R-TECH invests in Zwick’s latest composites testing technology

CiMMarch17News - R-TECH
CiMMarch17News - R-TECH

R-TECH Materials’ growing polymer and composites testing laboratory has invested in a Zwick 250kN universal testing machine - the first of its kind in the UK to run on the latest testXpert III software.

The German-made Zwick machine – which will be aligned to aerospace standards – will enable R-TECH to carry out more complex testing and increase its composites testing capacity from 100kN to 250kN.

R-TECH is the first UK client to acquire the latest Zwick testXpert III control software package which includes the complete range of modules, including tensile, compression, flexure, tear growth, adhesion, peel and cyclic testing. Embedded programs meet the requirements of more than 600 standard tests, and can be customised for bespoke requirements.

As well as being able to test any type of sample; be it tensile, compression, flexure or shear at loads from 1N to 250kN, the Zwick machine, which has been equipped with thermal chambers from Severn Thermal Solutions, can perform tests in the temperature range -70°C to 250°C. R-TECH can also carry out liquid, humidity or temperature pre-conditioning of samples, which is essential for the aerospace sector. The new investment also includes the latest Zwick biaxial extensometer for aerospace class testing.

Dr Geraint Harvard, R-TECH’s composite manager, said: “We are delighted with our new Zwick machine, which has not only improved our testing capability but also increased our capacity. Our investment in state-of-the-art equipment and the development of our team of highly qualified engineers, materials scientists, and chemists has helped us forge our reputation as one of the UK’s fastest growing composites testing laboratories.”

R-TECH’s investment in the Zwick machine is another example of how the business has invested heavily in its composite capabilities over recent years. Other purchases include a 10kN Zwick universal testing machine and a 100kN fatigue machine, along with a Hirox digital microscope and Zeiss Scanning Electron Microscope with EDX micro-analysis for failure investigation and materials characterisation.

www.rtech-materials.co.uk

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