Universal material testing machine with environmental chamber: operation specifications and daily maintenance points

A universal material testing machine with an environmental chamber can test the mechanical properties of materials under high and low temperature or specific humidity conditions. Standardized operation and regular maintenance are crucial to ensure data accuracy and device security.

1、 Operating standards

Preheating and self check: After starting up, let the testing machine host preheat for 15-20 minutes, and at the same time, open the environmental chamber to set the target temperature. After the temperature inside the box stabilizes (usually taking more than 30 minutes) and is kept warm for 10 minutes, the test can be carried out.

Fixture and sample installation: Select specialized fixtures that are resistant to high and low temperatures according to testing standards. When installing the sample, be gentle to avoid damaging the force sensor due to impact force. Before closing the box door, ensure that the thermocouple or extensometer is properly secured.

Testing process monitoring: It is strictly prohibited to open the door at will during testing. Pay attention to observing whether the temperature of the box fluctuates and check for any abnormal sounds or odors. If the protective mechanism is not activated after the sample fractures, it should be manually stopped immediately.

Post test processing: After the test is completely stopped, turn off the heating/cooling of the environmental box first. Wait for the temperature inside the box to return to near room temperature (below about 40 ℃) before opening the door for sampling to prevent high temperature burns or low temperature frostbite, and to avoid sudden cooling and heating that may damage the sensor.

2、 Key points of daily maintenance

Environmental box cleaning: Clean the inner wall of the box with a dry soft cloth every week to avoid corrosion of the interior by test residues such as debris and oil stains. Pay special attention to the cleanliness of the sealing strip to prevent temperature leakage caused by aging and failure.

Refrigeration/Heating System: Air cooled models require monthly cleaning of the condenser filter screen for dust; Regularly check the lubricating oil level of the compressor. It is strictly prohibited to cover the surface of the heating element with foreign objects.

Transmission and lubrication: The high temperature in the environmental chamber may accelerate the evaporation of lubricating oil. It is necessary to supplement high-temperature resistant lubricating grease for transmission components such as screws every 3-6 months according to the frequency of use.

Electrical and Calibration: Check the power cord and thermocouple connections for looseness every month. It is recommended to have a professional organization conduct comprehensive calibration of force values, displacement, and temperature every six months to one year.

3、 Common fault prevention

Frost or condensation: After testing from low temperature to high temperature, the moisture inside the box should be dried first, otherwise it will corrode the sensor.

Overload protection: It is necessary to set load limits that match the range of the fixture to avoid the misuse of measuring small force values with large fixtures.

Large temperature fluctuations: If the temperature is unstable for a long time, it is mostly due to a malfunction of the circulating fan or a damaged sealing strip, and it needs to be repaired in a timely manner.

Strictly following the above operation and maintenance procedures can significantly extend equipment lifespan and ensure accurate and reliable testing data.