Forney Test Machines

Hardware

Frame

The heavy-duty tensile/compression unit is designed with two cross heads and one compression platen. The moveable crosshead is mounted on motorized threaded strain rods while the stationary crosshead is mounted to the load table by stationary strain rods. The load table is directly connected to the power piston. The hydraulic power piston assembly is located in the bottom of the load frame and force is applied in an upward direction. A manually actuated rack and pinion system controls the position of the gripping jaws while loading specimens.

Designed and built by Forney. The LT-120 Series Universal Testing Machines are specifically designed for testing a variety of materials in tension, compression and flexure – including cementitious and metallic materials like briquettes, cubes, cylinders, rebar, rebar with joints or T-Caps, and bolts, as well as other non-cementitious and non-metallic materials. Universal Testing Machines measure Force, Displacement, Velocity and Strain.

Hydraulic Pumping System

The console houses the pumping system, consisting of two (2) submerged, vertically-mounted radial piston pumps, in-line coupled with supercharge/rapid advance pumps.  Appropriate valves for safety relief and pressure discharge are mounted on top of the reservoir, which is mounted inside the bottom of the console.

The system utilizes two (2) variable frequency drives to adjust motor speed and therefore pump output to coincide with programmed demand set by the test set up.  This provides the most efficient hydraulic power arrangement as only the amount of flow needed is developed.  Excess oil is not generated, and does not therefore require discharge over a relief valve.  This minimizes heat, and greatly extends hydraulic system longevity.

In addition, an optional precision proportional control valve provides fine control of the testing process and facilitates test protocols such as Modulus of Elasticity and Cyclic Testing which require controlled release of hydraulic pressure.

Electrical

A PC-based system utilizes a variable frequency drive to control the hydraulic pump motor. This maximizes efficiency – only running the pump at speeds necessary to achieve the desired pressure. This energy efficient approach dramatically reduces heat build-up in the hydraulic system and greatly extends hydraulic component life.

Here are the main components of the system:

• Variable frequency drive (VFD)
• Windows-based touchscreen human machine interface (HMI)
• Pressure transducer that provides pressure feedback
• E-stop PB
• Limit switch
• Solenoid-operated dump valve

Software

Safety Features

Several safety features are incorporated to protect both operator and testing machine:

• Maximum Capacity Protection: A high-pressure safety relief value protects the hydraulic circuit and load frame from exceeding maximum capacity.
• Overextension Protection: A piston over-extension limit switch system protects against piston extension beyond maximum travel.

Power Piston Assembly

Testing pressure is applied by an 8.00” diameter power piston. Working stroke is 10.00” before safety disconnect.

Lower Tensile Crosshead

The lower crosshead is positioned by a motorized drive system. The drive system is powered by a 1/4 HP electric motor.

Gripping System

The rack and pinion gripping system will accept multiple styles of gripper jaws. Gripper jaws are easily interchanged and the following grips are available:

• “V” grips for round specimens ¼” to ¾” in diameter
• “V” grips for round specimens ½” to 1-1/4” in diameter
• Flat grips for specimens 0.06” to 1.00” thick by 0.12” to 3” wide

Compression Table

The compression table is manufactured from 5.00” thick solid steel. The horizontal daylight opening between the strain rods is 21.25”. Depth of table is 21”. A locating hole is provided for centering of testing accessories.

Control Console

The control console is a separate unit from the load frame and is positioned to the right of the load frame. The console houses the pumps, hydraulic control, Operator Interface (HMI), and electrical systems.

Console Design

The console consists of a welded frame with removable side and end covers to allow access to two areas:  an electronic control chamber, housing two variable frequency drives, power supplies, and additional electrical equipment to control the load frame; and a hydraulic power chamber housing pumps, valves and other necessary equipment.

Digital Control System

Setup of testing protocol, real-time display of test data, and post-test data transfer is accomplished through the ForneyLink touchscreen HMI. The operator can navigate options for:

• Test Run
• Test Setup
• Machine Setup
• Calibration
• Reporting and Data Transfer
• Diagnostics

Provides simultaneous display of force, stress, and rate of load and displays a real-time graph of Load vs. Time, or Stress vs. Strain. Standard functionality includes data collection by the ForneyLink HMI for printing and transfer. Data from optional extensometer and compressometer displacement transducers are also collected by the HMI. This data is captured with the same timestamp as the load data.

CMT Software Integration

Connected testing machines natively integrate with ForneyVault CMT software, improving important processes before and after an automatic test.

Before the test, Connected machines will:

• Enable positive specimen identification via barcode scan
• Provide pre-test “Smart Checks” based on preloaded sample and specimen data to validate sample date, ample size and type, and expected strength.
• Validate specimen geometry.
• Calculate preload settings based on actual and/or expected strength.

After the test, Connected machines will:

• Provide a detailed XY plot data for every test performed.
• Transfer data automatically to LIMS packages, QC systems, or other software.
• Alert to warn calibration expiration.
• Notify correction factor use, individual low breaks, and excessive variance.
• Enable intelligent workflows for detailed reporting and approvals.

Remote Support

With a user-provided Internet connection (either Wi-Fi or Ethernet), all Forney VFD systems are capable of real-time, online support from the Forney Support Team for basic settings and test setup to advanced troubleshooting, fault finding, and software updates.

We offer unlimited Remote Technical Support for all Forney Testing Machines during the two-year warranty period.

For ForneyVault® subscribers, post-warranty remote technical support fees are waived for the life of your subscription.

Please refer any special requirements to a Forney sales representative.

* Specifications are subject to change without notice.