3542 Axial Extensometer for Compression and Cycle Testing

The 3542 Axial Extensometer from Epsilon Tech is a general purpose extensometer for axial tensile, compression, and cyclic testing. It offers gauge lengths from 10 to 80 mm (and 0.5 to 2 inches) and full scale measuring ranges from 5% to 100% strain.

Epsilon’s robust cross-flexure design provides higher measuring ranges with much shorter extensometer arm lengths - all with much greater low strain performance

With epsilon’s 20+ year history of service, the materials testing community will benefit from the company’s products when their critical application requires it

All Epsilon’s extensometers are verified to applicable standards such as ASTM E83 or ISO 9513 using in-house calibration systems that are calibrated using Epsilon’s laser interferometer system

This extensometers are designed for testing a number of materials, including plastics, metals, composites, and ceramics. All of the models will work in both compression and tension. The dual flexure design makes these extensometers very rugged and insensitive to vibrations, which allows higher frequency operation.

They are provided as a standard the Epsilon’s rapid attach kit, which enables quick and easy mounting of the extensometer on the test specimen with one hand. The rapid attach kit can be removed, allowing mounting of the extensometer with rubber bands or springs.

The Model 3542 extensometers are strain gaged devices, making them compatible with any electronics built for strain gaged transducers. Most frequently they are connected to a test machine controller. The signal conditioning electronics for the extensometer is usually included with the test machine controller or may often be added.

In this case the extensometer is supplied with the proper connector and wiring to plug directly into the electronics. For systems that don't have the required electronics, Epsilon can provide a range of solutions, allowing the extensometer output to be connected to chart recorders, data acquisition boards, or other equipment.

Features

The main features of the 3542 Axial Extensometer are as follows:

Can be left on through specimen failure

Full bridge, 350 ohm strain gaged design for compatibility with virtually any test system

All models can measure in both compression and tension and can be used for cyclic testing

Mechanical overtravel stops in both directions

Cable stops are applied for overtravel protection where needed. Epsilon’s cable stops are contained fully between the arms of the extensometer, and do not hang below where they can hinder with fixturing - particularly during compression testing

Hardened tool steel knife edges are easily replaced. A spare set is provided with every extensometer

Low and high temperature options broaden operation from as low as -265 °C (-450 °F) to +200 °C (400 °F)

High quality foam lined case is available

Replaceable spacers and arms to simplify repair. This also allows changing the gauge length for varied test requirements

Rugged, dual flexure design for strength and enhanced performance. Being stronger than single flexure designs, this also allows cyclic testing at higher frequencies

Standard rapid attach kit allows single hand mounting to specimens

Standard units meet ASTM class B-1 requirements for accuracy. A test certificate is included. ISO 9513 class 0,5 test certificates can be obtained upon request

Specifications

The main specifications of the 3542 Axial Extensometer are as follows:

Output: 2 to 4 mV/V, nominal, depending on model

Excitation: 5 to 10 VDC recommended, 12 VDC or VAC max

Linearity: ≤0.15% of full scale measuring range

Cable: Integral, ultra-flexible cable, 8 ft (2.5 m) standard

Operating force: 30 g typical

Temperature range: Standard (-ST) is -40 °C to +100 °C (-40 °F to 210 °F)

Standard quick attach kit: Fits round samples up to 1.0” diameter (25 mm)and flats to 0.5” thick by 1.25” wide (12 mm x 31 mm)

Options

The options provided for the 3542 Axial Extensometer are as follows:

Adapter kits to change gauge lengths

Quick attach kit wireforms for large specimens

Special coatings and stainless steel knife edges available for biomedical tests

Connectors to interface to nearly any brand test equipment

Specialty knife edges

Shunt calibration

3542 Axial Extensometer for Compression and Cycle Testing

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