videoXtens 1-32 HP/TZ

Max. measurement range

30 mm

Temperature range

Ambient temperature
High temperature up to 1,400 °C

Type of test

Tensile, compression, flexure tests
Cyclic tests

Material

Universal

Typical applications Advantages & features Advanced functionality Downloads Request a consultation

The optical extensometer for demanding applications up to +1,400°C

The videoXtens 1-32 HP/TZ measures deformations on different materials in various environmental conditions, without making contact. The measuring principle requires application of gauge marks.

The videoXtens 1-32 HP/TZ is ideal for deformation measurement of small specimens starting at a gauge length of 1.5 to 32 mm in accuracy class 0.5 to EN ISO 9513. The strengths of this extensometer are particularly prominent with demanding applications and specimens such as glass.

Tensile, compression, and flexure tests
Cyclic applications (< 2 Hz load frequency)
Long-term applications
Tests at high temperature up to 1,400°C
Tests in temperature chambers
Tests at ambient temperature

Standard	Type of test
ISO 204 ASTM E139 EN 2002-005	Tensile creep tests on metals
ASTM E2714	Creep fatigue (CF) tests / Creep fatigue tests on metals
ASTM E606 ISO 12106	Low cycle fatigue (LCF) tests / Low cycle fatigue tests on metals
ISO 6892-2 ASTM E21	Tensile tests on metals at high temperatures
ISO 6892-1 ASTM E8	Tensile tests on metals at ambient temperature

Typical videoXtens 1-32 HP/TZ applications

More information on creep tests.

Advantages and features

Simple operation

Automatic gauge-mark recognition and acquisition of initial gage-length L₀.
Tamper-proof: The enclosures of the complete systems are sealed with screw locking varnish, therefore nothing can be adjusted. This is an important requirement for reliable test results.
Simple alignment to the specimen: Through the connection to the crosshead (option), the videoXtens is aligned centrally to the gauge marks.
Compensation of various specimen thicknesses and testing of shear specimens.
Wear-free system, and as a result also low-maintenance. The systems have an extremely long service life.
Connection to third-party machines via ±10 V interface.

Prominent functions

The videoXtens 1-32 HP/TZ can be used for testing to ISO 6892-2 (high-temperature) and ISO 6892-1 (ambient temperature).
Strain-rate controlled tests to ISO 6892-2 Method A1 (closed loop) are possible using the videoXtens 1-32 HP/TZ. Since high-temperature materials sometimes display nonlinear strain increase, ZwickRoell recommends that you perform pre-tests.

Measurement of the change in width and deflection without additional markings and without required hardware expansion is possible as a software option.

High accuracy

ZwickRoell extensometers exceed the requirements of the standards and are calibrated over the entire measurement range to ISO 9513, in accuracy class 0.5.
Industrial-quality cameras and telecentric, low-distortion lenses.
In contrast to contact-type extensometers, the videoXtens HP/TZ can measure strain on short specimens (gauge lengths from 1.5 mm) with high accuracy.
videoXtens HP/TZ is mounted using low-vibration, stable holders.
Housing provides protection against dirt and dust and inadvertent misalignment of the components.
Exact synchronization of all measurement channels.

Automatic centering

Our automatic centering increases measurement travel and measuring accuracy.

videoXtens HP/TZ tracks at half crosshead speed via the connection to the crosshead, keeping the testing operation automatically in focus and making optimum use of the measuring range.
This results in increased system accuracy, as the gauge marks shift less in the image and are captured in the center of the lens.

Pattern recognition: Testing without gauge marks

The innovative pattern-recognition algorithm allows virtual gauge marks to be applied to the specimen. The gauge marks can be subsequently changed and recalculated (Test re-run option). It doesn't get any more operator-friendly than this!
The essential requirement is for a pattern on the specimen - either a natural pattern due to a structured surface or an artificial pattern which can quickly be applied using a marker spray or by stippling.
There are only very few materials that can withstand temperatures over 1,000°C and still provide sufficient contrast for a suitable marking. Therefore, ZwickRoell uses aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) for tests at high temperatures, which has a temperature resistance of up to 1,700°C and provides excellent contrast when combined with special illumination.
The high-temperature resistant marking is simply sprayed on while using a mask and can be attached to almost any desired surface and specimen shape.

Use at high temperatures

Green LED light sources and corresponding filters minimize the influence of glowing specimens at high temperatures, and achieve continuous high-quality contrast ratios, also in case of varying environmental conditions.
For tests in combination with temperature chambers and high-temperature furnaces, the videoXtens 1-32 HP/TZ is equipped with an adjustable tunnel. This tunnel minimizes interfering factors such as air currents and changing lighting conditions between the camera and specimen.
For protection against the high temperatures, the laserXtens HP/TZ is separated from the heating systems by a glass window.

Compensation for lateral specimen movements

The telecentric lens makes the videoXtens 1-32 HP/TZ resistant to distance changes between the lens and specimen. Load strings are used with temperature chambers and high-temperature furnaces to apply force on the specimen. If these load strings are not accurately aligned, or if they are self-aligning (spherically seated), alignment movements occur at the beginning of the test, in which the distance of the specimen to the lens changes. With ordinary lenses these movements lead to incorrect measurements. The telecentric lens of the videoXtens 1-32 HP/TZ compensates for these lateral specimen movements and minimizes measurement error.

Additional videoXtens advantages & features

Of course, all the general advantages of videoXtens systems also apply to the videoXtens L 3-205 HP/OPC.

The video extensometers can be flexibly extended with options

Advanced functionality: Simply activate and see more

The testXpert testing software gets even more out of the camera images. Why only set two gauge marks? The video extensometer’s camera(s) capture a large part of the specimen. The testing software also uses this area for other evaluations, from change in width and automatic break detection to 2D digital image correlation.

Change in width measurement / transverse strain measurement

This option is used for biaxial measurements: One or more transverse strain measurements are recorded at the same time as the longitudinal strain measurement, for example the change in width directly at the edge of the specimen, contact-free and without gauge marks. The number of measuring points can be freely selected. The values are automatically averaged, but can also be evaluated individually.

The extension is available as a software-only option or as a hardware extension:

The software option can be easily extended and meets accuracy class 1 (ISO 9513) for most videoXtens systems.
For the transverse strain hardware option, an additional camera is integrated directly into the housing of the videoXtens. This camera is specially designed for the change in width and achieves much more accurate measurement values, for example accuracy class 0.5 (ISO 9513).

Change in width measurement with video extensometer

Measurement of the change in width with video extensometer, here at three measuring points (=measuring axes). The values can be displayed individually for each measurement axis.

Strain distribution: every specimen counts

A break outside the gauge length causes costs and additional time for specimen preparation and retesting. This can be prevented with the strain distribution option.

During the test, the testing software automatically places the gauge length symmetrically around the break point.

The workaround offered by ISO 6892-1 in Annex I to validate breaks outside the gauge length is also activated effortlessly by our software; calculation and validation according to standard specifications run automatically and in real time. No need to manually measure and recalculate the specimen as was the case before.

Strain distribution: the break is within the gauge length and can be evaluated

Break outside the gauge length: the test is invalid

Without strain distribution: the break is outside the gauge length, the test is invalid

Test Re-Run: re-calculate instead of re-testing

The test re-run function can be used to virtually repeat and recalculate the test with a modified initial gauge length. You save time on specimen preparation and testing and can run different evaluations on one and the same specimen.

During the test, the testing software records the image series. You can later use these to change the size and position of the initial gauge length as required. One click starts the recalculation and all characteristic values are recalculated on the basis of the new gauge length. Each recalculation is displayed separately, making comparisons simple and clear.

Validate invalid specimens after the test, change the initial gauge length in size or position: videoXtens Test Re-Run

Using the drag & drop function, the gauge length is positioned around the break based on the image recordings and the test is re-evaluated

2D Digital Image Correlation (DIC)

2D digital image correlation visualizes deformations and strain over the entire visible specimen surface. This software option considerably expands the analysis options of the videoXtens. Activation is very simple, you only need a software license. The live strain measurement and subsequent 2D DIC analysis are performed with the same videoXtens and using the same marker.

A wide range of analysis tools provide different types of information: Gauge lengths, measuring points, virtual strain gauges, cutting lines, vector maps and more. Here you will find detailed information about 2D DIC.

The 2D DIC with video extensometers contains various versatile analysis tools

Flexure test: deflection measurement

The videoXtens offers different options to measure deflection. A measuring plunger is often placed under the specimen for comparability with measurements using sensors or transducers. The measurement displacement during the test is measured by videoXtens using stick-on gauge marks.

Alternatively, it is also possible to measure directly on the specimen edge: either by applying a mark to the flexure specimen or by using a backlight behind the specimen, which makes the lower edge of the specimen visible and measurable for the videoXtens. In addition to the deflection in the test axis, the polynomial approximation of the curvature can also be determined.