Successful modernization of materials testing machines0 pages

Application Note
Successful modernization of Materials Testing Machines
Initial situation and technical
specifications
can no longer be maintained because there are no
spare parts for it.
A materials testing machine is made up of many different technologies: mechanical engineering, precision
engineering, electrical engineering (electro-mechanics /
mechatronics, power electronics, measurement and
control electronics, optoelectronics), informatics
(hardware and software) and fluid mechanics (hydraulics,
pneumatics).
The mechanical components, such as the load frame for
example, age very slowly and can be used for several
decades. By contrast, electrical, electronic and
informatics components can quickly become obsolete
due to the rapid rate of development in these areas of
technology.
Modernizing, also known as retrofitting, an old testing
machine can give you the performance of a modern
testing machine at a fraction of the cost of a new one.
However, each machine component ages differently
depending on its function. This aging process can be
due to material fatigue, wear or various environmental
influences or the technology can simply become out-ofdate or obsolete. This can cause problems if, for
example, a component no longer conforms to the stateof-the-art, no longer works with newer components or
Existing sensors (load cell, extensometer, …)
can be adapted with retrofit kits
When a machine component needs updating or
renewing, it is important that it is not replaced in
isolation, but that all components that interact with it are
also checked. All testing machine components work
together and, if a machine is to be modernized, it is
important to consider the whole picture. For example,
when updating the electronics, it is very important to
also consider the drive unit. Modernizing the electronics
in isolation may be cheaper in the short term, but when
lthe drive needs modernizing later you may find the
electronics need updating again, or even replacing,
resulting in higher costs overall.
testControl
measurement and control electronics
Testing Software testXpert®,
incl. software training
EAI 00308
New AC drive
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