with modern applications, where other computing mechanisms have been built into materials testing systems.

Increased Test Efficiency

The introduction of new optical extensometer technology has made traditional, mechanical tools nearly obsolete. It uses intelligent non-contact, high-accuracy measurement techniques to eliminate the common challenges of traditional contacting and non-contact extensometers, while also offering some distinct advantages.

For those looking to take an easy, first step toward automating their existing materials testing process in order to maintain consistency in test performance, the new Vector Extensometer (Figure 1) reduces operator involvement, decreasing manual errors in calculation or calibration as well as simultaneously measure longitudinal and transverse strain.

This self-contained, plug-in-and-power-up precision system eliminates all the tricky and cumbersome set-up options associated with other optical extensometers and removes the need for multiple PCs and interface equipment.

Using adaptive Artificial Intelligence (AI) coupled with optical hardware, Vector reduces testing time and is ideal for complex environments, such as assessing extremely fragile specimens as well as small and non-uniform specimens, measuring strain through failure or operating in harsh or dimly lit applications.

Tackling Common Trouble Spots

For each trouble area that extensometry has encountered in the past, now there’s an easy solution.

Poor grip on a specimen? Vector is non-contact. Worn edges? No problem, Vector is laser-enabled. Improper length? It is compliant with ASTM E83. The need for manual calculation? Measurements are now computerized. Worried about accuracy and the possibility of improper data collection? AI-based capture eliminates that risk.

Vector addresses it all, clip sensitivity, dulled edges, physical marking, manual calibration fluctuation, non-uniform specimens, synchronized force and strain data. It delivers quality results in every test. (Figure 2)

Adoption and Usability

Setup is straightforward, so adding it to existing equipment is simple. And what is even better, there are no special skills required to run it. Everyone from new hires to company veterans can set up the machine and start running tests in no time.

Vector reduces risk because it is very hands off and streamlined, with processing power contained within the unit itself. Users don’t need a separate PC to process and manage the data. The system pre-processes it and sends direct to the main PC.

This cutting-edge technology is the very latest in digital extensometry, enabling synchronized force and strain data in real-time, with no lag.

Optimal ROI

This step-change in digital, data-driven materials test processing is seen across a wide range of industry sectors, with Vector meeting or exceeding ISO 9513 Class 0.5 and ASTM E83 Class B1 standards. Vector provides optimal overall ROI, thanks to its streamlined testing process, accurate results in every test scenario and the elimination of consumable parts that need replacement.

Accuracy, resolution, data rates, control, precise adherence to test standards, calibration, measurement of uncertainty and traceability – this new advancement in extensometry can handle them all.

To learn more about available Vector models and how new optical extensometer technology facilitates better materials testing, download our whitepaper Modern Extensometry for a Data-driven World.

Automotive OEMs Improve Materials Testing ROI With In-house Infrastructure

Materials testing is an integral part of the automotive industry. It provides quality assurance by ensuring that vehicles, including all their components, are safe and reliable, while also meeting the regulatory standards required by the federal government. Although third-party testing centers are a popular choice among OEM suppliers, implementing an in-house materials testing system can quickly provide a better, and more significant, return on investment.

Recent Effects of Recalls and Safety Concerns

While maintaining profitability is a key area for the stability of any business, in automotive component manufacturing, trust among the consumer and the automakers themselves is worth more than its weight in gold. Recent years have seen an increase in high profile instances of recalls, defects and unsafe operating environments that have eroded consumer confidence, putting more emphasis on the value of a company’s reputation and ability to provide reliable, safe automotive systems. (Figure 1)

Sending parts out for third-party inspection and verification is one method of quality control, but more OEM suppliers are evaluating the benefits of an in-house materials testing system that affords them the opportunity to better manage yield and inventory, with speedy responses to production defects and better oversight of the actual production process.

Improving ROI and Consumer Confidence

Investing in an in-house materials testing system empowers OEMs to improve product quality, innovate effectively and maintain competitiveness in an industry that is not only extremely demanding, but also regulated by standards, including ISO, ASTM and ES. While the initial investment may seem higher than a weekly shipment to an off-site testing facility, the long-term savings can be substantial, with a return on investment seen quicker than one might think:

Reduction in Testing Costs: OEMs avoid immediate recurring costs, like testing fees, associated with hiring third-party testing services. Over time, in-house testing equipment reduces the cost and time associated with sending parts out for testing.
Faster Time-to-Market: An in-house infrastructure allows for rapid testing and prototyping, in turn creating faster product development cycles. OEMs can respond more rapidly to design changes or new requirements, reducing delays in the production process. Turn-around times are faster, too, since materials can be tested as needed.
Custom Testing Capabilities: Developing testing methods that specifically address unique materials and performance needs, like harness, metal and corrosion testing, means OEMs also have the ability to experiment with new materials and technologies that could lead to new and more innovative products. Continuous improvement is possible when testing in-house because it allows OEMs to focus on specific materials and processes, refining testing strategies over time while working to enhance product development and innovation.
Data Ownership: With better control over testing data, the analysis and integration OEMs can implement into the development process helps to improve product quality and performance. Software-based management tools, like Tinius Olsen’s Horizon platform, provides computer-assisted data acquisition and machine control that collects, analyzes, graphs and stores data. It can also provide control over testing operations. (Figure 2)

A Streamlined Process: In-house testing encourages collaboration between a variety of different departments, including testing, engineering, and production, to create a more efficient workflow as well as help avoid delays and scheduling conflicts that often happen when using an outside testing facility.
Quality Control: Maintaining consistency and direct oversight of the testing process and protocols ensure that testing standards are adhered to, an important factor in the automotive industry. This leads to higher quality materials and components with fewer defects and recalls, which significantly impacts profitability. It also can lead to longer-lasting components and parts, which improves a brand’s reputation and customer satisfaction, translating into increased sales.
Ease in Scalability: Today’s materials testing systems are designed to scale with the needs of an OEM quickly and efficiently. This allows manufacturers to accommodate increased testing and production demands without a significant increase in cost. Some systems even perform multiple test scenarios within the same compact system footprint.

Before you look to invest in an in-house testing system, take stock of your most critical testing parameters. Equipment, like the Tinius Olsen universal testing machines, are designed to perform quality control tests on raw materials, like metals, polymers, textiles, rubbers and adhesives. A horizontal tensile testing machine tests for tensile strength, along with elastic modulus and corrosion resistance, in materials like alloys, composites and plastics and an indentation hardness materials testing machine can quickly and accurately determine the hardness value of metals, components, large parts and small precision parts used in cars. (Figure 3)

While the upfront costs of purchasing materials testing machines can seem overwhelming, the benefits and long-term advantages, including greater quality control, speed, flexibility, customization and security, align closely with an OEM’s goals of quality, efficiency and innovation. This can lead to a more favorable ROI in the long run and helps maintain a competitive advantage in this demanding industry.

Two Test Systems, One Software Platform

Technology innovations in materials testing aren’t just providing better data analytics, they are also providing improved testing efficiencies. In an industry predicated on long-standing industry standards that dictate the parameters of test results—including precision, repeatability and accuracy—we’re still finding ways and opportunities to improve testing efficiency across the industry and focus on improvements, where it makes sense.

Because the standards themselves don’t change much from year to year, we can seek other methods of process improvement. Digitizing test information using updated tools, like enhanced software packages, has allowed users to collect, manipulate, analyze, graph and store data in ways that previously were just not feasible. This ability to make testing data more actionable gives us deeper insights into our materials testing operations.

Streamlined Process Through Software Advancement

Prior to the use of intuitive software platforms, a computer system was typically needed for each testing set up. That also meant space was needed for each machine, test system, etc. Moving data analysis into a streamlined software process not only helps move our industry forward, but it’s also transforming how we can do things with better data insights and more efficient reporting, while enabling a smaller test system footprint on the testing floor. (Figure 1)

Fig. 1: Advancements in software platforms are providing a more holistic materials testing environment that both improves production and saves floor space within a facility.

Where space is at a premium, like in a lab where there is already quite a bit of existing infrastructure and the constant need to upgrade, with limited space to do so, materials testing software has completely changed how things are done. In the case of Horizon software from Tinius Olsen, there’s more than just space-saving benefits; it has the ability to manage both the test procedures and the automation, making data easily accessible, for everything ranging from R&D to charging and analysis functions of QC testing.

A Gamechanger On the Testing Floor

A recent application at a global polymer matrix composite manufacturer put Horizon’s capabilities to the test. An automated materials testing system using the software was built so that two independent automated tests – tensile (ASTM D638) and flexure (ASTM D790) – ran simultaneously on the same machine. The reduced scale of the system in footprint alone enabled a more efficient testing environment, and the physical assembly was complemented by enhanced digital data exchange across internal processes, which included a bar code led data flow, customized results, alerts and system status. (Figure 2)

Fig. 2: Running one software platform across multiple test environments can reduce the materials testing footprint needed, especially critical for upgrades in existing facilities.

Key to this testing set up is the robotic arm, which accesses the specimen rack and test frame for both machines, all running on a single Horizon software platform. Through just one automation cell, the two tests are performed, streamlining data, reducing latency and improving materials testing results.

Overall Operations Improved

Whether you’re controlling and gathering data from multiple melt indexers, hydraulic tensile testing machines, or electromechanical testing machines that are performing tensile, compression, flexural, tear, peel or other tests, Horizon can run all the tests and gather all the information in one place. In addition, the software features a recall function that enables you to add key data that is either not available or missed. All digital data is streamlined and easily accessible.

Once all data has been gathered, the software’s result editor and output editor can consolidate all data that has been generated into customizable reports, depending on what type of analysis you or your customers may need. Multiple graph types can be applied per test, like stress vs. strain, or load vs. time, and reports can be distributed across one PC, multiple PCs, or across a network for easy multi-team access, keeping everyone on the same page. (Figure 3)

Fig. 3: Intuitive software platforms, like Horizon from Tinius Olsen, enable streamlined data processing and more advanced results and analysis.

Confidence In Your Testing Methodology

If your testing regime follows a quality control analysis to a variety of international standards, be sure your software includes a built-in test method library built that enables you to select test methods that have been written in accordance with your applicable industry and international test standards.

The ability to customize the test setup using a standard as a template and a configurable database that facilitates sharing across several computers on a company’s network are also important aspects to consider, as this will allow the testing programs and testing data to be used by multiple systems.

As part of the software’s development process, Tinius Olsen took the best features of its existing software, including Test Navigator, QMat and EP600, added a host of report writing and data manipulation capabilities and created Horizon, now one of the most advanced software platforms for materials testing.

As we move forward as an industry, we should continue to develop the means to innovate the materials testing process by focusing not only on testing machines, but on the holistic process of our testing environments.

Sustainable Alternatives Gain Validation Through Materials Testing

The past few years have shown us that the world around us is finite and fragile. And we all play a part in its sustainability. There has been a push across several industries to develop inventive, forward-looking products and technologies, while maintaining a better balance with the environment for long-term global health.

With innovation comes the unknown. Will a newly developed material stand up to the defined ASTM or ISO standards or will the use of a different material in an existing application meet the required industry standard benchmarks? Standards exist to ensure product safety and quality, which is all for the benefit and protection of the end user.

Confidence in Material Innovations

As an industry, we are tasked with maintaining a level of confidence in the products and solutions being delivered, and standards are an important aspect of that. There are many promising examples of sustainable products that incorporate recyclable or biodegradable materials and also support an eco-friendly environment. But to be able to confidently put these innovations into the mainstream, companies still rely on materials testing to known industry standards and specifications.

Material testing provides the insight to gauge the useability of certain materials and products in specific environments. And in the world of eco-friendly material innovation, it has helped lay the groundwork to develop solutions beyond just delivery of a product, but also to help combat climate change, to increase types and quantities of materials that can be recycled, and ultimately open doors to innovations that are solving some real-world challenges.

Recycled Glass Aggregate

The collapse of I-95 in Philadelphia, PA seemed, at first, catastrophic. Initial calculations framed the road closure in years, then possibly over several months. So who would have thought that in a mere few weeks, this massive roadway connecting a large swath of the eastern United States would be up and running after such an epic event, using a sustainable material made from glass.

Recycled glass aggregate is not new. Formed by crushing glass into a powder, blending it with a foamy slurry, heating it and then breaking it into briquettes, the crushed aggregate is used in a number of construction applications, including as backfill or in roller applications. The size, shape, density and strength of the aggregate all affect its long-term performance in pavement and structures.

Testing of the ultra-lightweight foamed aggregate is critical to prove its efficacy and ensure it has the strength needed to bear the weight and force of heavy-duty construction. It also confirms that the aggregate is composed of a good mix of chemicals and materials that can compact to and withstand a certain force. Thanks to testing performed using Tinius Olsen equipment, the company developing the aggregate already had the results and data to know this aggregate could serve as the backfill for the temporary lanes constructed along the highway corridor.

Figure 1: Testing of the aggregate is carried out with Tinius Olsen equipment.

Sustainable Wool Rope

Seaweed farming itself is not only a sustainable source for fertilizer, bio-ethanol and livestock feed, but it helps negate carbon and nitrogen levels in the ocean as well as provides a healthy ecosystem for marine life. So the fact that non-recyclable, everlasting polypropylene rope is laid on the sea floor to grow the harvested seaweed counterbalances the environmentally-friendly aspects of growing a renewable resource. And this plastic rope is washing up on coastlines across the globe, rubbing against rocks, resulting in a hard plastic crust coating the coastlines.

But what if the rope was made of biodegradable wool that itself is sustainable and renewable. Would its physical properties still hold up as needed in the corrosive saltwater environment? Tinius Olsen is helping to answer this question.

Manufactured in a range of diameters, from small lengths to full coils, all of the wool rope currently produced is from local farms and craftspeople in the United Kingdom. But this paradigm shift for seaweed farming needs validation and is being accomplished through materials testing. By relying on proven equipment Tinius Olsen is helping to identify the proper breaking strain as well as design the special grips needed to hold the rope for proper testing.

Figure 2: The sustainable rope is used to farm seaweed and shellfish

Testing of Eco-friendly Innovations

In the world of materials testing, manufacturers turn to industry standards to enable them to validate, qualify and prove the viability of their products and raw materials. For materials pushing the envelope of what is known and acceptable, testing to a defined set of compliance levels becomes even more critically important.

Developing sustainable material alternatives and bringing them to market is no small feat. Testing validation is just one aspect of this process. Also of importance is a partner invested in the success of innovative product development and who has the technical knowledge and pedigree to deliver quality testing equipment to validate your product innovations.

Elevated Temperature Testing Validates Innovation in Additive-based Superalloy Manufacturing

Commonly used in extreme environments, such as in the aerospace, industrial and power generation markets, superalloys are a class of high-performance alloys with impressive mechanical strength as well as resistance to thermal creep and corrosion at high temperatures. Those in the materials science and engineering industries continue to develop increased performance capabilities and seek out new applications for these advanced materials.

Although used for decades, this type of material still requires specialized manufacturing techniques and produces a lot of wasted material, driving up costs in production. Additive manufacturing, which involves melting and fusing metal powders layer by layer, has emerged as a promising technique for producing the complex geometries of superalloy components as well as for reducing material waste during production.

Also known as 3D printing, this is still a relatively new, intricate process, and a deeper understanding of the performance and durability of the materials produced using this additive method is needed. (Figure 1)

Figure 1: The production of 3D printed high temperature superalloys is still a growing area, but elevated temperature testing can remove some of the unknowns in quality and reliability.

Studying Material Behavior
Those tasked with the production of superalloys have sought out new methods to further advance this additive manufacturing of superalloys and improve the performance and reliability of superalloy components in extreme environments. Answering the questions surrounding the mechanical behavior of these additively manufactured superalloys is a critical step in enabling this modern manufactured material to move beyond skepticism and play a critical role in high-performance applications.

Elevated temperature mechanical testing has always played a key role in the development of new materials that need to withstand extreme conditions, and additive-based superalloys are no different. By subjecting materials to elevated temperatures and mechanical stress, researchers have been able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different materials, which has allowed them to develop new materials as well as identify ones that are better suited to specific applications.

Playing a particularly important role in the additive manufacturing of superalloys, elevated temperature mechanical testing allows researchers to study the behavior of these materials by simulating the high-temperature, high-pressure environments are often found in real-world applications. (Figure 2)

Figure 2: Today’s elevated temperature testing environments are total systems, comprised of the frame, chamber, sensors, specimen holders and software to help manage and analyze system data.

Why Elevated Temperature Testing?

Insights gained into the material’s microstructure and deformation behavior under different conditions can help identify potential weaknesses or failure modes in the material and inform the development of improved manufacturing processes or material designs. Proper elevated temperature testing can answer significant questions that will provide better performance and efficiency in the application of superalloys produced using additive manufacturing techniques:

What are the effects of different heat treatments on the mechanical properties of additively manufactured superalloys?
How do different alloy compositions perform under these temperature and stress extremes?
What strengths and weaknesses do these materials exhibit and how can each be used in specific applications?
With access to more accurate, repeatable data, what improved predictions can be made about a material’s behavior under extreme conditions?

Testing Today’s Superalloys

Modern elevated mechanical testing methods make use of advanced instrumentation and control technology, such as high-temperature furnaces and specialized testing frame and software configurations capable of applying precise loads, strains and temperatures to the specimens under test.

The development of these more advanced testing equipment and techniques has enabled significantly improved accuracy and repeatability, resulting in more precise insight into material behavior under extreme conditions. This has led to an increased understanding of material behavior, with researchers gaining insights into the fundamental physics of material behavior. Ultimately, new materials with improved properties and new production techniques can confidently be brought to market.

Testing standards also play a critical role in the testing of superalloys, so it’s important to note some of the more common ones used in elevated temperature testing. These include ASTM E21, ASTM E139, ASTM E145, ASTM E220, ASTM E1457 and ISO 6892-2, all of which define the test parameters, measurements and results to precisely characterize the response of material to determine its strength, performance and ensure quality to prevent failure in use as well as make informed decisions in terms of which materials to use for a given application.

Elevated mechanical testing continues to evolve and improve with new developments in materials science and technology. This materials testing method has helped to improve the safety and reliability of many critical systems, such as aircraft engines and nuclear power plants. By understanding how materials behave under extreme conditions, engineers can design systems that are better able to withstand these conditions without failing or causing harm to people or the environment. When working with new, innovative materials, such as additive manufactured superalloys, confidence in the process is just as important as confidence in the material.

Polymers – Solution to your quality issues

Download Plastics Brochure

One important factor when developing a new plastic product is testing. Only by testing raw materials, components and the finished item according to relevant standards can you be confident that your plastic product meets the high expectations of the market and is strong and flexible enough to function in the way that it has been designed.

Some of the most common test types within plastics testing include tensile strength, wet strength, elongation to rupture, yield strength, folding endurance, impact strength, heat distortion, melt flow, puncture, modulus, Poisson’s ratio, compressive, flexural, shear and friction. All of these test types can be performed on Tinius Olsen’s high-precision testing machines.

Our material testing and force measurement instruments are used by some of the most innovative companies in the world. We specialize in custom material testing solutions designed to meet the individual needs of our clients. Our involvement in the plastics industry spans decades, giving us extensive experience in this field. All test hardware is fully complemented by our Horizon software.

Tinius Olsen’s versatile benchtop polymer testing machines can perform many materials test routines that meet ASTM, ISO and other international specifications, including tensile, compressive, tear, peel, flexural, puncture, shear and frictional resistance tests.

Our IT503 and IT504 Impact Testers feature heavy duty construction with an aerodynamic compound pendulum, ensuring maximum rigidity in the direction of impact.

The model MP1200 melt flow tester/extrusion plastometer is offered in two configurations, both of which are fully compliant with the requirements of ASTM D1238, ISO 1133 and other international standards.

3D Printing – Role of materials testing

Robotic exoskeleton technology has been with us for almost sixty years but the most recent advances in its composites base could see it being an integral part of missions to Mars in the 2030’s.

To many of us the term exoskeleton is reserved for the realms of science fiction or conjures up images of body armour clad superheroes such as Iron Man or even Batman. Although the vast majority of these have sprung from the fertile imaginations of artists and writers, the equally fertile lobes within the scientific community are turning this science fiction into science fact.

An exoskeleton is a rigid structure that wraps around the body and is often used to assist joint movement. This ‘exosuit’ try’s to act like an artificial muscle, aiding the wearers’ muscles to contract and extend.

The development of the first robotic exoskeletons can be traced back to around 1965, when General Electric developed the Hardiman, a large full-body exoskeleton designed to augment the user’s strength to enable the lifting of heavy objects.

The first exoskeletons for gait assistance were developed at the end of the 1960’s at the Mihajlo Pupin Institute, Serbia and in the early 1970’s at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US.

So, step forward Dr Matt Dickinson, Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. Matt teaches in areas around concept design, with especial focus on the application of composite materials through 3D printing technology. Working out of the University’s new multi-million pound Engineering Innovation Centre, it appears he was in the right place at the right time.

“I’ll be honest, if you told me three years ago we’d be on the verge of developing world leading exoskeleton technology, I’d have questioned your sanity but here we are,” said Matt.

“It all started thanks to a local teenager who won the regional Primary Engineer competition back in 2019. Luckily, it was my responsibility to assess each entry and this one instantly struck a cord with me, as it simply asked why there is no special suit, or exoskeleton, that a child with muscular disease can wear to aid with mobility. To me, it was such an obvious idea that there must be one out there already but how wrong I was!”

The reason for this lack of development was purely down to design. For instance, how do you produce a suit that ‘grows’ with its host, is lightweight enough to be practical as well as being low cost and thus accessible to all?

“As a mechanical engineer, my first thought was to produce the suit out of aluminium, which looking back, would have been totally impracticable as well as being horrendously expensive to produce.”

The required material needed to be lightweight and accessible but it also needed to be affordable. In short, the technology would be impracticable if no one could actually maintain it, or if lower income families couldn’t afford it.

“The structure of the suit is what’s called a passive design system, meaning it’s part exosuit, which acts as a point of contraction, like a muscle but is also a passive exoskeleton, which distributes the force and load.”

“By taking these two approach’s we are attempting to combine both of these technology’s to build a hybrid system that will support the human frame and also aid in the muscle contraction and extension, which has led to the development of a new bespoke actuation method that we have designed.”

“The material I initially looked with the potential to support this criteria was polylactic PLA. At this point, nobody had tested the material to see if it was capable of supporting the human body but the results soon indicated we had hit on something extremely special.”
The first iteration of the design proved the suitability of the composite, although issues with the materials reaction towards UV light and the potential for the lactic acid in human skin to impregnate the material, needed to be addressed.

“Skin can sometimes activate the lactic acid within the material, which would see bacteria forming and ultimately compromise its structural integrity. This led us to incorporating a material embedded with copper nanoparticles, that creates a barrier between body sweat and the composite – a perfect anti microbial if you like,” said Matt.
The project is also exploring the use of chopped carbon PET. This is due to the extra strength the composite offers, which would be utilised as the core of the supportive structures of the suit, encased in poly lactic acid and carbon fibre.
“Basically, as with all projects such as this, things are continually under development. These are the materials we’re moving forward with at the moment but we’re continually looking to develop new composites that may supersede them,” continued Matt.
“At this stage we couldn’t move any further forward until we had a better understanding of the mechanical properties of these materials, which is where Tinius Olsen comes in.”

A chance meeting at one of the UK’s major engineering show set the scene for the working partnership, which has seen the company loan, initially, a 50ST testing frame, a platform for optical extensometry, load cells as well as the companies powerful Horizon testing software. Technicians are also on hand to give advice and direction where needed.
The partnership goes way beyond just machinery and advice however. Through Tinius Olsen, Matt was introduced to ASTM International, becoming Subcommittee Chair of the F48.04 Committee for standards in exoskeleton development.
“Primarily, what the ASTM F48 Committee are looking at, as with any R&D project that is going to be utilised with human use, is failure fatigue of the components that are being utilised. There’s also the life expectancy of the components and or material being utilised, through the usual compression, tension, and bending movements of everyday use. The Tinius Olsen machine and instruments we now have at our disposal will enable us to undertake this required testing at a much greater rate, literally taking years off the R&D time.”
“The doors this association has opened for the project are substantial, we have literally been catapulted from a lab in Preston onto the international stage, which has seen this development move forward exponentially. We literally wouldn’t have been able to get where we are currently without Tinius Olsen.”
“Our ultimate goal is develop a suit that can offer assisted living. It’s not really designed to give extra strength, more to give children with muscle disease more mobility, more independence and, most importantly, a greater quality of life.”
The suit will be going into human trials later this year.

Other Applications

It’s not just within the medical field this development can be successfully applied. As an example, space agencies such as NASA can adapt the technology into their spacesuit design for the forthcoming missions to Mars, planned for the mid 2030’s.

This can extend to military applications, not just supporting the body structure of soldiers and pilots but also ground crew and technicians responsible for the building and maintenance of heavy ordinance, tanks and aircraft.

Professional sport can also benefit. Protective body equipment for sports such American football and rugby are obvious applications but the opportunities for the supportive treatment of sports injuries are also substantial.

And of course the heavy lifting associated with construction and other manufacturing industries could see a reduction in work hours lost due to strain and back injuries to workers.

University of Central Lancashire, Engineering Innovation Centre

The Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) of the University of Central Lancashire, UK is located on the Preston Campus, bringing together world-leading research, leading business minds and inspiring teaching in a spirit of collaboration and
discovery.

The new £35m EIC strengthens Lancashire’s position as a national centre of excellence for aerospace, advanced engineering and manufacturing and contributes towards maintaining the UK’s reputation as a global leader in these areas. It gives engineering students opportunities to work alongside research experts and industry partners, with the chance to work on vehicles inside our aerospace and motorsports laboratory, get to grips with flight simulators and drone technology, experiment with 3D printing, and a whole lot more.

The state-of-the-art teaching and research facility engages directly with industry and provides students with real-world experience on live projects. In doing so, the EIC acts as one of the driving forces behind the industrial strategy, both on a regional and national scale, addressing the need for innovation and producing the next generation of world-class engineers.

The Centre finds possible solutions to significant priorities in contemporary society and to elements of the UK Industrial Strategy.

Its role is to manage, support and stimulate strategic development and growth of engineering research and knowledge transfer, which will enable industry to address challenges at home and overseas. Activities are focused within a range of research areas containing a diverse series of specialist laboratories, covering a wide range of sectors including composites, oil and gas, 3D printing, intelligent machines, aerospace and motorsport.

Maximizing Your AMT Investment with Materials Testing Software

Download Horizon Brochure

Whether a materials testing system is fully or only partially automated, managing and analyzing the resulting data is just as important as the repeatability and sustainability of the testing process itself.

Data is key to engineering decision intelligence through advanced analysis, which increases your opportunities to rethink and optimize decisions for a better return on investment (ROI).

Align Your Data to Business Value

The best business value comes from efficiently compiling, analyzing, controlling and reporting on the data collected. So, once you’ve aligned your automated testing system to achieve maximum productivity for your operation, make sure you can put those insights into action with powerful materials testing software that provides:

Insightful data analysis
Complex control
Sophisticated reporting

Designed to deliver test results instantaneously to the teams that need them, Horizon Software optimizes multiple parts of your automated materials testing operation:

Manufacturing Process
Quality Manager
Lab Manager
Back-up and Archive

Its pre-defined testing programs can be modified to fit a customer’s particular requirements and Horizon also enables testing data to be exported and transferred to other data analysis systems. Find out how you can broaden the impact of your data with Horizon Software.

Today ASTM D1238 for melt flow does not currently accommodate a closed loop MFI it is a weight loading standard only.

However, the ASTM Committee D20.30 Thermal Properties, specifically D20.30.08 Thermal Processing Properties responsible for the standard are evaluating closed loop technology, in particular accuracy, repeatability and comparison of the same with dead weight systems. At this point they have a path to updating ASTM D1238 to cover both dead weight and closed loop MFI technology.

ISO 1133-1 does allow for closed loop melt flow technology see extract from the standard in pic.

That said it does not mean ASTM are lagging, rather they take a different approach proving technology works before they add it to a standard by performing actual comparative material tests to verify measurement performance and capability in key parameters including accuracy, repeatability and being able to define a precision and bias statement. In short ASTM wants to see the technology working before it will include it in a standard.

ISO takes a different route; it verifies a technology concept capability to perform a test irrespective of results being correct and or accurate etc. If a Technology is possible, feasible in concept ISO will put it in a standard in readiness for the future technology capability to come along.

I believe MFI technology will follow the same path as tension/compression machines many many years ago and more recently hardness testers in that the use of dead weight to provide a loading force will become extinct. Closed loop systems using a load cell and a control feedback loop will eclipse weight-based products in all areas of capability including but not limited to resolution, accuracy, repeatability, productivity and safety.

At Tinius Olsen our MFI technology application experts and active participants in ASTM standards are;

Harry Yohn – Profile linkedin.com/in/harold-yohn-532b9411

John Thompson – Profile linkedin.com/in/thompson-john-3b85957b

and you can check me out at linkedin.com/in/martin-wheeler-b6475294