- Plastics
- Metals
- Rubber
- Tensile
- Flexure
- Lightweight specimens
- Small series
- ISO 527
- ISO 178
- ISO 6892
- ISO 37
- ASTM D412
What is ALEX?
Our new automation testing solution ALEX is a cost-effective and particularly compact automation solution that fits in any laboratory. The robot arm is attached directly to your materials testing machine, which makes the system’s footprint nearly the same as that of a fully manual testing machine.
ALEX can be used effectively with a series as small as 10 specimens. The specimen magazine is placed directly in front of the testing machine and offers space for up to 60 specimens.
The automated testing solution ALEX is specially designed for the following applications:
- Tensile tests on plastics according to ISO 527 or ASTM D638
- Flexure tests on plastics according to ISO 178
- Tensile tests on metals (flat specimens and round specimens) according to ISO 6892 or ASTM E8
- Tensile tests on rubber according to ISO 37/ASTM D412
With ALEX we offer accurate and reproducible test results with minimum effort. The automation system reduces operator influences on the test and relieves qualified laboratory personnel of monotonous tasks.
If you want to benefit from these advantages, but conventional automation systems are both too expensive and not flexible enough, then our ALEX automated testing solution is exactly what you need!
Quick check: When would I need ALEX?
Number of specimens
Test load
Complexity
Videos on ALEX - the automated lab expert
Advantages of ALEX
Compact design
Short delivery times & attractive pricing
Easy to retrofit
- The very compact design fitz in every testing laboratory. Attachment directly to the materials testing machine requires an additional space of only approx. 30 centimeters (approx. 12 inches).
- For basic standard applications, we offer short delivery times of 8 weeks and attractive prices.
- The automated testing solution ALEX is compatible with all AllroundLine table-top testing machines and can be easily retrofitted without any problems. Because it is mounted directly onto the testing machine, there is no need for floor fasteners or attachments.
- Manual testing continues to be possible as needed. By “parking” the robot arm, the operator has easy access to the materials testing machine.
- The automatic cross-section measuring device reduces operator influence during specimen measurement.
- Qualified laboratory staff are relieved of routine tasks, making them available for more complex responsibilities.
- With the autoEdition SmartWizard automation software, the automatic test sequence can be quickly and easily adapted to new requirements.
Cross-section measurement with ALEX
Specimen cross-section measurement is essential in materials testing, as many key material properties are based on the actual cross-sectional area subjected to the load. Properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, and modulus of elasticity can only be determined reliably when the specimen cross-section is measured. Even slight deviations affect the calculations and thus the validity of the test results. Therefore, precise specimen measurement is firmly established in the relevant testing standards.
- Compact cross-section measuring device CMU-1
The CMU-1 is a compact measuring device for plastic specimens and is mounted directly on the load frame. The cross-section measuring device measures dimensionally stable specimens with a single measuring transducer. Specimen positioning and alignment are performed by the ALEX testing system. The SmartWizard configuration interface allows users to select between single and triple measurements. Its compact design facilitates integration into existing automated testing systems.
- Closed cross-section measuring device CMU-4
This cross-section measuring device enables the precise measurement of dimensionally stable specimens made of metal, plastics, composites, or other materials. The core of the system is a closed measuring frame with four incremental measuring transducers. The specimen width and thickness are each measured differentially by two sensors. Centering in the thickness direction ensures correct specimen alignment during measurement. The SmartWizard configuration interface also allows the user to select between single and triple measurements for the CMU-4.
- Thickness measuring device
For elastomers, thickness alone is often measured because the specimens are very soft and readily deformable. Mechanical cross-section measurement using measuring transducers could compress the specimen during the measurement process and thus influence the results. The thickness is therefore measured using a specially adapted measuring transducer to minimize specimen deformation. Single or triple measurement is performed.
ALEX, our automated testing solution, in pictures
autoEdition3 automation software
The autoEdition3 automation software is at the core of the robotic testing system. The software controls, regulates and monitors all automated processes, components and devices.
In combination with our testXpert testing software the autoEdition3 automation software delivers traceable and tamper-proof results. Immediately upon starting autoEdition3, the user experiences the benefits of intuitive operation from a look and feel that is consistent with the testXpert user interface.
SmartWizard configuration interface
Our new automated testing solution ALEX is available with the SmartWizard software assistant, which allows the operator to independently adapt the ALEX automation system to changing specimen shapes or test sequences.
It offers the freedom and flexibility you need to be successful in a world of fast and continuously evolving requirements.
Your testing system is ready to learn!
