Forney Test Machines

Hardware

Frame

Designed and built by Forney.

The load frame is manufactured from structural steel angles welded to solid steel plate top and bottom crossheads. The hydraulic cylinder assembly is mounted to the top crosshead, with force applied downward. This design eliminates foreign material build-up around the piston cylinder area. The hydraulic piston is self-contained and can’t be overextended – eliminating the need for an over-travel limit switch.

Materials

Prepare and test compacted soil specimens for Resistance R-Value, including exudation, specimen preparation, and automated R-Value test control.

Console Design

The electronic control cabinet houses the variable frequency drives, power supplies, E-Stop, and additional electrical equipment to control the load frame. It also includes the human-machine interface (HMI) and a hydraulic power unit with pumps, valves, and other necessary equipment, all mounted on an extruded aluminum post.

Electrical

A PC-based system utilizes a variable-frequency drive to control the hydraulic pump motor. This maximizes efficiency, running the pump only 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)
• Position transducer enabling displacement control
• Windows-based touchscreen human-machine interface (HMI)
• Pressure transducer that provides pressure feedback
• E-stop PB
• Solenoid-operated dump valve

Safety Features

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

• Maximum Capacity Protection: A high-pressure safety relief value protects the hydraulic circuit and load frame from exceeding maximum capacity.

Software

Easy Automatic Testing

Push one button and the machine performs the complete test. Accurately controls the rate of load or rate of displacement at the desired setting; thus, there is no question about meeting ASTM (or other) specifications and ensuring repeatable results.

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. Standard functionality includes data collection by the ForneyLink HMI for printing and transfer.

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.