PRESS RELEASE:

Anter contract testing laboratories offer an extended range of testing capabilities for thermal properties at higher temperatures.
Modern applications drive the materials technologist to develop materials capable of ever increasing performance at extended temperature ranges. This in turn pushes the test and measurement engineer to satisfy the demanding test requirements of the technologist in order to properly evaluate and develop these new materials.
Anter Laboratories, based in Pittsburgh, USA, have added five new test instruments designed, developed and manufactured by their affiliates Anter Corporation, to their extensive testing facilities; and are now able to carry out thermal measurements for the following:-
Thermal resistance of thermal interface materials from ambient to 150°C using the newly designed Quick-line 50 Thermal Impedance Meter, this being of particular interest to the electronics industry.
Thermal conductivity of Fire Resistant materials, using a recently designed slug calorimeter, from 20°C to 1000°C in accordance with the new ASTM standard E-2589.
Thermal conductivity of low to moderate conductivity non-carbonaceous materials using the hot wire method (ISO 8894) up to 1400°C.
Linear thermal expansion coefficient and other changes in linear dimensions using a high precision vertical dilatometer from 20 to 2800°C in accordance with ASTM E-228.
Thermal conductivity of low conductivity insulating materials using a new design of Guarded Hot plate over a temperature range of -175°C up to 500°C,in accordance with ASTM C-177.

PRESS RELEASE 10-6-2008

Automatic Creep and Relaxation Tester

A new, fully automatic Creep and Stress Relaxation tester based on the Elastocon stress relaxation apparatus and triple temperature oven has been launched by the Swedish test equipment company.
Suitable for testing in accordance with ISO 3384, ISO 899 and similar standards, the EB18 is capable of much more. All operations apart from sample loading are software controlled and tests can be carried out in both compression and tension, in air or liquids and at precise ambient or elevated temperatures.
Utilising servo motors and load cells to apply and hold the load offers the opportunity to run load and temperature ramps controlled by the computer making this an extremely versatile instrument.


PRESS RELEASE 1-5-2008


New Low Temperature Compression Set Rig for Polymers
Performing compression set at low temperatures (ISO 815-2) without having to open the low temperature cabinet and influence the compression set result has always been a problem.
Elastocon AB, the Swedish test equipment manufacturer, has introduced a new compression rig, the EV09, which permits the whole test including the recovery measurement to be performed without touching the test piece.
Data can be recorded manually or automatically and all adjustments are made outside the chamber thus improving the accuracy of the test results.
Existing users of Elastocon stress relaxation rigs for ambient and elevated temperatures can buy a kit to convert to EV 09 specifications.

NORTEST NEWS- December 2007

Information on new instruments and developments for materials testing.
Retrofits for both servo-hydraulic and electrical screw driven test machines.

• Do you have a well built test frame with ageing or obsolete controller or software running on un-supported DOS or early Windows™ operating systems?
• Has the original manufacturer stated that he can no longer provide spares and technical support for this ‘obsolete’ apparatus?
• Do you have a lot of accessories, temperature chambers, test rigs, extensometers etc. specifically for this testing frame?

SOLUTION – we can supply and fit the Doli Retrofit kit which fits all types of testing systems: single and double acting servo hydraulic systems; electrical screw driven test instruments for both monotonic and dynamic applications
• New digital EDC control electronics
• Test & Motion software
• Data acquisition only or complete closed loop control system.
• Low cost
• Fitted on-site, minimal down time.
• All existing transducers (load cells, extensometers etc.) can be connected.
• Improved resolutions and advanced control enhances machine capability
• Low cost
• Protects existing investment by extending the useful life of your current systems.
• Retrofits for any make of machine.

• Doli EDC controllers are already in use by many OEM manufacturers, fully developed and reliable, made in Munich, supported by trained UK engineering staff. Ask for detailed leaflet or check out www.doli.de for details and examples of existing Retrofit systems.

Bytewise Profile360 on-line measuring system for extruded profiles.

Profile360 is an on-line system for measuring the geometry of extruded profiles, and is in use by makers of automotive door and window seals,body side mouldings and windshield surrounds.
Using laser-line projection and digital detectors to digitize the outside profile of the moving extrusion, the resulting profile geometry is shown on an optical-comparator display, where software calipers are automatically applied to produce real-time measurements.
Users report reduced scrap due to dimensional performance, better quality, and faster startup time.
Some users report reduction in start-up time as high as 50%, which saves money from reduced rework stock and also increases the production yield. Currently used by major rubber profile manufacturers, the Profile360 is also suitable for metal, plastic and other continuously formed products.

Unitherm 1000 Dilatometer from ANTER

Anter Corporation has developed a very flexible dilatometer for high throughput thermal expansion (CTE) measurements. Using a modular design, multiple furnaces can test a wide variety of materials over a temperature range of –150°C to 1200°C. Up to 4 independent samples can be tested at the same time with unattended operation. Besides conventional cryogenic and high temperature furnaces for standard sample sizes according to ASTM methods, a unique furnace is available to test plate-type samples of low thermal conductivity like polymers and composites, providing direct contact with the heating/cooling surface to reduce thermal lag during temperature ramping.
The easy-to-use WindowsTM-based operating and data analysis software does not require highly skilled operators or extensive training. The instrument’s small footprint requires minimal bench space, and as with all Anter dilatometers, modern absolute digital displacement transducers provide long-stroke, stable, linear, calibration-free performance without the need for a controlled-temperature environment or an external cooling source.

New range of GUARDED HOT PLATES from Anter Corporation to ISO 8302 (1991) and ASTM C177.

Designed to conform to the very latest specifications for measuring the thermal conductivity of insulations. A full range of precision instruments for measurements from -170°C up to 550°C. 300mm, 450mm and 600mm square sample configurations with either single or double samples.

Extended range of new INSIGHT electromechanical universal testers from MTS Corporation

Six new machines have recently been added to the MTS INSIGHT range of advanced universal test machines. Four floor mounted machines rated at 100KN, 150KN, 200KN and 300KN .

INSIGHT 300

Also new this year a 50KN wide frame model, suitable for large sample and environmental chamber configurations in addition to multi-load cell systems for multiple sample testing. PLUS: An extended crosshead travel, high speed model rated at 2500 mm/min at 2KN.

HOT SET TESTER to IEC 811-2-1

[EB16]

A novel design to provide improved results from this test for cable materials.
Temperature loss on sample insertion is reduced by loading the samples through a small aperture in the top of the oven and both measuring instruments are connected directly to the PC for calculation and presentation of the results. Ask for details of model EB16 for further information.

BRITTLENESS Tester for ASTM D2137 and ISO 812.

A new design for precision Brittleness testing which can be provided as an accessory to both the Elastocon Temperature Retraction or Gehman apparatus.

[TR Tester][Gehman Tester]

A New Full Notch Creep Tester for Plastics


Elastocon have released details on their new Automatic Creep Tester for plastics which is available in a number of customer defined configurations of test stations and load ranges suitable for testing in liquids according to ISO 16770 ( Full Notch Creep Test ) or in air according to ISO 899.
Utilising load cells and servo motors to apply and hold the load, the FNCT tester both eliminates the handling problems associated with dead weights and offers the possibility of running new features such as load and temperature ramps controlled by the computer.
For ISO 899 the test stations are built into a precision air ageing oven for tight control of temperature and air flow.
Creep can be measured by clip on extensometers for dumbbell specimens or by the motor encoder for parallel specimens.
Results are presented in graphical or table formats as absolute creep or creep index. In order to study the actual sample failure the data logging rate is increased just before break occurs.
The instrument features a number of interesting features;
Precise control and distribution of temperature within the fluid bath is achieved by circulating the liquid from end to end of the bath and extending the heating element over most of the base to create convection within the bath for uniform temperature control and distribution.
The same pump is also used for filling the bath from a storage tank, thus eliminating manual liquid handling.
Peltier element cooling enables measurements to be carried out from to 20° up to 80°C Specification includes windows based Elastocon Creep Software.
The first production unit, shipped to a Scandinavian client featured 10 test stations for testing to ISO 16770 but the instrument can be supplied with less stations to suit customer requirements.

The Quick-Line™-30 Thermal Properties Analyser from Anter Corporation.

Surface probes for hard materials, needle probes for soft materials. Ideal for plastics, foams and geological materials.
Measures Thermal Conductivity, Thermal Diffusivity, Volume Heat Capacity and Temperature.
Results within 10-16 minutes. Conforms to ASTM D5334
Mains or portable use, battery life 4 hours, communications link via RS232 serial link.
Anter Corporation manufacture a comprehensive range of instruments for determining the thermal properties of a wide range of materials at temperatures from -120°C up to 2700°C. using steady state and transient (usually laser flash) techniques.

Hildebrand 1993 Gmbh

have introduced a new range of direct reading S.G balances for non-metallic materials.
Three models are available with resolutions of, 0.01, 0.001 and 0.0001 g/cm3 respectively. All with automatic calculation of S.G and including water temperature compensation.
Hildebrand manufacture a wide range of portable and bench top instruments for testing the hardness of polymers and similar materials in Shore and IRHD (International Rubber Hardness Degrees.)

Elastocon polymer testing systems:

Continuous stress relaxation apparatus for polymers.
Relaxation equipment for automatic continuous measurement in both compression and tension. Meets the requirements of ISO3384 and ISO 6914. For testing at elevated temperatures used in combination with Elastocon precision ageing ovens.

and other processing machinery, mills (laboratory and manufacturing), balecutters, reconditioning existing plant.
Illustrated is a platen press with support table, fume extractor system and Agila programmeable control system.

PLUS:
BINDER laboratory ovens and environmental chambers.
Doli Flexometer to ISO 4666/3 & ASTM D623
HESS Mini Cure Rheometer
ANTER dilatometers.

MTS CORPORATION LAUNCH A NEW RANGE OF ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIVERSAL TESTING FRAMES


The completely new MTS INSIGHT range of electromechanical testing systems offer a full range of testing capabilities, with a smaller load frame footprint.
A choice of ten single and double-column load frames are avail¬able with a range of load capacities up to 300 KN .
Constructed with a solid steel crosshead and table for stiffness, MTS Insight testing systems are designed to deliver exceptional results, and feature excellent reliability, performance, and accuracy. Any of the extensive range of MTS accessories, grips and fixtures can be used. MTS Insight testing systems are easy to maintain, and all MTS system components are covered by a one-year warranty.

Using the well proven TESTWORKS 4 control software the INSIGHT testing systems dependably perform standard tests such as peel, tear, sheer, tensile, compression, and flex/bend. More advanced tests can also be performed, such as creep, stress relax¬ation, and multi-cycle.
Offering user-defined crosshead speeds as well as advanced control modes such as load and strain, MTS Insight testing systems can analyse a wide array of materials, including components, biomaterials, plastics, metals, elastomers, paper products, adhesives, and foam. Anti-rotate feature improves alignment, prevents accidental drops, and provides for repeatable positioning.
MTS Insight load frames also offer:
_ Precision antibacklash ballscrews and guide columns
_ Integrated load cell connection on the crosshead
_Quiet drive system using a DC Servo motor and a four quadrant DC drive
_ Ballscrew encoder, the digital controller features:
_ Up to 1000 Hz DAQ rate
_ A 1000 Hz control rate
_ 20-bit resolution
_ Built-in USB 2.0 for PC communication
_ Self-ID (IEEE 1452) capability for calibration and auto-ranging
_ Two optional strain inputs in addition to the system load cell
_ Three optically isolated digital inputs and outputs
_ Two BNC monitor connectors
_ A test area enclosure interlock connector
Truly the brainpower behind MTS Insight testing systems, TestWorks 4 Testing Software provides quick set-up and full computer automation. TestWorks 4 enables the user to easily perform tests, and display, analyse, report, and archive testing data.


THERMAL conductivity measurements on “insulations”.

Nortest are now able to offer contract measurements of apparent Thermal conductivity in
accordance with ISO 8301or ASTM C518 using a Heat Flow Meter as required by most
of the current EN standards for building insulations. Also suitable for similar
materials with conductivities in the range 0.005 to around 0.2 W/mK,
tests are available for samples 12” (305mm) square up to 100mm thick,
over a mean temperature range from 5oC to 70oC. Measurements can be to
European (IRMM440) or NIST (SRM1450c) reference materials or to the clients’
standard reference material. Rapid turn round of results, discounts for multiple
of regular measurements.
Contact brian@nortest.co.uk or phone 01604-696192 for details.

PRESS RELEASE. February 2005.

Hildebrand 1993 Gmbh have introduced a new range of direct reading S.G balances for non-metallic materials.
Three models are available with resolutions of, 0.01, 0.001 and 0.0001 g/cm3 respectively.
All with automatic calculation of S.G and including water temperature compensation.
Hildebrand manufacture a wide range of portable and bench top instruments for testing the
hardness on polymers and similar materials in Shore and IRHD (International Rubber Hardness Degrees).

NORTEST NEWS -January 2004

From January 2004 Nortest are now introductory agents and UK contact point for a well known range of Thermal Analysers & Calorimeters.
A comprehensive range of top quality instruments covering a wide range of temperatures suitable for use in a variety of measurements in the Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Ceramics, Metals, Polymers and Food industries.
The product range includes:-
Reaction Calorimeter
Calvet Calorimeter
DTA (Differential Thermal Analysis)
DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimeter)
TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis)
TMA (Thermomechanical Analyser)
For details contact brian@nortest.co.uk



Second Hand Mill Offer

A two roll mill 400 x 1000 mm in good condition with all control and cooling systems available from Agila Belgium.
Contact Brian for more Information.

FEBRUARY 2003 NORTEST become UK Representatives for ANTER CORPORATION.


Anter Corporation is a manufacturer of thermophysical properties measuring equipment. The product line encompasses laboratory and quality control instruments, which measure thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, thermal expansion, specific heat, electrical resistivity, and other related thermal properties of materials. These devices are used by government and private research laboratories, as well as industrial production facilities, both domestically and internationally. Over twenty five different models are in current production, several with as many as five submodels that cover a variety of temperature ranges and sample sizes. The majority of these instruments are computerised with fully integrated control and analysis software specifically written for each model. These products are marketed under, Unitherm, QuickLine, FlashLine exclusive registered Trademarks. The company’s 20,000 square foot production facility is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a work force of about 25. Over half of the staff are engineers or scientists (5 at the Ph. D. level) with a combined experience over 150 man-years in thermophysical testing and instrument production. All development, design, and fabrication is done in-house. The company maintains a full machine shop and a full electronics production department. Instrumentation and control systems are designed, developed, and produced, including CAD layout of circuit boards and all software writing, in-house. As a result, all Anter produced instruments are equipped with a homogeneous control system that is specifically made for the application rather than with customised general purpose boards and software made by a third party. Past customers of the company include some of the most prestigious research organisations throughout the world, national laboratories, government and industrial plants, and a large number of major universities. Since 1968, over a thousand instruments have been produced for customers domestically and worldwide through a network of permanent representatives and distributors. Throughout the years, the company has maintained an active role in scientific work related to thermophysical testing. Active participation (including the holding of committee level office) in several ASTM subcommittees, sponsoring the 1986 and 1995 International Thermal Expansion Symposium, and hosting the 1997 International Thermal Conductivity Conference are a few examples of the scientific involvement in recent years. Anter is an ISO9001 Certified Company.


JULY 02 - THE HILDEBRAND DIGITAL HARDNESS SYSTEM NOW AVAILABLE FROM NORTEST.

Manufactured in Germany since 1993, the Hildebrand range of IRHD and Shore hardness testers include a full range of analogue and digital instruments suitable for both portable and laboratory use and are now available in the UK from Nortest. The leading product is a digital dead load hardness system featuring interchangeable heads which can all be used on a sturdy stand with sophisticated software for automatic operation of the instrument plus data storage, statistical functions, reporting and communicating with a LIMS. Measuring heads are available in IRHD, low, normal and high scales, plus Micro IRHD and Shore A. An optional extra for use with the IRHD Microhardness tester is a patented automatic O'ring centering device which requires to know only the cross-sectional diameter of the ring before locating the ring exactly in the correct position for precise measurement of the ring hardness. A wide range of portable hardness meters (analogue and digital), instrument stands and hardness test blocks compliment these dead load instruments and Nortest have over 35 years experience in the application and use of such instruments in the polymer industries.


JULY 02 - AGILA RUBBER AND PLASTIC MACHINERY

NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UK THROUGH NORTEST.

Established in Kortrijk in Belgium in 1954 by Marcel Lapauw, Agila Belgium, now run by his grandson Geert Lapauw, manufactures and reconditions machinery for the rubber and plastic industries. Widely used throughout continental Europe these laboratory and production machines are now available in the UK through Nortest. The company, now located in a new factory near Ypres in Belgium, builds three kinds of standard machine with either manual or automatic control systems; Rolling mills- high powered two roll mills, with nip sizes up to 50mm, and roll diameters from 110 to 300mm built of high quality materials for long and reliable service. Platen presses: Both heating and heat/cool presses with closing forces from 200 to 1000KN, single or double daylight and various plate sizes are available. Hydraulic bale cutters up to 25 tonnes cutting force which can be supplied with supply and discharge conveyors as required. In addition to these standard machines Agila manufactures stockblenders which can be attached to other makes of mill as well as rebuilding older machines to modern specifications, special one off machines can also be designed and manufactured to order. All machines are CE certified and come with safety devices conforming to all the latest requirements.
Nortest, now represents five overseas manufacturers of top quality apparatus for the polymer industries and the Agila range of products dovetails neatly into the existing product range allowing Nortest to provide a more extensive service to the UK polymer industries. Full details can be obtained from ourselves
or by visiting www.agila.be


Contact Nortest or visit www.nortest.co.uk