LTM Electrodynamic Testing Machine

Electrodynamic testing machines are used to determine material and component fatigue-strength in the fatigue life and fatigue limit ranges.

The LTM’s wide speed range allows it to be used for both dynamic fatigue tests and quasi-static tests. The oil-free drive, combined with ease of installation, makes the electrodynamic testing machine ideal for use in biomedical engineering and electronics, as well as for research and training. Typical examples include tests on hip-joint and knee replacements and dental implants. Other applications are tests on standard plastics and composites specimens, as well as aluminum and plastics CT and SEB specimens. The electrodynamic testing machine is available with loads of 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 kN.

Linear motor testing machines from ZwickRoell

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Technical Overview
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The Electromagnetic Drive

The LTM linear motor testing machine is based on a patented electrodynamic drive system from ZwickRoell.

The drive was specifically designed for the relevant speed range

High positioning accuracy
Optimal control quality
High frequency rate
Reliable test results

Key Advantages and Features

Description

The LTM is an electrodynamic testing machine with a drive based on linear motor technology. ZwickRoell's newly developed patented drive concept enables the LTM to be used for both dynamic and static materials and components testing. The low moved mass of the drive provides ideal conditions for performing fatigue tests with tensile, compression, and flexural loading.

The LTM is used in industries where oil-free and low-noise drive technology are preferred, for example, in the medical industry for standard-compliant testing of hip joint, knee, or dental implants.

Other typical application examples include fatigue and durability tests on standard specimens made of plastics, fiber composites and metals.

For components testing, the LTM is equipped with a T-slotted plate that can be adapted to components, and test fixtures quickly and easily as standard.

Intuitive operation via testXpert R and testXpert III software makes the LTM a genuine all-rounder for industrial purposes as well as for research and teaching at university level.

Advantages

High dynamic performance due to low moving mass
Wide speed-range enables dynamic as well as quasi-static tests
Low operating and maintenance costs with oil-free drive technology without additional supply feeds
Motor-driven traverse adjustment for convenient operation
safe setup mode as per EN 60204-1 via speed reduction to 10 mm/s
Simple manual crosshead locking via hand lever with electrical monitoring and LED status indicator
Long piston-stroke (60 mm) enables wide variety of applications
Operator-friendly testXpert R testing software with preset controller settings and availability of free controller definition for dynamic testing requirements
Intelligent testing software testXpert III featuring intuitive operation for static testing requirements.
Flexible use of specimen grips and fixtures over the entire dynamic product range
The electromagnetic drive was designed specifically for the speed range relevant to testing technology and features exceptionally quiet operation, optimum control quality and extremely high positioning accuracy
The travel measuring system is coaxial to the test axis and mounted near the specimen in the piston rod, enabling high positioning repeatability and precise piston travel measurement

Testing frequencies, which equal up to 100 Hz, depending on the test, ensure short test times, yielding high specimen throughput.

The linear motor does not require additional supply feeds, such as pneumatic, coolant, or oil. This reduces service and installation costs.

Operation is via testXpert® R for dynamic tests and testXpert® II for static tests. This software is intuitive and customized to meet testing requirements.

Wear-free components ensure maintenance-free operation.

The Displacement Measuring System

During the design stage, particular attention was paid to the positioning of the displacement measuring system—close to the specimen and in the center of the test axis.

Testing of implants using a linear testing machine

The displacement measurement is coaxial and mounted near the specimen in the piston rod.

By avoiding displacement measurement errors, exceptional positioning and repetition accuracy can be achieved.

Videos⁽³⁾

2:17

Customer Case

Customer Case - DLR
1:45

Fatigue test on spinal implants

Fatigue testing of spinal implants to ASTM F1717-09 with electrodynamic testing machine LTM
1:51

LTM electrodynamic testing machine

Technical Overview

LTM 1 / 1 HR

Type	LTM 1 Standard	LTM 1 + 400 mm^[1]	LTM 1 HR Standard	LTM 1 HR + 400 mm^[1]
Item No.	1045232	1053558	3006625	3006626
Fmax, dynamic	± 1000	± 1000	± 1000	± 1000	N
Fmax, static continuous	± 910	± 910	± 910	± 910	N
Piston stroke	60	60	60	60	mm
Positioning and repeat accuracy	± 2	± 2	± 2	± 2	μm
Speed range	1.5	1.5	2	2	m/s
Maximum frequency^[2]	100	100	120	120	Hz
Noise level at 1 meter distance, max.^[3]	< 61	< 61	< 61	< 61	dB(A)
Noise level at 1 meter distance, typically^[3]	< 45	< 45	< 45	< 45	dB(A)
Load frame
Overall height of testing machine, max. (A)^[4]	1455	1855	1455	1855	mm
Overall height of testing machine with Base option, max. (E)^[4]	2104	2504	2104	2504	mm
Overall height of test frame, max. (F)	906	1306	906	1306	mm
Overall height of test frame with support legs, max. (B)	945	1345	945	1345	mm
Overall width of load frame	665	665	665	665	mm
Total depth of load frame	525	525	525	525	mm
Column diameter	65	65	65	65	mm
Frame stiffness at 500 mm crosshead separation	25	40	25	40	kN/mm
Height, base (G)	692	692	692	692	mm
Width, base	800	800	800	800	mm
Depth, base	700	700	700	700	mm
Total weight^[5]	210	270	210	270	kg
Working area
Working area width	460	460	460	460	mm
Working area height w/o load cell, max. (D)^[4] ^[6]	640	1040	640	1040	mm
Working area height with load cell, max. (C)^[4] ^[6]	550	950	550	950	mm
Top crosshead adjustment	Motorized
Top crosshead clamping	Manual
Crosshead clamping electrically monitored	Yes, with signal indicator

Extended load frame (required for use with a temperature chamber)

Depending on load ratio (r-ratio) and test amplitude

Depending on output required, environment, testing arrangement, testing type, frequency and specimen type. Measured at 1m distance, free field, analog to DIN EN ISO 11205

Highest crosshead position

Testing machine only, w/o electrical cabinet, accessories and options

Median piston position

LTM 2 / 2 HR

Type	LTM 2 Standard	LTM 2 + 400 mm^[1]	LTM 2 HR Standard	LTM 2 HR + 400 mm^[1]
Item No.	1045234	1053560	3006627	3006628
Fmax, dynamic	± 2000	± 2000	± 2000	± 2000	N
Fmax, static continuous	± 1400	± 1400	± 1400	± 1400	N
Piston stroke	60	60	60	60	mm
Positioning and repeat accuracy	± 2	± 2	± 2	±2	μm
Speed range	1.5	1.5	2	2	m/s
Maximum frequency^[2]	100	100	120	120	Hz
Noise level at 1 meter distance, max.^[3]	< 61	< 61	< 61	< 61	dB(A)
Noise level at 1 meter distance, typically^[3]	< 45	< 45	< 45	< 45	dB(A)
Load frame
Overall height of testing machine, max. (A)^[4]	1455	1855	1455	1855	mm
Overall height of testing machine with Base option, max. (E)^[4]	2104	2504	2104	2504	mm
Overall height of test frame, max. (F)	906	1306	906	1306	mm
Overall height of test frame with support legs, max. (B)	945	1345	945	1345	mm
Overall width of load frame	665	665	665	665	mm
Total depth of load frame	525	525	525	525	mm
Column diameter	65	65	65	65	mm
Frame stiffness at 500 mm crosshead separation	25	40	25	40	kN/mm
Height, base (G)	692	692	692	692	mm
Width, base	800	800	800	800	mm
Depth, base	700	700	700	700	mm
Total weight^[5]	210	270	210	270	kg
Working area
Working area width	460	460	460	460	mm
Working area height w/o load cell, max. (D)^[4] ^[6]	640	1040	640	1040	mm
Working area height with load cell, max. (C)^[4] ^[6]	550	950	550	950	mm
Top crosshead adjustment	Motorized
Top crosshead clamping	Manual
Crosshead clamping electrically monitored	Yes, with signal indicator

Extended load frame (required for use with a temperature chamber)

Depending on load ratio (r-ratio) and test amplitude

Depending on output required, environment, testing arrangement, testing type, frequency and specimen type. Measured at 1m distance, free field, analog to DIN EN ISO 11205

Highest crosshead position

Testing machine only, w/o electrical cabinet, accessories and options

Median piston position

LTM 3 / 3 HR

Type	LTM 3 Standard	LTM 3 + 170 mm^[1]	LTM 3 HR Standard	LTM 3 HR + 170 mm^[1]
Item No.	1045235	1053564	1056879	1058953
Fmax, dynamic	± 3000	± 3000	± 3000	± 3000	N
Fmax, static continuous	± 2300	± 2300	± 2300	± 2300	N
Piston stroke	60	60	60	60	mm
Positioning and repeat accuracy	± 2	± 2	± 2	± 2	μm
Speed range	1.0	1.0	2	2	m/s
Maximum frequency^[2]	100	100	120	120	Hz
Noise level at 1 meter distance, max.^[3]	< 63	< 63	< 63	< 63	dB(A)
Noise level at 1 meter distance, typically^[3]	< 46	< 46	< 46	< 46	dB(A)
Load frame
Overall height of testing machine, max. (A)^[4]	1765	1935	1765	1935	mm
Overall height of testing machine with Base option, max. (E)^[4]	2414	2584	2414	2584	mm
Overall height of test frame, max. (F)	945	1345	945	1345	mm
Overall height of test frame with support legs, max. (B)	986	1386	986	1386	mm
Overall width of load frame	665	665	665	665	mm
Total depth of load frame	525	525	525	525	mm
Column diameter	65	65	65	65	mm
Frame stiffness at 500 mm crosshead separation	40	40	40	40	kN/mm
Base height (G)	692	692	692	692	mm
Width, base	800	800	800	800	mm
Depth, base	700	700	700	700	mm
Total weight^[5]	305	310	305	310	kg
Working area
Working area width	460	460	460	460	mm
Working area height w/o load cell, max. (D)^[4] ^[6]	870	1040	870	1040	mm
Working area height w/o load cell, max. (C)^[4] ^[6]	550	950	550	950	mm
Top crosshead adjustment	Motorized
Top crosshead clamping	Manual
Crosshead clamping electrically monitored	Yes, with signal indicator

Extended load frame (required for use with a temperature chamber)

Depending on load ratio (r-ratio) and test amplitude

Depending on output required, environment, testing arrangement, testing type, frequency and specimen type. Measured at 1m distance, free field, analog to DIN EN ISO 11205

Highest crosshead position

Testing machine only, w/o electrical cabinet, accessories and options

Median piston position

LTM 5 / LTM 10

Type	LTM 5 Standard	LTM 5 + 250 mm^[1]	LTM 10 Standard	LTM 10 + 250 mm^[2]
Item No.	1008107	3001848	1008108	3001847
Fmax, dynamic	±5	±5	± 10	± 10	kN
Fmax, static continuous	±3.5	±3.5	± 7	± 7	kN
Piston stroke	60	60	60	60	mm
Positioning and repeat accuracy	±2	±2	±2	±2	μm
Speed range	1	1	1	1	mm/min
	1.5	1.5	1.0	1.0	m/s
Maximum frequency^[3]	100	100	100	100	Hz
Noise level at 1 meter distance, max.^[4]	< 68	< 68	< 68	< 68	dB(A)
Load frame
Overall height of testing machine, max. (A)^[5]	2510	2760	2715	2965	mm
Overall height of test frame, max. (B)	1980	2230	1980	2230	mm
Overall width	860	860	860	860	mm
Overall depth	850	850	850		mm
Height of mounting table (C)	720	720	720	720	mm
Column diameter	65	65	65	65	mm
Test-area height, max. (D)^[5]	1106	1356	1106	1356	mm
Frame stiffness at 1000mm crosshead separation	300	300	300	300	kN/mm
Total weight^[6]	941	966	1040	1065	kg
Working area
Working-area width	460	460	460	460	mm
Working area width without load cell, max. (E)^[5] ^[7]	920	1170	920	1170	mm
Working area height with load cell, max. (F)^[5] ^[7]	781	1031	781	1031	mm
Top crosshead adjustment	Motorized
Top crosshead clamping	Manual
Crosshead clamping electrically monitored	Yes, with signal indicator
Total depth				850

Extended load frame (required for use with a temperature chamber)

Extended load frame - required when using a temperature chamber

Depending on load ratio (r-ratio) and test amplitude

Depending on output required, environment, testing arrangement, testing type, frequency and specimen type. Measured at 1m distance, free field, analog to DIN EN ISO 11205

Highest crosshead position

Testing machine only, without electrical cabinet, accessories and options

Median piston position

LTM 5/10 design

LTM electrodynamic testing machine design

LTM 1/2/3 design

testControl II control electronics

testControl II measurement and control electronics
Control frequency	10 kHz
Measured value acquisition	10 kHz, 24 bits, arithmetical
Slots	5 x module bus
PC interface	GigaBit Ethernet
Integrated safety concept	- 2-channel specification for maximum safety
	- interface for interlocked safety doors
	- Emergency Stop link interface
Display-equipped remote control unit	set-up or testing mode
	- Emergency Stop button
	key-switch for switching between setup and testing modes
Dimensions
Height	750	mm
Width	600	mm
Depth	600	mm
Weight approx.	102	kg
Length of cable between LTM & testControl II	500	mm
Protection class	IP 54

Typical Applications in the Medical Industry⁽⁸⁾

Test fixture for hip prostheses

With the test fixture the relevant standards (ISO 7206-4, ISO 7206-6, ISO 7206-8 and ASTM F2068), which define simulated dynamic loadings on a hip prosthesis stem, can be implemented.

More information

Test fixture for hip prostheses

With the test fixture the relevant standards (ISO 7206-4, ISO 7206-6, ISO 7206-8 and ASTM F2068), which define simulated dynamic loadings on a hip prosthesis stem, can be implemented.

More information
Test fixture for dental implants

For fatigue tests on dental implants of different designs or sizes to ISO 14801-07.
More information

Test fixture for dental implants

For fatigue tests on dental implants of different designs or sizes to ISO 14801-07.
More information
Text fixture for bone plates

For determination of the static and dynamic strength of bone plates using a 4-point flexure test to ASTM F382 and ISO 9585.

More information

Text fixture for bone plates

For determination of the static and dynamic strength of bone plates using a 4-point flexure test to ASTM F382 and ISO 9585.

More information
Test fixture for tibial trays

For fatigue testing of tibial trays under unilateral pulsating compressive loading to ASTM F1800 and ISO 14879.

More information

Test fixture for tibial trays

For fatigue testing of tibial trays under unilateral pulsating compressive loading to ASTM F1800 and ISO 14879.

More information
Test fixture for spinal implants

For static and dynamic testing of spinal implants to ASTM F1717-09.

More information

Test fixture for spinal implants

For static and dynamic testing of spinal implants to ASTM F1717-09.

More information
Test fixture for intervertebral body fusion devices

With the shear test fixture as well as the compression test fixture different quasi-static and oscillating tests can be performed for mechanical comparison of intervertebral body fusion devices to ASTM F2077.
More information

Test fixture for intervertebral body fusion devices

With the shear test fixture as well as the compression test fixture different quasi-static and oscillating tests can be performed for mechanical comparison of intervertebral body fusion devices to ASTM F2077.
More information
Test fixture for foot prostheses

For comprehensive fatigue testing of the structure of lower limb prostheses.

Test fixture for foot prostheses

For comprehensive fatigue testing of the structure of lower limb prostheses.
Test fixture for bone screws

For testing of medical bone screws to ASTM F543.

More information

Test fixture for bone screws

For testing of medical bone screws to ASTM F543.

More information

Safe Medical Products Thanks to Innovative Testing Technology

Fatigue tests are a fundamental component in the development of safe and durable implants. Extensive testing is especially necessary during the transfer of prototypes to the validation process. Komet Medical, the surgical division of Gebr. Brasseler based in Lemgo, Germany, uses a ZwickRoell testing machine with linear drive for these tests.