The Hong Kong Polytechnic University: Kappa 50 SS-CF for Testing Infrastructure Expansion for Microspecimen Tests
Case Study
- Customer: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
- Location: Hong Kong, China
- Industry: Academic research
- Topic: Testing infrastructure expansion for microspecimen tests
May 2025
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University relies on the Kappa 50 SS-CF, a patented electromechanical creep fatigue testing machine, to expand its testing capacities. When combined with the videoXtens 1-32 HP/TZ, the result is a reliable and flexible testing solution that covers the entire spectrum of creep testing applications.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was founded in 1937 and assumed full university status in 1994. It is now one of the 100 best universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025: 57th place) and is also one of the most international universities (10th place, THE 2024). With more than 32,000 students and 170 degree programs, it is a world leader in several disciplines, including hospitality & tourism management, construction, engineering and design. Research and innovation are integral to the university. Over 4,500 projects with a total budget of HKD 6.4 billion are driving progress in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, biomedicine, space and smart cities. PolyU participated in China’s moon and Mars missions and promotes entrepreneurship with more than 500 active start-ups. It was the first university in Hong Kong to introduce service-learning as a compulsory subject and is pursuing ambitious sustainability goals, including climate neutrality by 2045.
The task
Micro specimen testing
The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at PolyU conducts intensive research into metals, in particular high-entropy alloys (HEA) and titanium alloys, that are produced using additive manufacturing. With a total length of 20 mm and a width of 6 mm, these specimens are particularly small, which poses considerable challenges for conventional contacting extensometers. Therefore, a testing solution was required that would cover a wide range of applications and enable reliable and easy monitoring of the microspecimens.
The ZwickRoell solution
Kappa 50 SS-CF with videoXtens 1-32 HP/TZ
PolyU had already used ZwickRoell testing machines received in 2022: an LTM electrodynamic testing machine and a Z020 TEW AllroundLine with an optical extensometer. Thanks to the customer-oriented solution from ZwickRoell, the temperature chamber (-80 °C to 250 °C) and a high-temperature furnace (200 °C to 1,200 °C) can be used on both machines. A flexible rail system enabled quick replacement, resulting in time and space savings. Based on this positive experience, PolyU once again opted for a ZwickRoell testing machine to expand its testing infrastructure in the area of creep testing. This time they selected the Kappa 50 SS-CF, an electromechanical fatigue testing machine with backlash-free zero crossing and a central lead screw, which is ideal for force and strain-controlled creep fatigue tests.
Equipped with a high-temperature furnace and a non-contact video extensometer, the videoXtens 1-32 HP/TZ, this solution considerably expands the testing spectrum. The machine covers the entire spectrum of creep tests and enables strain-controlled relaxation tests in accordance with EN 10319 as well as high-temperature tensile tests in accordance with ISO 6892-2 and ASTM E21. The videoXtens 1-32 HP/TZ is particularly well-suited for precision measurement of small specimens and corresponds to accuracy class 0.5 in accordance with EN ISO 9513. This combination ensures precise, reliable, and reproducible test results.
The result
Expansion of testing capabilities
The PolyU research laboratory has been using several ZwickRoell testing machines since 2022: the LTM electrodynamic testing machinefor dynamic tests (up to 100 Hz) and the Z020 TEW AllroundLine universal testing machine for tensile, compression, and flexure tests.
The addition of the new Kappa 50 SS-CF electromechanical creep testing machine significantly expanded its test portfolio. The combination of the high-temperature furnace and the video extensometer contributes significantly to the expansion of testing applications. As a result of using the ZwickRoell testing systems, all mechanical load scenarios can now be covered - from static and cyclic to long-term creep tests. With this investment, the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at PolyU is strengthening its research infrastructure and creating optimal conditions for future-oriented materials testing at the highest level.
