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Autograph AGS-V Series Precision Universal Testing Machine

On May 15, Shimadzu Corporation released the Autograph AGS-V Series precision universal testing machine. In this series, the range over which the force measurement accuracy is guaranteed has been increased by a factor of two compared with existing machines. As a result of this new function, the work required to change force measurement sensors and accessories required for measurement can be reduced. Also, the speed at which the testing machine automatically returns to the starting position after the test is completed has been increased, so testing throughput is improved. As a popular model that combines high precision, efficiency, and operability, this will contribute to research and development and quality control of metal and plastic parts, battery materials, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), plastics, etc., for electric vehicles (EV), which have become increasingly popular in the global manufacturing industry in recent years.

Precision universal testing machines are used for strength testing to measure the strength of materials and how they change when force is applied. In recent years, research into EVs and carbon neutral-related developments has progressed, and the number of strength tests for parts and products made from new materials with new structures has increased. In response to the demand for “high testing efficiency” and “excellent operability,” the Autograph AGS-V Series has improved basic performance, such as guaranteed test force accuracy range, speed of application of force to test samples, and return speed to the test starting position, compared with previous models. It is equipped with a function to automatically calibrate the test force at start-up, a liquid crystal touch panel, which can be used without a PC, and a jog dial, thereby realizing high operability. It also supports the TRAPEZIUMX-V material testing operation software, which can be used in a variety of tests. Also, voice guidance is provided before operation, the same as on the high-end model AGX-V2 Series, to enable safe and secure operation. The supported languages are Japanese, English, and Chinese. Because it is mounted on a tabletop, it can be installed with minimum space. Shimadzu Corporation contributes to the research and development of new materials through improved performance and automation of our testing machines.

Features

1. Cutting-Edge Specifications for a New Era

The range of speed at which force is applied to test samples has been increased to 0.0005 to 1500 mm per minute, enabling testing under a wider range of conditions. The testing time is shortened by the improved speed of return to the test starting position of 1650 mm per minute. Also, the test force sampling rate has been increased from 1 ms* on previous models to 0.2 ms, an increase of a factor of five, enabling higher accuracy of measurement of test samples that fracture suddenly, such as glass and ceramics. The guaranteed test force accuracy range has been improved to 1/1000, so the test force rising edge can be analyzed with confidence. Tests that required several changes of force measurement sensor (load cell) in accordance with the test force can be performed with a single load cell, enabling replacement work and calibration costs to be reduced. It also supports the TRAPEZIUMX-V material testing operation software, so the simple to set and inexpensive Single Lite Software can also be used. 
* ms (millisecond) is 1/1,000th of a second.

2. Boost Productivity with Enhanced Usability Features

The color liquid crystal touch panel displays the optimum buttons and information in accordance with the situation. Operation can be performed with the operational controller only, without using a PC. The measurement results are saved on a USB flash drive. Also, it is equipped with voice guidance, which is supported on the high-end AGX-V2 series model, so voice guidance is provided before movement of the crosshead, thereby preventing operational errors. The self-diagnosis function of the machine monitors sensor amplifier calibration information, testing machine operation status, power supply voltage, communication status, etc., and immediately notifies the operator when a problem occurs. Also, it has a function that notifies the operator when the machine's usage time or number of uses reaches their prescribed values, which reduces downtime. By using the multi-table at the front of the machine for placing tools and test samples, tests can be performed efficiently with minimum movement.

3. Operator-Friendly Design with Enhanced Safety

A safety cover is provided as standard to prevent scattering of sample fragments. Safety is improved with an interlock function, by preventing testing from continuing with the cover open. The cover can be raised and lowered, and has a free stop function so that it can be stopped at the desired position. The intelligent crosshead always knows its current position, so jig collisions can be prevented. If jigs come too close to each other due to improper operation, an alarm is emitted, and the crosshead will automatically stop.