Group Project: Materials Testing Devices

Machine Shop
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Was talking with @Chris_Wischkowsky (think “The Orphanator”) He had some questions about pull out strengths, shear, tensile strengths, deflection, etc.

We could build some simple test equipment that could use hydraulic rams, weights, torque wrenches, etc, to get a ball park figure of something someone is making as to the physical properties. Obviously this would not be 'laboratory grade equipment" but Makers designing robots, child seats, or whatever could test something to see how it works.

This would be asset of projects that would test design cleverness, fabrication techniques, etc. We need to get some electronic folks involved so that we can get some sort of readout of data, etc.

What do you think of this a Machine Shop group design build?

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I’m in. You can get load cells to electronically measure force.

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3

Could probably easily do double shear tests in the press just eyeballing the uncalibrated gauge. How much would a load cell in the 20-50k psi range from china be?

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The press can easily apply the force, but it would be worth buying a a load cell that can give more accurate readings while also providing an electrical signal that can record time and pressure. Some that measure displacement when matched with the other two would provide measures of elongation, compression, distortion, etc.

This could be a very interesting set of useful projects to build. Your cleverness will be an asset.

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