The FPT-H1-i is a comprehensive, multi-purpose test system for measuring Friction, Peel and Tear characteristics. Controlled by software running on a PC, it is accurate, easy to use and optimized for measuring loads up to 100 N.
Ideally suited for measuring the coefficient of friction of plastic films, printed cartons or paper with added versatility for peel testing of adhesives and tear strength of packaging substrates.
The FPT-H1-i automated horizontal testers are in regular use with quality-control professionals around the world to objectively assess the friction, peel and tear characteristics of their materials.
They have become the accepted test systems in industries as diverse as packaging, food and drink, cosmetics, and textiles.
The FPT-H1 is pre-configured with test methods corresponding to common international standards for friction, peel and tear testing, making it easy for operators to quickly select and perform tests.
A clear graphical presentation of the curve with a table of results, which are date/operator stamped and marked with Pass/Fail according to tolerance criteria, ensures optimal efficiency when testing. Attachments are connected to this versatile tester by using quick-release pins so that minimum time is spent changing grips.
The FPT-H1 automated testers are ideally suited for measuring:
Friction testing
The static and kinetic coefficient of friction of plastic films printed cartons or paper.
A full range of accessories and attachments is available. Choose from standard fixed sleds for plastic film, which are placed by hand onto the material, or select the 'guided sled positioner' to lift and repeatably lower the sled onto paper and board according to ISO 15359. A heated plate kit is also available for assessing friction properties under elevated temperatures.
Peel strength testing
The peel strength of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes, self-adhesive labels, laminated films and the welded seals of flexible barrier materials.
A full range of accessories and attachments is available to perform 90°, 180°, or T-peel tests. Handy rubber-coated clamps firmly secure specimens and assisted peel tables ensure that tensile force is applied at the specified angle
Tear testing
The trouser tear propagation and 'Graves' tear of plastic films and thin sheeting, tear-resistance of vulcanized or thermoplastic rubber, the tensile strength of perforated paper, trouser-tear of fabrics.
A full range of accessories and attachments is available to perform tear-resistance, trouser-tear propagation and related tests. Rubber-coated clamps with wide jaws to firmly secure specimens of various materials and ensure optimum alignment.
FPT-H1
The motorized FPT-H1-i is controlled by software run on a computer and the FPT-H1-xt uses a touchscreen console to host the software. They deliver both consistency and reliability by controlling the key test parameters of force, displacement and speed.
The automated FPT-H1-i and FPT-H1-xt testing systems each comprise four key elements:
Test frame
The FPT-H1-i and FPT-H1-xt feature a dedicated, horizontal motorized test frame that is designed to apply tensile forces up to a capacity of 100 N whilst simultaneously measuring displacement.
Specimens can easily be tested for friction, peel or tear over a distance of 275mm with the test speed being configurable to run between 1 - 1200 mm/min.
It requires a PC or touchscreen console to run its software and has a small footprint making it the ideal choice as a bench-top device.
Loadcells
The FPT range of interchangeable loadcells is specially adapted to the FPT-H1-i and -xt. They feature a unique slide-on connection, removing the inconvenience of a connecting cable, and their calibration characteristics are immediately recognized by the tester without any input from the operator.
Two different sensors are available to cover the range from 0 - 10N (mainly used for friction and peel tests) and 0 - 100N (mainly for tear tests). This ensures that you have the optimum selection to meet all your testing needs. Measurement accuracy is an outstanding ±0.1% of the sensor capacity.
Each sensor is delivered as a standard with its own calibration certificate traceable to national standards. A check-calibration kit is also available to allow users to verify the loadcell at regular intervals.
Software
Emperor software is at the heart of the FPT-H1-i and -xt test systems. It runs on any Windows computer and controls the motor of the test frame whilst collecting data at an impressive 1,000 Hz from the FPT loadcell and displacement encoder of the frame.
Step-by-step test routines can be quickly and easily created according to the exact requirements of your testing procedures. The most commonly used test routines can then be simply selected by the operator using their 'favorites' button or from a standard drop-down list.
By plotting measurement data in real-time on a graph the operator can identify exactly how the test specimen is performing. Preset calculations are used to analyze the data to determine whether the specimen has met the pass/fail criteria of the quality-control specifications.
At the end of the test, the powerful reporting module within Emperor™ allows the operator to issue a test report as a PDF. Additionally, the data can be exported to Excel or to the network for further analysis by a Statistical Process Control (SPC) package.
Gripping fixtures
Holding your test specimen in place without it slipping is essential to obtaining repeatable results. Mecmesin has designed a range of grips to hold a variety of materials used in friction, peel and tear testing. They include friction sleds, peel jigs and vice-action clamps for tear and tensile strength tests.
The varying nature of specimen sizes and shapes often makes it necessary to design and produce a special grip. Mecmesin's team of design engineers can work with you to develop the best grip for your specimen. These are then produced on our 3D printers to create lightweight, precision fixtures or, for higher load applications, they are made from metal at our machine shop.