High Stiffness Machines
Some tests such as gasket testing or rock mechanics require high forces to be applied, but the sample will deflect by a very small amount. This requires a very stiff frame to reduce stored energy, so that failure stress on the sample can be removed instantaneously.
Phoenix has supplied high stiffness machines for a range of applications to customers around the world, including intensifiers and bi-axial extensometers for tri-axial pressure cells (hook cells) used for geotechnical testing of rocks for the oil and gas industry.
High Performance Machines
Phoenix designs and builds systems where large displacements at high frequencies are required, and systems where a very high rate of movement is required for a single test (high rate/ single shot), including 7ms-1 for our 2kN Bench Top Test Machine, and over 15ms-1 for a 50kN test machine.
One of the key requirements for a high rate machine is accurate control of the system to enable it to stop at the target displacement or load. The Phoenix Alpha Digital Control System has a control loop rate of 40kHz, giving it the best high rate control available.