Instron 5800R Tensile and Compression Test System
Description: Instron model 4505 load frame with a series 5800 retrofit
Location: Instrumentation Lab
Access: Please contact Bray staff to schedule.
SAFETY: Proper machine shop attire should be worn at all times by the operator. Do not touch the machine as it is performing a test.
What is an Instron Test System?
The Instron Test System is a stand-alone, fully digital, single-axis controller that is packaged as a tower. It uses a motor encoder and a load cell to collect data during tension, compression, and 3-point bend tests.
Available Testing Protocols and Data Outputs:
| Calculations | |
| Tension (stress and reverse stress) | Absolute Peak Local Peaks Preset Points User Calculations Modulus (9 types) Yield (5 tyles) Break (6 types) Slack/Compliance Correction Poisson’s Ratio Area Reduction Break Location |
| Compression | Same as Tension Calculations, but also provides comprehensive values |
| 3-Point Bend | Same as Compression |
Major Components
Machine Capabilities
| Specification | |
| Tower Height | 1978 mm |
| Tower Width | 1105 mm |
| Tower Depth | 708 mm |
| Load Capacity | ±100 kN |
| Available Load Cells |
|
| Maximum Force | ±100kN |
| Speed | Maximum: 1,000 mm/min Minimum: 0.001 mm/min |
| Total Crosshead Travel | 1079 mm |
| Position Measurement Accuracy | ±0.02mm or 0.05% of displayed reading |
| Load Weighing Accuracy | ±0.04% of the reading down to 1/100 of load cell capacity ±0.05% of the reading down to 1/500 of load cell capacity |
| Strain Measurement Accuracy | ±0.05% of the reading down to 1/50 of full scale with an ASTM E83 class B or an ISO 9513 class 0.5 extensometer |
| Available Extensometers |
|
How Does the Intron Test
System Work?
A load cell is installed in the top of the load frame, and a material specimen is held in place inside the Instron tower using fixtures and grips. Once a testing protocol has been initiated, the center crosshead will travel vertically, propelled by large lead-screws located inside the columns. DO NOT TOUCH THE MACHINE AS IT IS MOVING. The speed, distance, and direction of travel is determined by the testing protocol which has been programmed by the operator beforehand. The Instron is capable of performing tension, compression, and 3-point bend tests.
Tension Test
During a tension test, the material specimen (typically in the shape of a dog-bone or coupon) is held securely in the jaws of upper and lower wedge grips. In a standard configuration, the upper grip is attached to the load cell while the lower grip is attached to the fixed base plate of the crosshead. The crosshead will travel downward while the upper grip and load cell remain stationary. An Extensometer gauge may be clipped to the material specimen cross section to record a more accurate strain measurement (pictured above).
Compression Test
During a compression test, the material specimen (shape varies based on test requirements) is held in place by a vise grip fixture attached to the base plate of the crosshead. A compressive load is applied to the specimen by a platen that is attached to the load cell. The crosshead will travel upward while the platen and load cell remain stationary.
3-Point Bend Test
During a 3-point bend test, the material specimen (typically in the shape of a coupon) is placed across a support cylinder fixture that is attached to the base plate of the crosshead. A compressive load is applied directly to the center of the specimen by a loading anvil that is attached to the load cell. The crosshead will travel upward while the loading anvil and load cell remain stationary.
Data Collection
Data can be collected in the form of Extension, Load, Time, and Strain:
| Data Collection Method | |
| Extension | From the Crosshead / Actuator travel |
| Load | From the Load Cell |
| Time | From the software controller |
| Strain | From Extension readout or an Extensometer clipped to specimen |
Next Steps:
- Tension Test: Machine Setup
- Tension Test: Software Setup
- Tension Test: Running a Tension Test
- Compression Test: Machine Setup
- Compression Test: Software Setup
- Compression Test: Running a Compression Test – page under construction
- 3-Point Bend Test: Machine Setup
- 3-Point Bend Test: Software Setup – same as Compression Test
- 3-Point Bend Test: Running a 3-Point Bend Test – page under construction
- Temperature Chamber
