Simple Fatigue Tester

The "Simple" Fatigue Tester is a pneumatically driven cyclical load application machine that operates between two set points on a digital load display meter.  It can generate loads of 460 pounds (210 Kg) using shop air at 100 PSI.

The standard version includes a 2 ½" bore x 10" stroke tie rod type cylinder mounted with a center trunion, which provides single axis rotary motion from rearward of vertical (straight down) to above horizontal (facing forward).  A counterbalance at the rear of the cylinder provides neutral forces when the rod is at mid-stroke, with a 500-pound capacity fatigue rated load cell and adapter plate installed.  Two adjustable hand clamps allow for either floating rotary motion (when attached to a test sample that is flexing under load), or rigid mounting (when pressing on and retracting from a test sample).  This trunion mounting also provides approximately 6" of side-to-side motion.  If more than that amount of sideways motion is necessary, the entire vertical stand is bolted to the bedplate and can be moved.

The stand provides for approximately 30" of vertical adjustment of the cylinder using a manual screw jack at the top and a pair of adjustable hand clamps to lock it in position.  Beneath the lower limit of vertical travel, the legs of the stand are spaced for a wider stance so that a test sample can be placed directly under the cylinder with the rod pushing or pulling in a vertical orientation.  The entire stand can be mounted anywhere on the bedplate, allowing for maximum test arrangement flexibility.

The bedplate itself is fabricated from steel (so that magnetic devices can be directly attached) with a 1" thick ground top surface.  It has an array of ½" –13 tapped holes on 4" centers covering the entire surface.  With the Fatigue Test stand removed this bedplate can also be used for other purposes.

The control system is mounted directly to the back of the Fatigue Stand to allow for (1) easy access & viewing of the features, and (2) the stand to be removed from the bedplate (and possible mounted on a different bedplate, larger or smaller).  It consists of only a master power switch, a two-way jog button, a cycle counter (that can be pre-set for the desired number of cycles), a digital dual set-point load cell meter, and a line cord.  This minimal and reliable electronics package is what makes this Fatigue Tester "Simple".  

When running, the cylinder will alternate between push and pull forces based upon the two set-point values in the load meter (that the operator can adjust).  The speed of load oscillation is determined with two pneumatic speed controls mounted in the ports on either end of the cylinder.  A BNC jack is also included for external monitoring of the load or load profile.

This standard tester has a 4' x 6' footprint, integral forklift tubes and 8" casters with brakes.  It operates on 115 V.A.C. and shop air.  Set-up and operation is simple and most technicians master it within minutes.

Other variations of this tester are possible upon request.  Please call for details.

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