Automatic process monitoring with iQ clamp control and machine learning
Machine learning methods are used to explore the potential of mold breathing for quality assurance in rubber injection molding.
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Testing & Instruments
University of Tennessee team develops new method to view and predict flaws in rubber
A new method to ensure consistency and quality in rubber manufacturing, developed by a research team from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Eastman, is likely to show real-world impact on material sustainability and durability for products such as car tires.
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The DMYO-V oscillograph
Properties of elastomers can be measured and computed by the DMYO-V oscillograph.
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How to increase throughput when testing elastomers
When elastomers are being used in a manufacturing process, it is important to verify their physical properties by performing testing
at all stages of production. When researching and developing new elastomers, such as those used in tires, extensive testing is required to verify and validate each elastomeric compound. Research and development facilities for elastomeric materials will sometimes go through hundreds or thousands of specimens before moving on toward production. During production, testing is typically performed for quality control purposes
Application of advanced gel permeation chromatography to the characterization of styrenic copolymers
Products produced by anionic polymerization of nonpolar monomers, such as polybutadienes (BR), polyisoprenes (IR), solution styrene butadiene rubbers (SSBR) and styrenic block copolymers (SBC), already dominate important positions in industries. Examples include thermoplastic elastomers, adhesives, impact modifiers, lubricant modifiers, vulcanized compounds, asphalt modification and others. SBCs combine the properties of a thermoplastic resin, polystyrene and those of an elastomer, polybutadiene, polyisoprene or poly(ethylene-co-butylene). SBCs derive their useful properties from their ability to form distinct styrene (hard phase) and diene (rubber phase) domains
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Optimized laboratory test condition to predict tire tread wear
Research on the mechanism of tire wear and its rubber test methods has been carried out for more than a century, ever since the advent of pneumatic tires, and there are still numerous new reports being published even now. ISO 23794:2015 standardizes the general outline of 14 types of rubber wear test methods, such as the Akron wear test, the Lambourn wear test and the DIN wear test. The Akron wear test and Lambourn wear test, which introduce slippage between the pavement surface and the rubber sample, are suitable for evaluating tire tread wear resistance. Historically, Lambourn was the first to propose a laboratory wear tester that correlated with tire wear test results
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Vision Engineering launches 4K resolution digital microscope
Vision Engineering announces the launch of Makrolite 4K at APEX 2022, the first 4K resolution microscope to complement their range of digital inspection systems
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Endurica tames road loads with new software release
Endurica LLC announces a new feature in its Endurica CL fatigue solver: automatic block cycle generation. The feature enables users to extract a simplified durability testing schedule (known as a block cycle test) from multi-channel road loads recorded at the testing track. The simplified testing schedule preserves the most essential features of the original road load history, while maintaining the original failure mode and discarding non-critical load history. The capability enables rubber part suppliers to design fatigue tests that execute quickly and that develop realistic damage. It enables car makers to ensure durability under actual driving conditions.
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Smithers adds high load universal testing machine to Akron testing laboratory
Smithers announces the addition of an Instron 5985 universal testing system to its materials physical testing laboratory in Akron, OH.
The machine offers expanded testing capabilities and parameters for tensile, compression, bend, peel, shear, tear and cyclic tests. Its high-force load frame has a load capacity up to 250 kN and vertical test space of 1,430 millimeters (56.3 inches).
Polymer quality control: Real-time near infrared testing cuts cost up to 90%
While traditional testing is critical in determining polymerization factors, from simple moisture content to complete chemical analysis, it is time consuming, labor intensive, and has substantial ongoing costs in terms of the purchase and disposal of consumables such as reagents and chemicals. Conventionally, it requires sample preparation, and can take five to 15 minutes for moisture testing, and 24 to 48 hours for more complex chemical testing. Fortunately, an approach using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy can now provide immediate, real time laboratory quality readings via a non-contact, secondary measurement method that can deliver moisture, composition analysis and even full spectrum readings for a fraction of the running cost of conventional methods.
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