Testing Tips

Take Control of Testing Analysis with MAP4 Software

Compatible with Windows Operating Systems, MAP4 is used to run tests on the Vantage Series of Universal Testing Machines. The software platform is intuitive and offers clean, easy-to-use menus. Real-time graphical results are displayed during testing and can be customized to show a variety of information. 

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Testing Tips

Clean tensile cuts every time, with the JDC Precision Sample Cutter.

The Thwing-Albert JDC Precision Sample Cutter is widely recognized as the preferred sample preparation tool for tensile testing of thin sheeted materials due to the cutting accuracy.  So, how did the JDC win that reputation?  Lots of attention to detail for the blades and a strict quality control process.

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Testing Tips

How to perform a film blocking test?

Blocking is the unwanted adhesion between layers of plastic film.  Results reflect the ability of a material to adhere to itself when pulled apart.  ASTM D3354 specifications are used to program MAP4 materials testing software to run the blocking test.  The results demonstrate the degree of blocking that exists as a result of factors including film processing, storage, temperature and pressure.

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Testing Tips

Tensile test results and the importance of sample preparation.

Cuts made to prepare a sample for tensile testing are critical to the accuracy and quality of the results.  Preparing a sample without jagged edges or nicks is vital to ensure accurate tensile results. Those imperfections will affect the ability to provide consistent tensile results for the physical properties of the specimen. 

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Testing Tips

How to choose the right instrument to measure thickness of compressible materials?

Accurate thickness measurements are critical to product quality in many manufacturing applications such as paper, plastic film, nonwovens, and textiles.  Testing can optimize the raw materials for production and ultimately reduce costs.

So, how do you choose the right type of thickness gauge when there are so many options on the market?

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