A new servoelectric material test system generates little noise.

A new material test system has been introduced that uses servo-electric technology to reduce noise levels, and eliminate the oil leaks and some other characteristics associated with servo-hydraulic material-test equipment. In fact, its makers say that the machine is so efficient that it runs whisper quiet.

The product, introduced in March, is called Evolution and it is from MTS Systems Corp. (Eden Prairie, MN). The name stems from what the company calls a progression from electromechanical technology and servo-hydraulic technology. Chip Emery, CEO of MTS, says that the Evolution combines the dynamic testing capability of servo-hydraulic test systems, which MTS also makes, with the ease-of-use of electromechanical tension and compression systems.

The Evolution performs cyclic tension and compression testing. It is totally electric and has one moving part while the test is running. Because it is a servo-electric system, however, it cannot reach the same levels of force as a servo-hydraulic system and so is limited to applications that require less than 5 kilonewtons.

The Evolution can be used for durability testing, cycle compression testing, peeled testing, tensile-strength testing, shear-bond testing, crack initiation and fatigue testing. It uses industry standard adapters and allows the use of both servo-hydraulic and electromechanical grips and fixtures.

Clean rooms
Because the Evolution does not need oil, pumping systems or cooling water hoses, and does not have the high noise levels typical of servo-hydraulic systems, it can be used in clean-room applications. It can be equipped with particle containment cabinets, depending on the application.

Emery says the new machine would be attractive to research and development departments. "Test laboratories now limited to static testing by conventional electromechanical technology can step up to dynamic testing with an electromechanical machine they can be comfortable with and doesn't require high pressure oil and associated pressurization and cooling systems."

The Evolution has a minimum speed of 0.004 inch per minute and a maximum speed of 100 inches per minute. The speed accuracy is 0.3%. It has an actuator stroke of up to 300 millimeters. The width between columns is 18 inches.

The price tag for the Evolution is $49,500. The base price includes a frame, fatigue rated load cell, a controller, software and computer.

Test software
The material test system uses TestWorks software for computer control and data acquisition. It offers waveform generation up to a frequency of 15 hertz. It provides users with low frequency dynamic testing control and data analysis.

In addition, the software conforms to ASTM, ISO, DIN and international testing standards. The software is executable with either Windows 2000 or XT professional operating systems and is fully compatible with Microsoft Office programs. It allows the user to generate custom reports, export data to Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and LIMS systems. Users can also receive online help via technical support wizards and view online manuals and video wave files.

The system is equipped with a high-speed USB 2.0 interface. The controller is based on the company's Elite Controller. The company says its modular design permits easy access for service and simple future upgrades.

TECHNOLOGY CONTACT
For more information on the Evolution servo-electric testing system, contact:
MTS Systems Corp.
14000 Technology Dr.
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
(952) 937-4000
Fax: (952) 937-4515
E-mail: [email protected]
URL: www.MTS.com

QUALITY SPECS

• Performs cycle testing at less than 15 hertz.
  
• Force capacity up to 5 kilonewtons.
  
• Collects up to 1,000 points per second.
  
• Plugs into 200 vac/single phase power.
  
• Sinusoidal loading is I3.75 kilonewtons to 15 hertz.
  
• Displacement resolution is 20 microinch per 0.5 micron.