Zwick noncontact extensometer measures strain

-- Test & Measurement World, 1/9/2008 7:00:00 PM

The laserXtens from Zwick performs strain measurement without contacting the specimen and without requiring specimen marking. It boasts high resolution down to 0.15 µm and a measuring range of 900 mm.

By using laser technology, the extensometer determines two fingerprints on the specimen surface and by setting these as the gauge length, it is able to measure the strain directly as the specimen is subjected to stress. What’s more, the laserXtens can measure strain on miniature specimens and under certain conditions, it can avoid the time and expense of attaching strain gages.

The laserXtens can be used for applications in temperature chambers where materials are typically exposed to temperatures from –70°C to +250°C, while being subjected to tensile or compressive loads. Such tests are important in the automotive industry where the measurement of both axial and transverse strain is often required. Only a window is required in order for laserXtens to see the specimen inside the chamber.

Zwick, www.zwick.com.