The Forney LA-300 is a purpose-built hydraulic flexural testing system engineered for larger beam specimens and test methods consistent with ASTM C78 and related standards. Its rigid welded-frame architecture, closed-loop VFD rate control, and integrated digital acquisition system deliver repeatable results for both Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Modulus of Rupture (MOR)—with the reliability and automation required for modern QA environments
Hardware
Frame
Designed and built by Forney, the LA-300 is a dedicated flexural test frame optimized for simply supported beam tests, including center-point and third-point loading arrangements.
- Rigid Structural Design: One-piece welded steel test frame provides maximum stiffness and stability.
- Large-Specimen Capacity: Supports beam specimens 8 in tall × 9 in wide up to 6 ft in length, with lower anvils providing up to 60 in test span.
- Optional Upper Breaking Head: Mountable upper breaking-head attachment on the moving piston rod provides up to 20 in anvil separation, enabling 4-point bending setups for a wide range of test spans.
- Efficient: Test cell is mounted above the hydraulic power unit (HPU) to minimize footprint in the lab and optimize specimen loading.
- Ergonomic Loading Orientation: Integrated roller assembly allows efficient, safe specimen loading.
- Multi-Frame Operation: The integrated HPU can power an additional load frame, enabling multi-frame testing configurations where required.
Hydraulic System
The LA-300 hydraulic system is supplied as a fully integrated, pre-piped, pre-wired power unit for dependable field installation and long-term serviceability.
- Maximum Load Capacity: 100,000 lbf
- Operating Pressure: Up to 5,250 psi
- Load Application: Via a double acting cylinder. Primary load is downward with closed-loop control for consistent loading rates. Double acting cylinder allows for rapid return rates and facilitates cyclic loading.
- Measurement: High-accuracy digital transducer
- HPU Design:
- Vertically mounted pump and motor group
- Submerged pump in a welded steel reservoir for quiet operation and reduced leakage risk
- Filler breather, sight gauge, and external service connections
- Under-frame power-unit arrangement minimizes overall installation footprint
- Manifold-Mounted Valving: Wherever possible, hydraulic valving is manifold-mounted to reduce external connections, improving response time and minimizing potential leak points.
- Optional Proportional Valve: Precision proportional control valve available for advanced test protocols such as MOE testing and cyclic flexural testing, where controlled pressure release is required.
Electrical & Control
A modern PC-based control platform manages test execution, data acquisition, safety monitoring, and reporting.
- Variable Frequency Drive (VFD): Precisely controls hydraulic pump motor speed to achieve accurate load rates while minimizing heat buildup and extending hydraulic component life.
- Touchscreen HMI: Full-color, Windows-based interface for setup, operation, calibration, diagnostics, and reporting.
- Integrated Control Components:
- VFD
- Pressure transducer with real-time feedback
- Position transducer for piston position and speed
- Emergency-stop pushbutton
- Solenoid-operated directional control valves
- Solenoid-operated dump valve
- Over-pressure hydraulic safety relief valves
Power Requirements
- 110 / 220 VAC, single-phase or three-phase
- Configured per customer electrical service
Safety Features
Built-in safety systems protect both the operator and the machine:
- Emergency-stop pushbutton
- Hydraulic over-pressure safety relief valve
- Piston over-travel protection via electrical limit controls
Control, Testing & Automation
Closed-Loop Rate & Deflection Control
- VFD-controlled hydraulic system delivers stable, repeatable load rates, independent of oil temperature, machine wear, or operator influence.
- Stroke capacity allows full destructive bending on long-span specimens.
Automatic Test Execution
With a single command, the LA-300 performs the complete test cycle:
- Pre-test parameter validation
- Automatic load, displacement, and rate control
- Real-time graphing of Load vs. Deflection
- Automatic piston return after specimen failure
Test Functions
The LA-300 automatically calculates and reports key flexural properties:
- Modulus of Elasticity (MOE): Typically 150,000–250,000 psi
- Modulus of Rupture (MOR): Minimum 2,500 psi
Data Acquisition & Reporting
- Synchronized Digital Capture: Load and deflection recorded with matched timestamps.
- Instant Results: MOE and MOR values displayed immediately upon test completion.
- Reporting: Export PDF test reports directly from the console.
- Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, or shared-network export.
- Raw Data Files: Test data stored as .CSV files for analysis in Excel or other spreadsheet software.
Operator Interface: ForneyLink Touchscreen System:
The ForneyLink touchscreen interface serves as the central hub for machine operation, enabling complete control over setup, calibration, test execution, data logging, and system security.
Key Features:
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Intuitive Touchscreen Interface: Simplifies daily operation with a clean, responsive UI. Manual pushbuttons are limited to essential safety functions, such as emergency stop.
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Full Test Data Access: Operators can view, analyze, and print individual test results at their discretion. Printed reports may include (depending on system configuration):
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Machine make, model, capacity, and serial number
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Calibration date
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Test date and time
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Test type
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Specimen dimensions
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Correction factor
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Ramp rate
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Load and stress at break
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Break type
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Load vs. time or stress vs. strain graph
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Lab name, address, and contact details
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Data Reprint Capability: Operators may also print data from previous tests on demand.
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Flexible Printing Options: Supports manufacturer-approved printers via USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi—located at the machine or remotely in a nearby office.
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USB Data Export: Individual or summary reports can be saved to a portable USB flash drive for backup or analysis.
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Remote Support Ready: ForneyLink includes built-in capabilities for remote troubleshooting and factory-supported system updates.
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Password Protection: Optional user access controls help prevent unauthorized use and protect test integrity.
CMT Software Integration
Seamless Integration with ForneyVault® CMT Software
Connected machines work in tandem with ForneyVault to streamline critical workflows before and after every test—enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and compliance throughout the testing process.
Pre-Test Intelligence
Before testing begins, integrated machines automatically:
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Verify specimen identity through barcode scanning for accurate tracking
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Run Smart Checks using preloaded sample data to confirm specimen size, type, date, and expected strength
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Validate specimen geometry to ensure conformance
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Calculate preload settings based on actual or expected strength, improving consistency
Post-Test Automation
Once testing is complete, the system delivers immediate, actionable results:
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Generates detailed XY plots for each test
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Automatically transfers data to LIMS, quality control systems, or other connected software platforms
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Issue automated alerts for early breaks, low or outlier results, overdue tests, and completed sets—helping you manage compliance, scheduling, and reporting with confidence.
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Enables intelligent workflows for streamlined reporting, review, and approval processes
Unit Color:
The control console is painted harbor blue with orange accents.
Shipping:
The control console is shipped in the normal, upright position on a shipping skid and crated. Uncrating, setting up, and positioning will require professional riggers.
Remote Support
With a user-provided Internet connection (either Wi-Fi or Ethernet), the RetroPak system offers real-time online support from the Forney Support Team, covering basic settings and test setup, as well as 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.
Accessories & Fixtures
- Adjustable lower tie-support saddles
- Center-point or third-point negative bending load heads
- Deflection transducers
- Calibration blocks
- Optional upper breaking-head assembly (up to 20 in span)
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Please consult your Forney sales representative for configuration guidance and special requirements.
