Automated Sheet Testing System
By automating specimen handling, identification, measurement, positioning, gripping, testing and specimen disposal, the system significantly increases laboratory productivity while ensuring excellent repeatability, maximum operator safety and reliable test results. Depending on the selected configuration, the complete testing process can be carried out without operator intervention, allowing continuous unattended operation.
Automated Specimen Magazine
The modular specimen magazine can accommodate up to 160 specimens or more, depending on specimen geometry and magazine configuration. Magazine dimensions can be adapted to individual customer requirements. Specimens can be prepared offline and loaded into the magazine before testing or added during operation without interrupting the test sequence, ensuring maximum flexibility and high throughput.
Automatic Specimen Identification
An optional barcode or 2D code reader automatically identifies each specimen before testing, eliminating identification errors and ensuring complete traceability throughout the testing process. Alternatively, specimen information such as identification number, specimen dimensions or customer-specific data can be imported directly from a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or entered manually.
Automatic Cross-Section Measurement
For metallic specimens, specimen width and thickness can be measured automatically before testing. Depending on the application, measurements can be taken at one or multiple positions to determine the initial cross-sectional area with high accuracy. Automatic calibration using certified reference standards ensures long-term measurement stability and highly reproducible test results.
Automatic Gripping and Testing
The handling system automatically transfers each specimen from the magazine to the testing machine, accurately positions it and inserts it into the specimen grips. The complete tensile test is then performed automatically using Walter+Bai's high-precision testing machines and DION7 software, ensuring reliable and repeatable results while minimizing operator influence.
Automatic Disposal of Tested Specimens
After completion of the tensile test, the fractured specimen is automatically removed from the grips using dedicated disposal grippers and transferred to a collection container. This allows immediate continuation with the next specimen, minimizing cycle times and maximizing laboratory throughput.
r-Value and n-Value Determination
For sheet metal applications, the system can be equipped for automatic determination of the plastic strain ratio (r-value) and strain hardening exponent (n-value). Measurements can be performed using a high-precision contact width measurement system or a non-contact optical extensometer, depending on customer requirements and applicable testing standards.
Modular System Design
The Automated Sheet Metal Testing System is fully modular and can be configured for different specimen geometries, testing capacities and levels of automation. Additional options include automatic extensometers, robotic specimen handling, customized magazines, optical measurement systems, LIMS integration and customer-specific reporting.
Key Benefits
- Fully automated specimen handling and tensile testing
- High throughput with unattended operation
- Suitable for metallic and plastic specimens
- Automatic barcode and 2D code identification
- Automatic cross-section measurement
- Optional automatic r-value and n-value determination
- Automatic disposal of tested specimens
- Reduced operator influence and increased laboratory safety
- Seamless integration with DION7 software and LIMS
- Modular design adaptable to individual customer requirements
