Kappa Multistation

Test load

Up to 10 kN/axis

Temperature range

-40 to +250°C

Type of test

Creep
Stress Relax
SIM, FNCT
Tensile
Compression
Flexure

Standards

ISO 899-1
ISO 899-2
ASTM D2990
ISO 3384-1
ISO 16770
ISO 527
ASTM D638

The compact multi-axis testing system for a wide spectrum of specimens and test types up to 10,000 hours

The Kappa Multistation is a compact and flexible electromechanical creep testing machine with up to six individually controlled load axes. This cost and space efficient testing system is ideal for a wide spectrum of specimen materials, and is considered the specialist for creep tests on plastics and composites. The flexible testing system is ideal for changing test tasks in modern development and testing laboratories, because it can be used for applications at ambient temperature, under low and elevated temperatures as well as in humidity conditions:

Creep tests with constant load (tensile, flexure and compression tests)
Creep tests up to break
- Creep rupture
- Stress rupture
Stress relaxation tests with constant elongation
Force and strain controlled tests (closed loop) with force, strain and temperature sequences (stepless/in blocks)
Tests with flexible loads, e.g. constant force increase rates
Time-lapse testing methods, e.g. SIM, TTS, SSM
Quasi-static tests can also be performed with this testing machine

Tensile creep tests on plastics

The Kappa Multistation is ideally suited for tensile creep tests on plastics

according to ISO 899-1 and ASTM D2990 with integrated temperature and humidity control.

Creep test on plastics to ISO 899-1 and ASTM D2990

Advantages & features

Specific machine design

Cost and space saving design with a robust test frame:

Five or six independently controlled load axes in one test frame
Central lead screw drive and precision guidance via two steel columns for precise axial loading according to ASTM E292
Load string with optimum alignment properties to ASTM E1012
Long stroke of 200 mm per load string
No mutual influence of the individual load strings at specimen break
Precise loading rate with tolerance of ± 0.1 % of the set speed in the measurement range of 1 μm/h to nominal speed, unloaded or under constant load
Precision testing machine to DIN EN ISO 7500-1

Precise control

The individually and independently controlled load axes enable force and strain controlled tests in a closed loop.

High-resolution force and travel measurement for optimum control properties, especially at very low test speeds
Fast and precise force and strain control through high drive control frequency of 1000 Hz
Precise loading rate of ± 0.1 % of the set speed in the measurement range of 1 μm/h to nominal speed, unloaded or under constant load
Steplessly adjustable force range of 20 N to 10 kN in accuracy class 1 to ISO 7500-1

Consistent temperatures

A common temperature chamber for all load axes ensures precise temperatures:

In a temperature range of -40 °C to +250 °C
Within a tolerance of ±3 K
Cooling with liquid nitrogen (LN2)
Self-supporting stainless steel housing with view windows on the front and rear sides
Optimal heat distribution via two heating coils and two fans (air flow principle)
Equipped with PT100 temperature sensor and Teflon bushings for upper and lower feedthrough of the load strings
Interior illumination of temperature chamber for observing test progress

Non-contact extensometer

In accordance with recommendation by ISO 899-1, strain measurement is carried out with non-contact videoXtens, which has no influence on the specimen.

Individual high-precision camera for each test axis
Quick and precise measurements via fixed positioning of the cameras
Strain measurement meets accuracy class 1 (class 0.5 on request)
No mechanical influence on specimens, since sensor arms are not required
No influence on the temperature, since strain measurement occurs through view window from behind
Wide range of specimen marking options
Flexible initial gauge lengths and measurement ranges
Application within the entire temperature range of the temperature chamber
Ideal for tensile, compression, and flexure tests

Flexible environmental conditions

Easy simulation of different environmental conditions with integrated temperature and humidity control:

Heating: RT +15°C to +250°C
Heating and cooling with LN2: -70°C /-40°C to +250°C
Heating and cooling with refrigeration unit: -40°C to +250°C ¹
Heating and cooling with controlled humidity environment:
+20°C to +90°C and 20% to 90% relative humidity ²
Standard-compliant tolerance: Temperature ± 2°C and relative humidity ± 5%

Combination of bullet point 3 and 4 possible
Combination of bullet point 3 and 4 possible

Intelligent electronics and software

The testXpert testing software ensures
- Quick test setup
- User friendly operation when running the test, and
- Easy evaluation of the test results
Consistent workflow for minimal training effort
Any desired strain and force controlled load application
Integrated temperature control of the temperature controller
Tamper-proof setting of force and temperature through input of set value and continuous recording and documentation even prior to starting the test, during the heating phase
Well designed data security concept

Technical overview

Type	Kappa Multistation
Test load per test axis, max. Fmax	10 kN
Number of test axes	max. 6
Distance between the axes	105 mm
Crosshead travel, max.	200 mm
Lateral guidance of the moving crosshead via precision bearings on two hard-chromed columns	Diameter 30 mm
Test speed range	0,001 mm/h to 100 mm/min
Return speed	100 mm/min
Test speed accuracy (measured over an interval of min. 5 s or 10 mm travel)	< ±0,1 %
Position transducer travel resolution	0.0025 µm
Testing system dimensions
Width	1197 mm
Depth	1233 mm
Height	2116 mm
Weight	1200 kg
Supply voltage	230 VAC
Installed power load per test axis	400 VA

Type	Kappa Multistation
Test load per test axis, max. Fmax	10 kN
Number of test axes	max. 6
Distance between the axes	105 mm
Crosshead travel, max.	200 mm
Lateral guidance of the moving crosshead via precision bearings on two hard-chromed columns	Diameter 30 mm
Test speed range	0,001 mm/h to 100 mm/min
Return speed	100 mm/min
Test speed accuracy (measured over an interval of min. 5 s or 10 mm travel)	< ±0,1 %
Position transducer travel resolution	0.0025 µm
Testing system dimensions
Width	1197 mm
Depth	1233 mm
Height	2116 mm
Weight	1200 kg
Supply voltage	230 VAC
Installed power load per test axis	400 VA

Interesting equipment variations at a glance

Kappa Multistation 5x10 kN

This testing machine is intended for independently controlled tension, compression, and flexure tests on five specimens at the same time.

Kappa Multistation 5x10 kN with controlled humidity environment

This testing machine allows for creep testing under controlled temperature from +20°C to +90°C and relative humidity from 20 to 90%.

Kappa Multistation 3x50 kN

This testing machine has three load axes for creep testing on plastics with a maximum test load of 50 kN per load axis.

Kappa Multistation 3x10 kN with customized fluid bath

This testing machine is designed for creep testing and determination of crack growth on circumferentially notched specimens in temperature conditioned watery solution.

Related products and accessories

To the product

Downloads

Product information: Kappa Multistation PDF 2 MB
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Interesting customer projects

More customers rely on a Kappa Multistation

EMS-Grivory Europe uses the Kappa Multistation to investigate the influence of humidity and temperature on the long-term properties of polyamides.

EMS-GRIVORY Europe, Switzerland

EMS-GRIVORY Europe is one of the leading specialists for high-performance polyamides. At the main location in Domat/Ems, Switzerland, polyamides are developed that can be found in many areas of everyday life. In order to investigate the influence of humidity and temperature on the long-term properties of polyamides, the Kappa Multistation with climate chamber (20°C to 90°C, 20% to 90% humidity) was put into operation.