Instron Composites Compression Fixture

IITRI Design for

ASTM D3410/D3410M Method B
Catalog No. 2505-401

Reference Manual - Equipment

M26-14150-EN Revision A

www.instron.com
 Electromagnetic Compatibility

Where applicable, this equipment is designed to comply with International Electromagnetic Compati-
bility (EMC) standards.

To ensure reproduction of this EMC performance, connect this equipment to a low impedance ground
connection. Typical suitable connections are a ground spike or the steel frame of a building.

Proprietary Rights Notice

This document and the information that it contains are the property of Instron Corporation. Rights to
duplicate or otherwise copy this document and rights to disclose the document and the information that
it contains to others and the right to use the information contained therein may be acquired only by
written permission signed by a duly authorized officer of Instron Corporation.

Trademarks

Instron®, Instron Logo, Dynatup®, Shore®, Wilson®, Rockwell®, and Brale® are registered trademarks
of Instron Corporation. Satec™ and other names, logos, icons, and marks identifying Instron products
and services referenced herein are trademarks of Instron Corporation. These trademarks may not be
used without the prior written permission of Instron.

Other product and company names used herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective
companies.

© Copyright 2004 Instron Corporation

 Preliminary Pages

General Safety Precautions

Materials testing systems are potentially hazardous.

Materials testing involves inherent hazards from high forces, rapid motions, and
stored energy. You must be aware of all moving and operating components that are
potentially hazardous, particularly the actuator in a servohydraulic testing system or
the moving crosshead in an electromechanical testing system.

Carefully read all relevant manuals and observe all Warnings and Cautions. The
term Warning is used where a hazard may lead to injury or death. The term Caution
is used where a hazard may lead to damage to equipment or to loss of data.

Instron products, to the best of its knowledge, comply with various national and
international safety standards, in as much as they apply to materials and structural
testing. Our products are designed to the Instron Safety Standard (ICP-CS503),
which is available on request. This standard is derived from various national and
international standards including IEC61010-1. We certify that our products comply
with all relevant EU directives (CE mark).

Because of the wide range of applications with which our instruments are used, and
over which we have no control, additional protection devices and operating
procedures may be necessary due to specific accident prevention regulations, safety
regulations, further EEA directives or locally valid regulations. The extent of our
delivery regarding protective devices is defined in your initial sales quotation. We
are thus free of liability in this respect.

At your request, we will gladly provide advice and quotations for additional safety
devices such as protective shielding, warning signs or methods of restricting access
to the equipment.

The following pages detail various general warnings that you must heed at all times
while using materials testing equipment. You will find more specific Warnings and
Cautions in the text whenever a potential hazard exists.

Your best safety precautions are to gain a thorough understanding of the equipment
by reading your instruction manuals and to always use good judgement.

It is our strong recommendation that you should carry out your own product safety
risk assessment.

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Preliminary Pages M26-14150-EN

Warnings

Hazard - Press the Emergency Stop button whenever you consider that an
unsafe condition exists.

The Emergency Stop button removes hydraulic power or electrical drive from the
testing system and brings the hazardous elements of the system to a stop as quickly
as possible. It does not isolate the system from electrical power, other means are
provided to disconnect the electrical supply. Whenever you consider that safety may
be compromised, stop the test using the Emergency Stop button. Investigate and
resolve the situation that caused the use of the Emergency Stop button before you
reset it.

Flying Debris Hazard - Make sure that test specimens are installed correctly
in grips or fixtures in order to eliminate stresses that can cause breakage of
grip jaws or fixture components.

Incorrect installation of test specimens creates stresses in grip jaws or fixture

components that can result in breakage of these components. The high energies
involved can cause the broken parts to be projected forcefully some distance from
the test area. Install specimens in the center of the grip jaws in line with the load
path. Insert specimens into the jaws by at least the amount recommended in your
grip documentation. This amount can vary between 66% to 100% insertion depth;
refer to supplied instructions for your specific grips. Use any centering and
alignment devices provided.

Hazard - Protect electrical cables from damage and inadvertent

disconnection.

The loss of controlling and feedback signals that can result from a disconnected or
damaged cable causes an open loop condition that may drive the actuator or
crosshead rapidly to its extremes of motion. Protect all electrical cables, particularly
transducer cables, from damage. Never route cables across the floor without
protection, nor suspend cables overhead under excessive strain. Use padding to
avoid chafing where cables are routed around corners or through wall openings.

iv
 Preliminary Pages

Warnings

High/Low Temperature Hazard - Wear protective clothing when handling

equipment at extremes of temperature.

Materials testing is often carried out at non-ambient temperatures using ovens,

furnaces or cryogenic chambers. Extreme temperature means an operating
temperature exceeding 60 °C (140 °F) or below 0 °C (32 °F). You must use
protective clothing, such as gloves, when handling equipment at these temperatures.
Display a warning notice concerning low or high temperature operation whenever
temperature control equipment is in use. You should note that the hazard from
extreme temperature can extend beyond the immediate area of the test.

Crush Hazard - Take care when installing or removing a specimen, assembly,

structure, or load string component.

Installation or removal of a specimen, assembly, structure, or load string component

involves working inside the hazard area between the grips or fixtures. When
working in this area, ensure that other personnel cannot operate any of the system
controls. Keep clear of the jaws of a grip or fixture at all times. Keep clear of the
hazard area between the grips or fixtures during actuator or crosshead movement.
Ensure that all actuator or crosshead movements necessary for installation or
removal are slow and, where possible, at a low force setting.

Hazard - Do not place a testing system off-line from computer control without
first ensuring that no actuator or crosshead movement will occur upon
transfer to manual control.

The actuator or crosshead will immediately respond to manual control settings

when the system is placed off-line from computer control. Before transferring to
manual control, make sure that the control settings are such that unexpected
actuator or crosshead movement cannot occur.

Robotic Motion Hazard - Keep clear of the operating envelope of a robotic

device unless the device is de-activated.

The robot in an automated testing system presents a hazard because its movements
are hard to predict. The robot can go instantly from a waiting state to high speed
operation in several axes of motion. During system operation, keep away from the
operating envelope of the robot. De-activate the robot before entering the envelope
for any purpose, such as reloading the specimen magazine.

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Preliminary Pages M26-14150-EN

Warnings

Hazard - Set the appropriate limits before performing loop tuning or running
waveforms or tests.

Operational limits are included within your testing system to suspend motion or
shut off the system when upper and/or lower bounds of actuator or crosshead travel,
or force or strain, are reached during testing. Correct setting of operational limits
by the operator, prior to testing, will reduce the risk of damage to test article and
system and associated hazard to the operator.

Electrical Hazard - Disconnect the electrical power supply before removing

the covers to electrical equipment.

Disconnect equipment from the electrical power supply before removing any
electrical safety covers or replacing fuses. Do not reconnect the power source while
the covers are removed. Refit covers as soon as possible.

Rotating Machinery Hazard - Disconnect power supplies before removing the

covers to rotating machinery.

Disconnect equipment from all power supplies before removing any cover which
gives access to rotating machinery. Do not reconnect any power supply while the
covers are removed unless you are specifically instructed to do so in the manual. If
the equipment needs to be operated to perform maintenance tasks with the covers
removed, ensure that all loose clothing, long hair, etc. is tied back. Refit covers as
soon as possible.

Hazard - Shut down the hydraulic power supply and discharge hydraulic
pressure before disconnection of any hydraulic fluid coupling.

Do not disconnect any hydraulic coupling without first shutting down the hydraulic
power supply and discharging stored pressure to zero. Tie down or otherwise secure
all pressurized hoses to prevent movement during system operation and to prevent
the hose from whipping about in the event of a rupture.

Hazard - Shut off the supply of compressed gas and discharge residual gas
pressure before you disconnect any compressed gas coupling.

Do not release gas connections without first disconnecting the gas supply and
discharging any residual pressure to zero.

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 Preliminary Pages

Warnings

Explosion Hazard - Wear eye protection and use protective shields or screens
whenever any possibility exists of a hazard from the failure of a specimen,
assembly or structure under test.

Wear eye protection and use protective shields or screens whenever a risk of injury
to operators and observers exists from the failure of a test specimen, assembly or
structure, particularly where explosive disintegration may occur. Due to the wide
range of specimen materials, assemblies or structures that may be tested, any hazard
resulting from the failure of a test specimen, assembly or structure is entirely the
responsibility of the owner and the user of the equipment.

Hazard - Ensure components of the load string are correctly pre-loaded to

minimize the risk of fatigue failure.

Dynamic systems, especially where load reversals through zero are occurring, are at
risk of fatigue cracks developing if components of the load string are not correctly
pre-loaded to one another. Apply the specified torque to all load string fasteners and
the correct setting to wedge washers or spiral washers. Visually inspect highly
stressed components such as grips and threaded adapters prior to every fatigue test
for signs of wear or fatigue damage.

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Preliminary Pages M26-14150-EN

viii
 Preliminary Pages

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Chapter 2 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Fixture Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Grip Faces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Chapter 3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Installing the Fixture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
To install the fixture:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Chapter 4 Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Installing Specimens for Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
To assemble the wedge grip and specimen assembly: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
To install the wedge grip and specimen assembly into the fixture: . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Removing Specimens After Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
To remove the wedge grip and specimen assembly after a test: . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Running Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Chapter 5 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Before Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

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Preliminary Pages M26-14150-EN

Changing Your Test Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

x
 Chapter 1

Introduction
Introduction

Outline

This section provides a description of the test fixture and the purpose of this
manual. It includes the following sections:

• About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

• Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
• Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

1-1
About this Manual M26-14150-EN

About this Manual

This manual provides you with descriptions, specifications, accessories and
installation procedures for the following Instron Composites Compression
Fixture:

• 2505-401

This manual is intended to provide sufficient information to setup and use the
fixture for testing. It is not intended to provide full details on the tests carried out
using the fixture. This information is contained in the standards referred to in the
text.

1-2
 Purpose

Purpose

Introduction
The Instron Composites Compression Test Fixture has been designed to meet the
testing requirements of ASTM D3410 IITRI procedure B.

This standard, along with ASTM D3410M, provide two methods of performing
in-plane compressive tests to determine the properties of polymer matrix
composite material reinforced by high modulus fibers. These two methods, or
Procedures A and B, are applicable primarily to laminates made from prepreg or
similar.

1-3
Description M26-14150-EN

Description
Description

The IITRI Compression Test Fixture was introduced by the Illinois Institute of
Technology Research Institute (IITRI) in 1977 and became part of ASTM
Standard D3410 in 1987.

Load Cell
Adaptor Stud &
Wedge Washer
Connection

Upper Housing

Linear Support
Bearing

Specimen
Alignment Rod

Wedge
Assembly Lower Housing

Compression
Platen

Figure 1-1. Composites Test Fixture Assembly

The fixture, shown in Figure 1-1, consists of two matching stainless steel upper
and lower housings with machined tapered pockets inside. Hardened steel
alignment rods with linear bearings guide the housings together providing
accurate block alignment, smooth operation and superior stiffness. The lower
housing rests on a compression platen while the upper part is supported from the
load cell to avoid loading the specimen with the weight of the fixture. An adaptor
stud and special Instron wedge washers attach the upper housing to the load cell,
this permits fast installation and removal of the heavy housing.

1-4
 Description

Two specimen types are described in the test standards, defined as having either a

Introduction
tabbed (supported) or un-tabbed (unsupported) test section. The fixture is
designed to accommodate specimens up to 140mm long with widths of 6-12 mm,
as specified in the standard. The standard gauge length, or distance between tabs
on tabbed specimens, is 12mm. However, the fixture can be used to test non-
standard gauge lengths of between 0 - 50 mm.

Note: Longer alignment rods may be required to accommodate longer gauge lengths

Un-tabbed Specimen Tabbed Specimen

Gauge
Length Length

Width/
Thickness
Width/
Thickness

Figure 1-2. Specimen Types

The specimen is gripped securely by two sets of flat wedge shaped grips and
inserted into the tapered pockets. The tapered pockets are matched to provide
excellent specimen alignment. A compression load is then applied to the specimen
via shear loading on the gripped portion of the specimen. The shear loading
avoids splitting and fraying of specimen ends, a problem associated with other
end loading fixtures. The wedge grips are made from specially hardened steel and
are available in a range of sizes (Refer to “Grip Faces” on page 2-3) to
accommodate different specimen thicknesses.

Stainless steel construction permits use of this fixture from -40 oC to +150 oC.

Features

• Industry standard design for determining compressive properties of composite

materials
• Meets requirements of ASTM D3410 procedure B
• Allows you to test composites with less friction and more accessibility to
gauge section than other fixtures

1-5
Description M26-14150-EN

• Yields high strength results with less data scatter

• Selection of wedge grips for different specimen thicknesses increases testing
flexibility

1-6
 Chapter 2
Specifications

Specifications
Outline

This section details specifications for the compression fixture and grip faces. It
includes the following sections:

• Fixture Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

• Grip Faces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

2-1
Fixture Specifications Enter Manual Number

Fixture Specifications

Fixture Catalog Number

2505-401

Testing Standard ASTM D 3410/D 3410M Method B IITRI

Capacity 300kN (30 000 kgf, 67 500 lbf)

Specimen Thicknessa 0-16 mm

(select appropriate “Grip Faces” on page 2-3)

Specimen Width 6 mm to 12.7 mm (0.25 in to 0.50 in)

Mechanical Connection Upper:

M48 x 2 RHf (type llf)
Lower:
Platen 125 mm (5 in) diameter (minimum)

Overall Width 177 mm (7 in)

Effective Length 305 mm (12 in)

Weight (approx) 40 kg (88 Ib)

Operating Temperature -40 oC to 150oC

(-40 oF to 300 oF)

a. Thickness specification includes tabs on specimens, if used.

2-2
 Grip Faces

Grip Faces
Correct grip face selection is critical to performing accurate composites testing.
The tables below describe the range of grip faces available from Instron.

Specifications
Grip Face Catalog Thickness
Number Range Specimen Thicknessa

2506-411 Low 0 mm to 6 mm (0 in to 0.25 in)

2506-412 Medium 6 mm to 11 mm (0.2 in to 0.45 in)

2506-413 High 11 mm to 16 mm (0.4 in to 0.65 in)

a. At the lower end of each range - assume wedges fit flush against sides of tapered pockets
inside housings.
At upper end of each range - assume wedges protrude from the housing a maximum of
12mm.

2-3
Grip Faces Enter Manual Number

2-4
 Chapter 3
Installation

Outline

This section describes how to install the fixture to your Instron Loadframe. It

Installation
includes the following sections:

• Installing the Fixture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

3-1
Installing the Fixture M26-14150-EN

Installing the Fixture

Before You Begin

Keep clear of the test area when moving the crosshead.

Keep clear of the hazard area between the housings during crosshead
movement. Ensure that all crosshead movements necessary for installation or
removal are slow, and where possible, at a low force setting.
Crush Hazard - take care when lifting and manoeuvring the fixture.

Each housing weighs approximately 20 kg. The assembled fixture weighs 40-50
kg.

Check for the following:

‰ The testing system is in standby mode

‰ The compression platen is installed correctly according to the instructions

supplied with the platen
‰ The crosshead is raised up so there is sufficient room to install the assembled
fixture onto the platen
‰ The testing system extension limits are set to prevent the top and bottom
housings colliding

3-2
 Installing the Fixture

To install the fixture:

This procedure describes how to install the fixture using specially designed wedge
washers. A threaded adaptor stud provides the main fitting between the loadcell
and top housing. The wedge washers are adjusted to expand vertically making a
very tight fit between components.

Read the installation procedure with reference to Figure 3-1.

Installation
Loadcell

Adaptor Stud

Wedge
Do NOT install the Washers
wedge grips during
fixture installation Alignment Rod

Upper Housing

Lower Housing

Compression
Platen

Figure 3-1. Fixture Installation

Note: Do NOT install the wedge grips when installing the fixture.

1. Place the lower housing onto the compression platen first.

2. Carefully lower the upper housing over the steel pillars down onto the lower
housing. Do NOT install the wedge grips.

3-3
Installing the Fixture M26-14150-EN

3. Fit the adaptor stud into the top housing approximately 3/4 of the way. Do not
tighten.
4. Place the wedge washers over the adaptor stud so that they rest on the top
surface of the housing. Ensure that the wedge washers are in line with each
other.
5. Lower the crosshead carefully and re-position the fixture assembly on the
platen so that it lines up with the centreline of the loadcell and crosshead
assembly.
6. With the fixture fixings aligned with the loadcell, rotate the adaptor stud so
that it locates into the loadcell (left hand thread). Ensure that the adaptor stud
is screwed into the loadcell approximately half of the way (and is also
screwed into the top housing at least half of the way). You must ensure that
the upper housing is secure in this position and won’t fall when you raise the
crosshead.
7. Carefully raise the crosshead up to lift the upper housing/loadcell assembly
clear of the lower housing and the guide rods.
8. Rotate the upper housing to tighten and secure it to the loadcell and fixture.
Ensure that the wedge washers locate cleanly over the stud and onto the top
housing.
9. Lock the wedge washers to remove any backlash as follows (refer to
Figure 3-2):
a. Rotate the adjusting screw to move the washers horizontally apart from
each other. This action expands the vertical space they occupy and
removes any slack in the assembly ensuring a tight, secure fit between
components.
b. When adjusted, tighten the locknut to secure their final position.

Top Wedge
Adjusting screw Washer

Bottom
Locknut Wedge
Washer

Figure 3-2. Wedge Washer Locking Detail

10. Carefully lower the crosshead again and re-position the lower housing on the
platen so that the two parts of the housing again line up and come together
correctly.

3-4
 Chapter 4
Testing

Outline

This section describes how to use the fixture to run tests. It includes the following
sections:

• Installing Specimens for Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

• Removing Specimens After Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
• Running Tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Testing
Warnings

Crush Hazard - Take care when installing or removing a specimen.

Installation or removal of a specimen involves working inside the hazard area

between the top and bottom housings. Keep clear of the housings at all time.
Keep clear of the hazard area between the housings during crosshead
movement. Ensure that all crosshead movements necessary for installation or
removal are slow, and where possible, at a low force setting.
Explosion Hazard - Wear eye protection and use protective shields or
screens whenever possible whenever any possibility exists of a hazard
from the failure of a specimen, assembly or structure under test.

Wear eye protection and use protective shields or screens whenever a risk of
injury to operators and observers exists from the failure of a test specimen,
assembly or structure, particularly where explosive disintegration may occur.
Due to the wide range of specimen materials that may be tested, any hazard
resulting from the failure of a test specimen is entirely the responsibility of the
owner and user of the equipment.

4-1
Installing Specimens for Testing M26-14150-EN

Installing Specimens for Testing

The specimen and wedge grips must be assembled into a single unit prior to fitting
into the fixture.

Before You Begin

Check for the following:

‰ The wedge grips you have selected are suitable for the width of specimen you
are testing (refer to “Grip Faces” on page 2-3)
‰ There is enough room between the top and bottom housings to install the
specimen assembly
‰ The testing system is in standby mode

‰ The testing system extension limits are set to prevent the top and bottom
housings colliding

Caution

Failure to align the specimen correctly in the wedge grips will affect the
accuracy of your test data.

The direction of the laminate is longitudinal. If specimens are not aligned

correctly in the wedge grips and fixture your test results will be incorrect.

Equipment

You will need the following items:

‰ A metric hex key wrench set

‰ A suitable straight edged tool for alignment

4-2
 Installing Specimens for Testing

To assemble the wedge grip and specimen assembly:

Specimen Stop
Cap Head Screws (X2)

Holes for:
Locating Pins (X2)

Straight Edge

Gap 2.0 - 5.0 mm

Testing
Specimen Stop

Figure 4-1. Installing a Specimen into the Wedge Grips

1. Match up each pair of wedge grips. Ensure the locating pin holes and the
capscrew holes on the inside faces line up with each other.
2. Insert the two locating pins into the holes on the face of one wedge from each
pair.
3. Line up the locating pins with the holes in the opposite wedge grip and push
them together leaving sufficient room to insert your specimen.
4. Lightly secure both wedge grips by fitting the two cap head screws leaving
sufficient room for your specimen.
5. Insert the specimen stops into the machined slots at the bottom of each wedge
assembly. You should now have two partly assembled wedge grips.
6. Using a suitable straight edge, align the wedge grips so they are parallel to
each other. Place your specimen in between the wedge grips, ensuring that is
located centrally front to back, and aligned exactly vertical. There must be a
gap of between 2 and 5 mm between the specimen and the specimen stop.
7. When you are sure the wedge grips and specimen are aligned correctly, secure
the wedge grips and specimen in place by tightening the two cap head screws
with an allen key.

4-3
Installing Specimens for Testing M26-14150-EN

To install the wedge grip and specimen assembly into the fixture:

1. Ensure the tapered pocket inside both housing is clean and free from testing
debris.
2. Fit the assembly into the lower housing first. Do not use lubricants on the
wedge grips or inside the tapered pockets.
3. Turn on Specimen Protect to prevent a load being applied to the specimen that
could damage it prior to testing.
4. In Extension control, carefully lower the crosshead using the jog and fine
adjustment control on the front panel.

4-4
 Removing Specimens After Testing

Removing Specimens After Testing

Before You Begin

Check for the following:

‰ The test has ended, the testing system has stopped and is in standby mode

Equipment

You will need the following items:

‰ A large flat bladed screwdriver

To remove the wedge grip and specimen assembly after a test:

Testing
Warning

Crush Hazard - Take care when removing a

specimen.
When you raise the crosshead ensure that the upper wedge
grip and specimen assembly does not fall and cause injury.

Figure 4-2. Removing a Specimen After Testing

1. Raise the crosshead up taking care to support the top wedge grip and
specimen assembly which may fall from the upper housing as the crosshead is
raised.
2. Remove both wedge grips assemblies from the upper and lower housings. If
either assembly cannot be removed by hand, access the machined slot in the
wedge grips, located through the front of the fixture housings. Using a
suitable tool, e.g. a screwdriver, carefully lever the wedge grips out of the
housings.
3. Unscrew the two cap head screws and dismantle both wedge grip and
specimen assemblies.
4. Inspect the wedge grips for signs of wear or damage. Replace if necessary.

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Running Tests M26-14150-EN

Running Tests

Note: Refer to the main reference material (manuals and online help) for your testing
system and software to set up your test procedures correctly.

Caution

Set extension and load limits on the testing system before starting a test.
Failure to set limits may cause damage to test fixtures and specimens.

• Set suitable extension limits to prevent the top and bottom housings from
contacting each other.
• Always use Specimen Protect when installing your specimen to prevent
damage to your specimen.

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 Chapter 5
Maintenance

Outline

This section describes the maintenance requirements for the fixture. It includes
the following sections:

• Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Maintenance

5-1
Maintenance Procedures M26-14150-EN

Maintenance Procedures
The fixture is designed to require minimal maintenance. A build up of test debris
on the fixture may create unnecessary wear on the components and specimens and
may cause inaccurate test results. Keep the fixture and the surrounding test area
clean.

Warning

Take care when lifting and manoeuvring the fixture. Each housing weighs
approximately 20 kg. The assembled fixture weighs 40-50 kg.

Before Testing

• Visually inspect the grip faces to ensure they are clean and not damaged. Do
not use the fixture and/or grip faces in cracks or any signs of deterioration
appear. Always replace broken parts.
• Regularly inspect and wipe clean the tapered pockets inside the fixture to
remove any testing debris. Do not lubricate.
• Check that the fixture is secure and that the top and bottom housings are
aligned correctly before testing.

Changing Your Test Setup

• Clean all components thoroughly when changing fixture components.

• Do not use lubricants on the wedge grips or inside the fixture.

5-2