3560 Bi-Axial and Axial Averaging Extensometers for Testing Anisotropic Materials Such as Advanced Composites

A single integral unit provides simultaneous averaged axial strain and lateral (transverse) strain measurement. This unit also comes with an averaged axial extensometer alone.

36 Extensometer Models are available in many thousands of variations. Epsilon’s focus on helping users has led to the development of models to cover almost any test method.

With Epsilon’s 20+ years history of service to the materials testing community, the company will be there to stand behind its products to meet the critical application needs of customers.

The operations of the 3560 extensometers and all other Epsilon’s extensometers are verified to applicable standards such as ISO 9513 or ASTM E83 using in-house calibration systems that are calibrated using Epsilon’s laser interferometer system.

Epsilon’s Model 3560 extensometer is suitable for testing anisotropic materials such as advanced composites and for general purpose tests like determining Poisson’s ratio. The Model 3560BIA uses Epsilon’s unique design, where the knife edges remain parallel during the displacement.

This method considerably reduces crosstalk between axes and allows use on flat or round specimens with equal ease. The extensometers can be mounted easily. Integral springs are provided to hold the unit on the test sample. The parallel multiple flexure design makes these units highly durable.

The Model 3560AVG reads axial strain only as a single averaged output, but it can also be supplied with two independent outputs, with a single measurement from each side of the specimen. This set-up is usually needed when an indication of specimen bending is required.

The second version - Model 3560BIA - comprises of both the transverse strain and the averaged strain. Again, this can also be configured as two independent axial readings, which results in a three channel extensometer.

As the Model 3560 extensometers are strain gaged devices, they are compatible with any electronics designed for strain gaged transducers. Most often, these extensometers 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 delivered with the appropriate wiring and connector to plug directly into the electronics. For systems that lack the necessary electronics, Epsilon can offer a range of solutions, allowing the extensometer output to be connected to chart recorders, data acquisition boards, or other equipment.

Features

The key features of the Model 3560 are as follows:

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

Comprises of high-quality, foam-lined case and spare set of tool steel knife edges

Self-supporting on the specimen

Standard units meet ASTM class B-1 requirements for accuracy. A test certificate is included. ISO 9513 class 0,5 test certificates are available upon request. All standard units have linearity readings of 0.15% or better in the transverse direction

High accuracy and minimal crosstalk between channels

Multiple sets of dual flexures and mechanical stops allow testing through failure and provide a rugged unit

Knife edge mounting and parallel displacement allows mounting on flat or round specimens. Much easier to mount than designs using conical points (particularly on round specimens and thin flat ones)

Rugged, dual flexure design for improved performance

Specifications

The key specifications of the Model 3560 are as follows:

Linearity: ≤0.15% of full scale measuring range, depending on model

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

Crosstalk: Less than 0.5%

Specimen Size: Works with samples 2.5 to 25 mm (0.1” to 1”) width or diameter

Operating Force: 30 to 50 g typical

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

Excitation: 5 to 10 VDC recommended, 12 VDC or VAC maximum.

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

Options

The following are some of the options offered by the Model 3560:

Shunt Calibration

Connectors to interface to almost any brand test equipment

Specialty Knife Edges

3560 Bi-Axial and Axial Averaging Extensometers for Testing Anisotropic Materials Such as Advanced Composites

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