MICROTEST tensile tester software

MICROTEST three point bending and tensile/compression modules have been specifically designed to observe the high stress region of the sample with an SEM, optical microscope, AFM or XRD system.

Windows software sets drive parameters and displays the stress/strain curve live on the PC screen, Loadcells from 2N to 5KN cover most applications, with extension rates from 0.002mm/min to 50mm/min. Special versions can be manufactured to customers requirements.

Software description

Microtest software has been developed to control the Deben range of Microtest tensile stages, it is not currently available to control other manufacturers testing equipment.

The software is graphical in nature and allows easy control of all necessary parameters. The large plot window gives a realtime display of force against extension or time, sample time can be set between 100mS and 5 seconds per sample. The software runs under Windows XP/7.0 communication between the module and PC is via USB.

As an option we offer integrated video capture which allows simultaneous video and data capture with the data (force & extension) stamped on the images. Video is saved as an AVI and can be compressed using any codec installed on the computer. When recalling the plot window the data plot tracks the video so you can see exactly what the sample looked like at any time during the test.

Software specifications

• MICROTEST software is the same for all modules
• Windows software for control and graphical display
• Current software version is 32Bit for Windows XP and 32/64bit for Windows 7.0
• Minimum computer specification: dual core Pentium with 2Gb RAM, Windows XP 32bit Professional or Windows 7.0 32/64bit Professional or Ultimate versions, one free USB2 port and display resolution of at least 1024×768 at 256 colours
• Real-time display of force, extension and time
• Live graphical display of stress/strain curve
• Cursors for accurate measurement of force, extension and time directly from curve
• Save data to file in comma separated variable format
• Save sample details with data
• Maximum horizontal sample points 256,000
• Sample times, 100mS, 200mS, 500mS, 1S, 5S.
• Graphical indication on plot to show where motor was started, paused or stopped
• Automatic scaling of horizontal and vertical axes
• Threshold for stopping test at pre-defined load or extension
• Cyclic testing
• Constant load testing
• Scale horizontal axis in mm, time or sample points
• Setup menus for selecting motor speed and sample-time
• Optional image acquisition for sequential image capture