Small Thin Film Analyzer
General
Description
The
STFA is an advanced paper test instrument used for testing and evaluating mechanical
properties of planar type materials such as paper, plastics, corrugated,
composites, textiles, elastomers, etc. The load frame (load control) applies
mechanical force and measures the resulting stress. An Extensometer provides
strain data allowing load related data analysis.
Applications
- A paper test lab certifying their product.
- A research organization testing recycled material
properties.
- A packaging company simulating corrugated box
performance.
- A fabric manufacturer testing strengths.
Test Types
The
tests can be conducted under various environmental conditions. Relative humidity
is not controlled, the RH and Temperature conditions are passive based on the
rooms environment. The test types are as follows:
- Load such as tensile, compression, creep and
stiffness.
- Short column (edgewise compressive corrugated
fiberboard) (required short column fixtures).
Electronics
The
STFA has few subsystems. The power is distributed through the main unit.
Basic sensors allow the real world to interface with the computer. The computer
is a current generation running Microsoft® Windows2000 Professional®. The
analog interface electronics uses 16 bit precision.
Software
The
Microsoft® Windows® based HMI (Human Machine Interface) software controls the
STFA. Concurrent multithreaded processes ensures high level of performance and
self monitoring. The fully Y2K compliant program running on Microsoft® Windows2000
Professional® is custom designed for this machine. Data storage is in the form
of an ASCII text comma separated values (CSV) file that can be read by any
software that can read a text file. The custom software semi-automates sensor
calibration. Data can be played back with a second program using a similar
screen for review or demonstrations.
Other
Information
The
internal load frame uses manual clamps that are adjustable. The vacuum
system provides sample restraint and air flow. Maximum air flow results in
minimal restraint. The STFA consists of one unit, with additional components
such as the computer.
Key Benefits
- In-plane compression testing.
- Precision load system using load control.
- Multitude of test types.
- Modern computer control.
Specifications |
