EoW September 2008

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EuroWire – September 2008 30
english technology news
Precision springs are used in
electro-mechanical assemblies for the
automotive, defence and aerospace
industries, as well as sports and leisure
activities.
Depending on the application, random
samples are tested after manufacture
or, in some cases, 100 per cent testing is
necessary.
At wire 2008 Zwick exhibited a
compression-spring tester for highly
accurate measurement of precision
springs from 1 to 2500 N. It has extremely
good overall measurement technology
characteristics, surpassing even the
requirements of standard EN 7500.
The compression-spring tester is
used with the zwicki single-column
materials-testing machine in conjunction
with testControl electronics.
The device possesses extreme vertical
and lateral stiffness and comes already
equipped with a precision load-cell.
Overload protection prevents damage to
the load cell in the event of block force
being reached.
Precision guides allow only vertical
movement of the compression platens.
The extremely stiff and patented load
cell is insensitive to transverse forces and
ensures that measuring errors due to
elasticity under load or eccentric forces
are reduced to a minimum.
The instrument is designed for indirect
spring length measurement, and this
offers a very high level of accuracy as the
already minimal axial deformation can be
electronically compensated in real time.
Direct measurement is available as
an option and is recommended for
high-precision testing of small springs.
The instrument can be fitted with a CE
conformable safety protection, and an
anti-buckling guide spigot, matched
to the spring geometry, can also be used.
Special or tension springs can be tested
using appropriate tooling and fixtures;
the Zwick compression platens can be
exchanged for suitable grips.
Special testXpert® programs have been
developed to suit both production
control or final inspection, as well as
research and development, so making
the testing machine more universal.
Using the standard testing program for
quality control testing, most tests required
by industry can be performed without
software adaptation. With a master
testing program cyclical testing is also
possible. Zwick programs are developed
for integration into the IT infrastructure.
Zwick GmbH & Co KG – Germany
Fax: +49 7305 10200
Email:
Website:
Zwick’s latest tester
can be spring loaded
Zwick compression spring testing machine ▲ ▲