Teaching Laboratory 1
Of our two teaching laboratories this one is the "dry"
laboratory. It is used primarily for teaching laboratory courses but the hardness
machines and tensile testing machines are used occasionally for research.
Mechanical Testing Equipment
Instron 4204 Universal Testing System
The Instron 4204 is a computer controlled electro-mechanical testing system capable of
performing a variety of tension and compression tests. The load frame is a
tension/compression type employing a moving (screw-driven) crosshead. It is rated for
forces up to 50 kN, crosshead speeds from 0.05 to 500 millimeters per minute and crosshead
travel of up to 1.170 meters. The system can be operated from the control panel or from a
computer. The computer provides automated control, data acquisition and analysis.
There are three of these systems in this laboratory. Each includes extensometers for 1-inch and 2-inch gage length specimens, wedge grips for flat specimens and threaded grips for standard 0.505-inch diameter specimens and the smaller impact-tension specimens.
Permissions: Due to the expense and complexity of these tensile testers and their accessories plus their inherent hazards you must consult with the laboratory's manager before operating these machines.
Hazards: The hazards associated with this type of mechanical testing system includes pinch and crush zones, high forces which make these pinch and crush zones potentially very dangerous, and stored elastic energy which can result in flying debris following the sudden failure of the specimen or the machine. The operator of these machines must be constantly on the alert for all of these hazards. In particular, be very careful when moving the crosshead, especially when working in confined spaces such as when installing the grips and specimen. And be sure to take full advantage of all of the safety features of these machines. For instance, always set the crosshead travel limit switches before starting a series of tests. Also, when working in a group, make sure that all activities are coordinated and that everyone knows what the other people are doing. Finally, learn how to use the equipment properly and never use it for purposes for which it was not designed. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the operation of this equipment please talk to the laboratory's manager.
Tinius-Olson Impact Tester
This tester is a 1960's vintage machine which we still use from time to time in our
laboratory courses. It is normally used to demonstrate the ductile-to-brittle
transition in steel but it has also been used to evaluate the impact resistance of other
materials such as a new steel for cryogenic applications. This tester is also
capable of performing the izod impact test and impact tension tests, if we can find or
when we get around to making the missing parts. Unfortunately, due to the design of this
system it cannot be certified.
Macromet I Rockwell-Type Hardness Tester
The Macromet I is a manual Rockwell-type hardness tester which is functionally
equivalent to the semi-automatic Macromet 1 (below). Like the Macromet 1 the test load is
selected using a dial but the measurement process is completely manual and the readout is
displayed on a dial gage. This tester is complete with a selection of anvils, a Jominy
fixture, and indentors, including B-scale and C-scale (diamond brale) indentors.
Note: Hardness testing poses very little hazard to the operator other than the possibility that a brittle specimen may shatter. Therefore it is recommended that you wear safety glasses when performing hardness tests on brittle materials. Other than that, it is more likely that operator errors and misuse of the equipment will damage the hardness tester itself. The best way to prevent this and to ensure that you obtain accurate results is to become completely familiar with operating procedure and pitfalls before attempting to perform a hardness test. If you have any questions about hardness testing in general or this equipment in particular please don’t hesitate to ask the laboratory's manager for help.
Macromet 1 Rockwell-Type Hardness Tester
The Macromet 1 is a semi-automatic Rockwell-type hardness tester which features
motorized test loading and unloading, dial selectable test loads and digital readout of
the hardness value. The measurement process is electronically controlled and takes over
after the pre-load has been applied. This tester is complete with a selection of
anvils, a Jominy fixture, and indentors, including B-scale and C-scale (diamond brale)
indentors. (Please read the note above.)
Other Equipment and Facilities
Other equipment and facilities in this laboratory include an electronic balance, a
laser printer, Keithley DMM/scanners and chart and flatbed recorders. These items
are often used in the experiments we do in the laboratory courses.
Division of Materials Science
If you have any questions or comments regarding this web site please contact the webmaster.
Updated on June 25, 2001
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA 95616
USA
Phone: 530/752-0400
Web: www.chms.ucdavis.edu