Data Collection, Analysis and Storage – Horizon Software

Tinius Olsen launches the next evolution of testing software with their Horizon package. As part of their development process, they have taken the best features of their existing software offerings, including QMat, Test Navigator, and EP600 software, incorporated a host of report writing and data manipulation capabilities and, in the process, created a new, unmatched testing platform that will make easy work of materials testing programs, whether they are designed for the charting and analysis functions of QC testing or the challenging rigors of R&D.

One of the first features users will encounter within the Horizon software is its use of the most current Windows environments. These familiar formats make it easy to use and learn, particularly since the same familiar functionality is preserved throughout the program.

Key Features

Test Method Library

Tabbed Test and Recall Area

Multifaceted security

Multiple Machine Control

Multilingual

Output Editor

Test Editor

Method Editor

Result Editor

Touchscreen enabled*

* Requires Windows 8 operating system and a touchscreen.

Method Library and Test Area

If the user’s testing regimen follows a quality control analysis to a range of international standards, then the Test Method Library is perhaps the first place one will want to visit. Here one can pick their desired test technique, which has been written in compliance with various international test standards.

For instance, if users have to test for the melt flow index of incoming resin to ASTM D1238 procedure B, they only have to select that routine from the list in the library. Likewise, if users need to establish the pipe crush strength in compliance with EN802, the tensile strength of a steel reinforcement bar in agreement with ASTM E8, or the Vicat softening temperature of plastics in compliance with ISO 306, just make the selection from the library, check machine and specimen parameters, and begin the tests – just four clicks of the mouse from start-up to testing!

If, on the other hand, users want to develop their own calculated result from a test, using a national standard as a template, they only have to incorporate the result (and calculation) to the output and save the test set-up with a unique name.

Alternatively, one can develop their own test technique to gain complete control over how the test machine performs over the course of the test. The control segments, specimen parameters, control options, report output and how the test machine and software communicate with each other can be programed.

Key Features

Tests for tension, melt index, flexure, compression etc

Searchable database of international test standards

Standards from ISO, EN, ASTM, BS DIN and many more

Ability to tailor the test setup using a standard as a template

Several levels and types of security to protect equipment and data

Setups are available in many languages and dialects — one can even create their own

Tabbed Test and Recall Area

The subsequent feature users may notice is that Horizon can undertake several tests simultaneously, controlling and gathering test data from several machines (assuming that the PC has the required hardware to regulate multiple machines). This is true whether one is controlling and gathering data from several melt indexers, hydraulic tensile testing machines; and/or electromechanical testing machines – whether they are performing tensile, flexural, tear, compression, peel, or other tests.

Key Features

Examine test results from earlier tests while performing live tests

Ability to test several machines and machine types, with adequate PC power and bandwidth

Numerous graph types can be used for each test

Recall function enabling users to include key data perhaps not available, or missed, pre-test

Full PC networking integration and backup across a PC network

Result Editor and Output Editor

Multiple, different graphs can be generated per test, using various measurement axes. After all the data has been collected, Horizon can consolidate it into reports that can be customized to the users or their customer’s individual needs. The output editor allows unmatched formatting of data. One can choose what live data can be revealed during the test; the acceptable limits of the results; the graphical representation of the test, in numerous formats; the layout of the report including the use of the user’s or their customer’s logo; and export or convert the resultant data into another format.

These reports can be circulated across one PC, many PCs, or even across a network; the presentation of these test reports matches with several common formats, including ERP.

Key Features

Numerous graph types can be used per test, such as load v time or stress v strain

Unique results can be calculated that draw on parameters and results from other tests and equipment

Data can be exported to a variety of different formats

Reports can be created in the precise format one desires

Reports can be produced using customer’s logo

An overview enables you to preview what has been created

Report Generation

Key Features

Many graph types used in the test can be presented in the report

Drop-down list of standard results, and unique results, can be presented in the reports

Reports can be produced using user’s logo or their customer’s logo

Common SPC analyses can be preformed and the graphical results printed

Single reports can be produced for each completed test; furthermore, summary reports can also be produced

Help Desk and Support

Horizon is one of the leading technologically advanced testing software packages but it has retained the two important criteria of simplicity and value throughout the development process.

For any questions on the operation of the software or how to produce different reports, the program offers on-line help, built-in tutorials, and access to the Tinius Olsen Help Desk.

Report Generation

Hardware Requirements

2 GHz Pentium Dual Core or better

8 GB RAM: