LaserXtens Systems from Zwick

laserXtens HP Extensometer Offers High-Precision Measurement

The laserXtens comprises of two measuring heads with laser light sources and digital cameras mounted on motorized slides.

The distance between the cameras can be different, allowing varied initial gage-lengths to be set

The laserXtens systems feature a resolution of 0.11 µm, simplifying measurements on small specimen geometries

Ease of operation and flexibility make the laserXtens equally suitable for classical quality assurance applications or for use in R&D

The specimen is illuminated with laser light, producing a speckle pattern on the surface

Tunnels of varying lengths are used to reduce environmental influences (e.g. air currents)

Application Description

Extensometers using the laserXtens systems deliver non-contact measurement of deformations on a wide variety of materials.

The measuring principle removes the need to use gage marks, allowing the laserXtens systems to be used in a broad range of applications.

Tensile, flexure and compression tests on plastics and metals

Tests on specimens where specimen contact is undesirable or not possible because of specimen condition or properties

Tests on components

Testing possible in temperature chambers and at high temperatures

Deformation measurements on specimens susceptible to whipping at break which might damage a contact-type measuring system

Applications requiring biaxial deformation measurement

With laserXtens high-resolution systems, measurements on small specimen geometries are easy. Ease of operation and flexibility make the laserXtens equally appropriate for classical quality assurance applications or for use in R&D.

Advantages and Features

High precision and resolution

The laserXtens has high precision in the macro and micro measurement ranges

The laserXtens HP meets the requirements of Class 0.5 of ISO 9513 (Class B2 of ASTM E83)

Even the smallest specimens can be measured

Specimens from 1 mm in width/diameter can be analyzed; smaller specimens may also be possible following pre-testing

Contrary to contact-type extensometers or pure video instruments, the laserXtens can measure strain on short specimens (gage lengths from 1.5 mm) with high accuracy

No specimen contact - no specimen marking

The laserXtens has no contact with the specimen; measurement is not impacted by the laser light

Specimen marks are not needed. This saves time, mainly with high specimen throughput.

The laserXtens can be mounted at differing distances from the specimen. One benefit of this is that it can be used in temperature chambers, where application of gage marks can be extremely hard because of environmental conditions.

Easy to use in automated systems as well - manual specimen preparation is not required

The laserXtens can also measure transverse strain without the need for extra markings; biaxial measurement is possible

Unrivaled functions and options

The laserXtens Array HP can be used for strain-rate-controlled tests to ISO 6892-1 Method A1 (closed loop) (for gage lengths ≥ 30 mm)

The laserXtens HP can be used for strain-rate-controlled tests to ISO 6892-1 Method A1 (closed loop) (for gage lengths ≥ 50 mm)

Optional upgrade for determination of r and n-values to ISO 10113 and ISO 10275

The laserXtens is combined into testXpert II testing software. Use of a single monitor is suggested to enable the live image from laserXtens to be seen parallel to the testXpert II display.

Matrix option allows 2D measurement at up to 100 measuring points distributed arbitrarily or in matrix form over a planar specimen surface. This enables determination of local strains and specimen inhomogeneities.

Another software option allows determination of strain distribution at numerous measuring points along the specimen gage-length. It is also possible to establish strain at break as per Annex H of ISO 6892-1 (laserXtens Compact and laserXtens Array HP only).

Specimen deflection can optionally be established in 3 and 4 point flexure tests. Measurement can be performed at one or three points (with maximum measurement base of 15 mm).