GENEQ > Materials > Stiffness

Stiffness Testers
 

  
The Stiffness Tester is used to evaluate material stiffness and resiliency. This precision instrument provides accurate test measurement to ±1.0% for specimens 0.004" to 0.219" thickness. Materials include paper products, cardboard, plastics, metals, textiles, rubber, wire, tubing, felts and other sheet materials.
Incorporated in the Stiffness Tester is a pendulum weighing system. Providing an accurate and responsive method for measuring small load increments, this system is a critical component for determining material stiffness or resiliency. Nine (9) distinct ranges permit testing of materials that are extremely lightweight and flexible (such as cellophane or thin metallic foils) to items that are very rigid (such as plastics).

Test specimens are mounted on the Stiffness Tester using the specimen clamp. Mounted on the pendulum, the lower faces of the specimen clamp jaws are exactly on the center of rotation. This ensures a constant test length and deflection angle for accurate and repeatable results. Both jaws of the specimen clamp are adjustable, so the test specimen can be positioned precisely in the center regardless of material thickness.

Force is applied to the lower end of the specimen by a pair of rollers. The rollers, which are attached to a driving disc located directly behind the pendulum, push against the test specimen and deflect it from its vertical position. The pendulum applies increasing torque to the specimen as it deflects further from its original position. All Stiffness Testers now include the ratchet stop roller which aides in test set-up and reduces the potential for inter-operator error.

The test point reading occurs when the pendulum mark aligns with the appropriate driving disc mark (7 1ž2° or 15°), which points to the stiffness reading on the dial point. The final reading will depend on the range in which the test is being conducted (which dictates instrument set-up and the appropriate scaling factor to use).

The instrument outputs the moment load applied to the test specimen in TABER Stiffness Units (g · cm).

Stiffness Testers are available in two models. Both units offer bi-directional pendulum type testing in a range from 0 - 10,000 Stiffness Units.

MODEL 150-E  [part# 980150-E]
Model 150-E features an on-board computer that automatically calculates and records stiffness testing data. Stiffness readings are automatically converted to the appropriate user-selected stiffness range, eliminating the need to manually multiply results by a scaling factor. This unit also calculates average, standard deviation, and high/low readings.
With the accessory ports, data can be either printed or downloaded to a PC. Plus, up to 1,000 readings can be stored in non-volatile memory. In addition to the internal real-time clock and calendar, stored readings can be identified with an optional user-defined label. Using the 16 button keypad, operators have the ability to select the direction, deflection and number of cycles. The instrument also offers the ability to perform testing in auto or manual mode.
• 115/230V, 50/60Hz
• CE approved

MODEL 150-B  [part# 980150-B1]
The Model 150-B is a manually operated instrument, which is based on the original Taber Stiffness Tester. Offering the same accurate, precision test results as the Model 150-E, this instrument requires the user to record stiffness testing data, average the readings and multiply results by a scaling factor. Mounted on telescoping tripod legs, the Model 150-B is lightweight for easy portability. Electronic components are sealed in a rugged housing.
• 110V, 60Hz (220V operation requires ETF-14 Step Down Transformer)

ACCESSORIES
Triple Cut Specimen Shear [part# 980104-11]
Uniform specimen size is critical for repeatable and reproducible test results. The Triple Cut Specimen Shear will prepare consistent specimens for most materials up to 0.020" in thickness. With the interchangeable dies included, you can select the appropriate size for your testing (1 1ž2" x 1 1ž2" or 1 1ž2" x 2 3ž4").
Ratchet Stop Roller [part# 130240]
Now standard on all models of Stiffness Testers, the Ratchet Stop Roller greatly reduces the potential for inter-operator error caused by over or under-tightening. The travel on the right hand assembly automatically stops when the roller contacts the specimen. This allows the operator to precisely set the distance between the specimen and roller, which results in improved test set-up. This accessory can be retrofitted on any Stiffness Tester.
Sensitivity Range Attachment [part# 980150-14]
The Sensitivity Range Attachment (also referred to as SR or High Sensitivity Attachment) is used to test the stiffness of extremely lightweight materials including cellophane, natural fibers, synthetic filaments, metallic foils, and more. A 1 1ž2" x 1 1ž2" specimen is mounted between a set of pin holders, which replace the rollers. Use of this attachment requires the Compensator Range Weight.
Wire / Tube Testing Apparatus [part# 131030]
Designed to test cylindrical specimen materials, this accessory securely holds samples up to 4mm in diameter without any deformation. Each apparatus includes a top and bottom gauge block, which is customized to the diameter of your specimen.
Range Weights
To test specimens below 10 stiffness units, the Compensator Range Weight is required. Specimens above 100 stiffness units require additional range weights as determined by the test set-up chart.
  • Replacement Compensator Range Weight - 10 Taber Units [part# 120815]
  • Replacement Range Weight - 500 Taber Units [part# 120753]
  • Replacement Range Weight - 1000 Taber Units [part# 120752]
  • Replacement Range Weight - 2000 Taber Units [part# 120751]
  • Auxiliary Range Weight Set - range 3000 - 5000 Taber Units [part# 125656]
  • Case for Range Weights [part# 120888]
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    Calibration Specimens

    To confirm the proper operation of your Stiffness Tester, TABER offers five spring steel calibration specimens. Each specimen is electro-etched with the exact rating before leaving the factory.

  • Calibration Specimen 62 [part# 125390-1]
  • Calibration Specimen 225 [part# 125390-2]
  • Calibration Specimen 440 [part# 125390-3]
  • Calibration Specimen 565 [part# 125390-4]
  • Calibration Specimen 1060 [part# 125390-5] 
    		•
    6mm Clamp Jaw Upgrade [part# 1125762]
    Increase the specimen thickness of older model Stiffness Testers with an upgrade to the 6mm Clamp Jaws. These jaws allow you to increase specimen thickness from a maximum 0.125" to 0.219", and are standard on all current models
    Step-Down Transformer (220/110V) [part# 112954]
    The Step-Down Transformer is required to operate the TABER Stiffness Tester Model 150-B at 220V.

    SPECIFICATIONS
     
    Model 150-E
    Model 150-B
    Operation
    Mechanical & Electrical
    Mechanical & Electrical
    Dimensions
    15 x 10 x 15-1/2 in.
    16-1/2 x 8-3/4 x 10 in.
    Weight
    Unit: 25lbs, Shipping: 38lbs
    Unit: 13lbs, Shipping: 26lbs
    Electrical
    115/230VAC, 50/60Hz
    Electrical components seales in housing
    115/230VAC, 50/60Hz
    Electrical components seales in housing
    Calibration
    At factory
    At factory
    Assembly
    Completely assembled when shipped
    Completely assembled (except for legs) when shipped