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Test machine offers control precision
Two-component adhesive cartridge has simple design TAH INDUSTRIES Inc says its Universal Cartridge is ideal for most two-component adhesives, epoxies, sealants and foams. TAH, based in Robbinsville, New Jersey, USA, claims that the biggest disadvantage of two-component side-by-side cartridges is the need for special dispensing guns. The Universal Cartridge avoid this problem as it fits into a standard caulking gun. The patented cartridge stores one component of the adhesive in front of the other, but both are extruded through the cartridge outlet and into a static mixer simultaneously. The 1:1 ratio cartridge contains 250 ml of usable material, and the 2:1 ratio holds 177 ml.
Test machine offers control precision
The Universal two-component adhesive cartridge.
TAT says the Universal Cartridge is robustly designed to maintain a very accurate volume ratio, as well as
eliminating bulging or expansion of the cartridge. TAH Industries; website: www.tah.com/universal.
Wet blast machine improves bonding of composite parts MOTOR RACING technology specialist Racing Technology Norfolk (RTN), UK, has installed a Vapormate 3 wet abrasive blast cabinet from Vapormatt Ltd for use in the surface treatment of composite and aluminium structural components. The machine is mainly used for the precise surface etching of composite bodywork, and structural materials such as carbon fibre, prior to adhesive bonding. The smooth, non-retentive surface of composite materials can be difficult to bond, and grease or dust on the surface can further compromise effective adhesion. Vapormatt, Guernsey, UK, says that its wet blasting process has
been found to create more consistent cleaning and prebond surface abrasion than other forms of surface preparation. This leads to more reliable and stronger adhesion between the bonded elements. With the Vapormate 3, a slurry/air pumping system applies a very fine water-borne abrasive mix containing a special cleaning fluid under controllable pressure. This cleans composite surfaces without damaging the fibres or the lay-up of the materials. The use of wet abrasion is also said to eliminate static build-up, preventing the impregnation of hard particles into the soft composite resin surface. It also washes the component.
The Vapormate 3 is 711 mm x 1270 mm in width and 1753 mm high with a 10 mm thick polyethylene processing enclosure measuring 940 mm wide by 699 mm deep and 597 mm in height. This size is said to make the machine suitable for use in small workshop or production operations where space is at a premium. The technology was originally developed for use in aerospace applications and has progressed into the motor sport sector. RTN is a wholly owned subsidiary of Audi AG. Vapormatt Ltd: tel: +441823-257976; fax: +44-1823336446; website: www.vapormatt.com.
A UNIVERSAL testing machine aimed at mid-range force testing applications has been launched by Lloyd Instruments, UK. The LR50KPlus materials testing system is said to offer all the benefits of simple operation, result accuracy and flexible control with the company’s Nexygen™ MT control software. One key element of the 50 kN machine is the ability to achieve test speeds as low as 1 µm/minute combined with, what the company calls, exceptionally smooth control. The twin-column frame also provides the stability required for manufacturing, quality control and research laboratory environments. Included in the system is an 8 kHz data sampling rate that is said to ensure test accuracy, while a ‘Plug and Play’ facility automatically identifies any attached accessory such as loadcell or extensometer. Storage is available for ten different set-ups, and up to 600 test results. Also incorporated in the machine is a self diagnostics feature that can be used for routine problem solving and servicing. The Nexygen MT software offers customers access to a large test library, while features on the latest upgrade include strict multilevel security and audit trails for complete trace ability of users and data. (See pages 36-39 for more on the mechanical testing of composites.) Lloyd Instruments; tel: +441488-73737; fax: +44-148873773; website: Lloydinstruments.co.uk.
April 2004
REINFORCEDplastics
21
Test machine offers control precision
The Universal two-component adhesive cartridge.
TAT says the Universal Cartridge is robustly designed to maintain a very accurate volume ratio, as well as
eliminating bulging or expansion of the cartridge. TAH Industries; website: www.tah.com/universal.
Wet blast machine improves bonding of composite parts MOTOR RACING technology specialist Racing Technology Norfolk (RTN), UK, has installed a Vapormate 3 wet abrasive blast cabinet from Vapormatt Ltd for use in the surface treatment of composite and aluminium structural components. The machine is mainly used for the precise surface etching of composite bodywork, and structural materials such as carbon fibre, prior to adhesive bonding. The smooth, non-retentive surface of composite materials can be difficult to bond, and grease or dust on the surface can further compromise effective adhesion. Vapormatt, Guernsey, UK, says that its wet blasting process has
been found to create more consistent cleaning and prebond surface abrasion than other forms of surface preparation. This leads to more reliable and stronger adhesion between the bonded elements. With the Vapormate 3, a slurry/air pumping system applies a very fine water-borne abrasive mix containing a special cleaning fluid under controllable pressure. This cleans composite surfaces without damaging the fibres or the lay-up of the materials. The use of wet abrasion is also said to eliminate static build-up, preventing the impregnation of hard particles into the soft composite resin surface. It also washes the component.
The Vapormate 3 is 711 mm x 1270 mm in width and 1753 mm high with a 10 mm thick polyethylene processing enclosure measuring 940 mm wide by 699 mm deep and 597 mm in height. This size is said to make the machine suitable for use in small workshop or production operations where space is at a premium. The technology was originally developed for use in aerospace applications and has progressed into the motor sport sector. RTN is a wholly owned subsidiary of Audi AG. Vapormatt Ltd: tel: +441823-257976; fax: +44-1823336446; website: www.vapormatt.com.
A UNIVERSAL testing machine aimed at mid-range force testing applications has been launched by Lloyd Instruments, UK. The LR50KPlus materials testing system is said to offer all the benefits of simple operation, result accuracy and flexible control with the company’s Nexygen™ MT control software. One key element of the 50 kN machine is the ability to achieve test speeds as low as 1 µm/minute combined with, what the company calls, exceptionally smooth control. The twin-column frame also provides the stability required for manufacturing, quality control and research laboratory environments. Included in the system is an 8 kHz data sampling rate that is said to ensure test accuracy, while a ‘Plug and Play’ facility automatically identifies any attached accessory such as loadcell or extensometer. Storage is available for ten different set-ups, and up to 600 test results. Also incorporated in the machine is a self diagnostics feature that can be used for routine problem solving and servicing. The Nexygen MT software offers customers access to a large test library, while features on the latest upgrade include strict multilevel security and audit trails for complete trace ability of users and data. (See pages 36-39 for more on the mechanical testing of composites.) Lloyd Instruments; tel: +441488-73737; fax: +44-148873773; website: Lloydinstruments.co.uk.
April 2004
REINFORCEDplastics
21