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A D V A N C E D
M A T E R I A L S
&
P R O C E S S E S |
N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
2 0 1 5
2 1
completely manual setup, manual
wedge grips were replaced with pneu-
matic, side-acting grips, a traditional
Fig. 6— Automatic extensometers reduce setup time as desired gauge length is automatically set.
clip-on extensometer was replaced with
an automatic extensometer, and an au-
tomatic, digital micrometer was used in
place of manual micrometers. Making
these incremental changes to the basic
test setup resulted in a 38% time sav-
ings. This savings equates to an opera-
tor having three more hours per day to
performmore important tasks—without
adding automated specimen loading.
CONCLUSIONS
Adding automation, even in small
increments, into the testing process re-
sults in reduced variability due to speci-
mens being tested in a more consistent
manner. It also improves throughput
without adding labor and eliminates
retests and interruptions. Automation
can also enable more efficient use of
skilled labor, improved repeatability
and reproducibility of results, and in-
creased safety. ~AM&P
For more information: Suzanne
Delemos-Williams is senior applica-
tions engineer at Instron, 825 University
Ave., Norwood, MA 02062, 800.564.8378,
. 2013.15 AMP Dir b&w ad_2002.02 ad 1/2/14 10:41 AM Page 1