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laserXtens extensometer

Measuring completely without gauge marks, without making contact and with the highest level of accuracy—these characteristics are at the core of the laserXtens. The patented laserXtens is based on very high accuracy, measures with the highest level of precision and offers a wide variety of evaluation possibilities. Since no specimen marking is required, a lot of time is saved.

Advantages & features

Advantages & features

Testing without specimen marking
Simple operation
High accuracy
Automatic centering

Testing without specimen marking

Testing without specimen marks

  • laserXtens' unique technology eliminates the need for specimen marking.
  • Significant time and cost savings, particularly with high specimen throughput.
  • The advantages are especially apparent with options covering multiple measuring points or entire specimen surfaces.
  • Easy to use in temperature chambers, where environmental conditions can make gauge mark application really difficult.
  • Ideal for automated systems - no manual specimen preparation required.

Simple operation

Simple operation

  • Tamper-proof: The enclosures of the complete systems are sealed with screw locking varnish; nothing can be adjusted on the lenses. This is an important requirement for reliable test results.
  • Simple alignment to the specimen: Through the connection to the crosshead, the laserXtens is aligned centrally to the gauge marks. This is done quickly by simply adjusting the height (not for laserXtens 1-15 HP).
  • Compensation of various specimen thicknesses and testing of shear specimens.
  • Wear-free system, and as a result also low-maintenance. The systems have an extremely long service life.

High accuracy

High accuracy down to the last detail

  • laserXtens possesses high precision in the micro and macro measurement ranges.
  • ZwickRoell extensometers exceed the requirements of the standards and are calibrated over the entire measurement range to Accuracy Class 0.5, ISO 9513.
  • Calibration in Accuracy Class 0.5 to ISO 9513 with first calibration point from as early as 20 µm.
  • Industrial-quality cameras and high-quality, low-distortion lenses.
  • Specimens from 1 mm in width/diameter can be tested; even smaller specimens may be possible following pre-testing.
  • In contrast to contact-type extensometers or pure video instruments, laserXtens can measure strain on short specimens (gauge lengths from 3 mm) with high accuracy.
  • Extensometer mounted using stable, low-vibration mounting arms.
  • Housing provides protection against dirt and dust and inadvertent loss of adjustment of components.
  • Exact synchronization of all measurement channels.
  • A tunnel minimizes environmental influences such as air currents.

Automatic centering

Automatic centering increases measurement travel and measuring accuracy.

  • laserXtens tracks at half crosshead speed via the connection to the crosshead, keeping the testing operation automatically in focus and making optimum use of the measuring range.
  • This results in increased system accuracy; the gauge marks shift less in the image and are captured in the (more accurate) center of the lens.

Software options

Software options

Test re-run
Strain distribution
Video Capturing
2D dot matrix
Second measurement axis option
Deflection measurement

Test re-run

The optional Test ReRun module enables subsequent recalculation of strain on the basis of an image series recorded during a test, using a different initial gauge-length (provided multiple markings are present). This can be particularly advantageous in component testing, for example, when it is necessary to evaluate local strain at different locations, or in standard tensile tests when specimen necking has occurred outside the original initial gauge-length.

The recalculated strain can, of course, be synchronized subsequently with the other measurement values via the testXpert testing software.

Strain distribution

The Strain Distribution option enables determination of local strains at multiple measuring locations along the specimen gauge-length. These are available as channels in testXpert. Up to 16 measuring locations are automatically recognized and evaluated during the test. This option also allows automatic real-time symmetrical adjustment of the initial gauge-length around the necking (to ISO 6892-1, Annex I).

Video Capturing

Video capture is a recording of the test (without retrospective recalcualation). The recording is synchronized with the measured curve, enabling the test to be viewed retrospectively. The option includes no hardware, as recording and synchronization take place entirely via the videoXtens system.

2D dot matrix

This option allows two-dimensional measurement of dots applied to a planar specimen surface. This enables determination of local strains and specimen inhomogeneities under load. X and Y coordinates, as well as the distances between dots, are available as measured values.

Up to 100 measurement dots can be measured in any desired arrangement or in matrix form. Display in testXpert III is limited to 15 channels.

This option uses only one camera for measurement; any other cameras present are switched off beforehand.

Second measurement axis option

With this option, biaxial measurements can be performed: In addition to the longitudinal strain, transverse strains can also be recorded—for example the change in width. Alternatively, change in width can of course also be measured alone.

Two versions are available for measurement of transverse strain:

  • Direct measurement on the specimen edge without additional markings (required for the determination of the r-value). For this version a backlight is required.
  • Measurement of the specimen surface with dot markings or sprayed-on pattern. For this version the specimen is illuminated with an incident light lamp.

Deflection measurement

videoXtens can also be used for flexure tests. There are several options for measuring specimen deflection, depending on the type of test and the specimen condition and properties:

  • Measurement using incident light via marks on the specimen
  • Measurement using backlight on the specimen lower edge
  • Measurement of deflection in the test axis or of the polynomial approximation of the curve

Maximum deflection that can be measured: with videoXtens the maximum deflection corresponds to the FOV; with videoXtens Array to 1/3 of the total FOV (in this case deflection is measured with one camera only).

Downloads

Name Type Size Download
  • Product information: laserXtens 7-220 HP PDF 2 MB
  • Product information: laserXtens 2-220 HP PDF 826 KB
  • Product information: laserXtens 1-15 HP PDF 371 KB
  • Product information: laserXtens 2-120 HP/TZ PDF 2 MB
  • Product information: laserXtens 1-32 HP/TZ PDF 2 MB
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