Horizon Software — Multiple Machine Control from Tinius Olsen

A majority of the testing equipment from Tinius Olsen comes with computer-assisted data acquisition and machine control system. The Horizon software package enables data collection, analysis, graphing (where appropriate)and storage. Control over testing operations can be offered if the testing machine enables it.

Horizon features an extensive selection of pre-defined testing programs, including robust analysis of testing data, advanced reportingand complex control. Such programs can be altered and optimized further to suit the specific needs of the customers.

The testing data gathered by these programs can be exported to an outside source and later shifted to other data analysis systems.

Moreover, Horizon databases can be configured for sharing across various computers on a company’s network, enabling the testing programs and testing data to be used by multiple systems.

The use of Horizon will make materials testing easier for users, regardless of whether it has been engineered for the challenging rigors of R&D or the charting and analysis functions of QC testing. Image Credit: Tinius Olsen

Key Features

Advanced machine segment control

Data archiving and backup are available

Data stored with SQL server express

Customizable report layout

Data exporting (results/statistics/limits/points)

Formula generation can be performed

Data importing (result entries/limits)

Library of pre-defined testing programs

Networking databases

RS232 device communication

Method/output editor is available

Multiple graphs/reports for output

Comes with touchscreen

Multiple machines controlled by a single Horizon software

Video extensometer capability

Multiple users

Report consolidation

Security lockout capability

Test and Recall

The testing area enables live data from the machine to be viewed when the test is being executed. Multiple tabs display the recalling of earlier testing data, as well as each testing machine linked to the software.

As soon as a testing tab is developed, it need not be destroyed. When users intend to run a new testing program, they can just change the Tab Options and load a new program. They can configure each testing tab to exhibit multiple graphs, custom results, multiple plots on a single graphand live data (such as custom formulas). They can even personalize each tab to suit their preferences.

Image Credit: Tinius Olsen

Method/Output Editor

The testing program moved from the Library can be tailored for the customer in the Method and Output Editors. Users can develop custom batch or sample identifiers for the purpose of reporting and recalling.

Users can improve the control of the machine with the latest machine segments. The tests can be automatically accepted, and the report can be emailed or printed based on pre-defined limits. They can also tailor multiple reports for numerous recipients. Specimen data (like dimensions or limits) can be imported from an outside file based on an identifier. Results, statistics, limitsand/or curve points can be exported to an external file.

Image Credit: Tinius Olsen

Custom Results

The methods moved from the Library include various results that have been standardized. Yet, in the Result Editor, custom results can be made. These results can be defined as entry type, a single point along a curve, a live source, a calculation between two points along a curveor even a calculated formula. Based on how the result has been made, it can be added to a testing panel to be viewed at the time of the test or added to a report.

Image Credit: Tinius Olsen

Library of Methods

A range of pre-defined testing routines is provided in a searchable database. Such techniques are based on Standards from ASTM, EN, ISO, DIN, BSand many more. Such routines involve testing in tension, flexure, compression, melt index, hardness, torsion, impact, heat distortionand more. Every method can be moved into the user’s main database and tailored with their units, identifiers, report layouts, etc. More and more routines are added to the Library with each new version update of Horizon.

Image Credit: Tinius Olsen

Help Desk

The software offers access to the tutorials that guide a user through several activities in the software. It exhibits details of the Software Key, including the items purchased. System Information exhibits useful data about the software as well as the computer that it is installed upon.

This directs the Tinius Olsen support staff when questions arise regarding the system functionality.

Image Credit: Tinius Olsen