Instron, Norwood, Mass., announces that the all-new 3400 and 6800 Series universal testing systems with advanced safety and operating features are available in single and dual column models, with capacities ranging from 500 N to 50 kN. Successors to the 3300 and 5900 Series systems, the 3400 and 6800 Series include many new features and improved specifications designed to make mechanical testing simpler, smarter, and safer than ever before. These include Collision Mitigation, Operator Protect, Smart-Close Air Kit, Built-In Safety Coaching, and Auto Positioning.
The 3400 and 6800 Series systems are built on Instron’s new patent-pending Operator Protect system architecture, which limits the machine’s movement during test setup, when accidents are most likely. When the system is in setup mode, crosshead movement is restricted to 600 mm/min, and the Smart-Close Air Kit restricts gripping pressure to the pre-defined safe level. Once the operators are ready to begin testing, a Virtual Interlock allows them to instantly enable the system’s full crosshead speed and pressure capabilities. System movement on the 3400 Series is controlled from a newly redesigned Operator Panel, while the 6800 Series introduces a brand new handset that allows users to operate the system from a distance.
Expanding on Instron’s Bluehill Universal software, the 3400 and 6800 Series systems provide built-in Safety Coaching, which informs users whether the system is in a safe setup mode, a fully-enabled caution mode, or active testing mode.
All 6800 Series systems are equipped with an Auto Positioning feature, which remembers the correct fixture separation and starting location for each test method. The 3400 and 6800 Series are equipped with maintenance-free brushless AC servomotors for increased cyclic and creep performance. The 3400 Series provides a data acquisition rate of up to 1000 Hz and the 6800 Series provides data acquisition up to 5000 Hz, ensuring that a test event is never missed. Both systems are equipped with advanced diagnostics to make troubleshooting through Instron Connect easier than ever before.
