ZwickRoell equips testing laboratory at ABS

Over the last few years the Centre Métallurgique has evolved into the focus of ABS’s research and development operations and covers all core competence technologies, from steel production (steelmaking technologies) to the manufacturing process (rolling, forging, heat treatment, …) to materials testing (static, dynamic, hardness). From now on ABS’s R&D team will benefit from state-of-the-art ZwickRoell testing technology.

All static tests (tensile, compression and flexure tests) will be carried out using an AllroundLine material testing machine (Fmax 250 kN) equipped with a makroXtens and a videoXtens automatic extensometers. This guarantees maximum precision and traceability while saving time in the performance of tests. The testing system can be used for tests in accordance with all established standards (ISO, ASTM etc.), also for example to ISO 6892 (strain-rate control). The testing machine is additionally equipped with a high-temperature furnace, enabling tests at up to 1200°C.

For hardness testing ABS has opted for a ZHVμ micro Vickers hardness tester. This covers Vickers and Knoop hardness tests to ISO 6507, ISO 4545 and ASTM E 384 in a test-load range from HV0.01 to HV2. The hardness tester is equipped with a 6-position turret for up to 2 indenters and up to 4 lenses, enabling the hardness test method to be changed or selected at the push of a menu button without changing indenters.

An instrumented 450-joule pendulum impac tester for Charpy/Izod tests and a Vibrophore (HFP) complete the laboratory equipment. The Vibrophore is equipped with various load cells and is used for fatigue tests on small components and metal specimens.

The partnership with ZwickRoell Team with Consulting (development of new toolings) , Cofrac Calibration and trainings is an important factor for the future development of the ABS R&D Center and future Cofrac accreditation of the Lab.