Mark-10 Unveils New Motorized Wire Crimp Pull Tester

Building on the success of our manual WT3-200 wire crimp tester we have recently announced the addition of a motorized model, the all-new WT3-201M wire crimp pull tester. The WT3-201M is a motorized wire crimp pull tester that is an all-in-one solution that is designed to measure pull-off forces of up to 200 lbF for wire and tube terminations. The tester is suitable for a variety of industries and features selectable test speed with high speed approach and reverse, auto-start upon sample insertion, pass/fail indicators, audio alerts, and more. On-board data storage and statistical calculations is provided for up to 2,000 readings, with available date and time stamp for each saved data point.

WT3-201M

The WT3-201M can accommodate wire sizes up to AWG 3 as well as custom sizes via the available machinable blank fixture. The tester conforms to numerous UL, ISO, ASTM, SAE, MIL, and other requirements for destructive testing. Non-destructive testing is also possible, such as pulling to a load or maintaining a load for a specified period of time, as per the requirements of UL 486A/B.

Additional equipment options are available for customers who want to configure a system for their application. To learn more about our new motorized wire crimp puller, visit our website. We also post more company updates and industry news on our Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Mark-10 Launches New Motorized Test Stand

At Mark-10 we are always working to offer our customers the best force and torque measurement equipment, which is why we’re announcing our newest motorized test stand, the ESM303. This new stand replaces our ESM301 Motorized Test Stand and offers several improvements and enhancements over the ESM301.

The ESM303 Motorized Test Stand features a column that completely encloses the motor, which significantly reduces noise, offers improved aesthetics, and has a more rigid column to reduce deflection under load. We have also internalized and streamlined the cable connections for a clean, ergonomic look. The gauge interface cable attaches directly to the crosshead, and powers the gauge so no AC adapter is needed. We have also included a USB output so a USB converter is no longer needed.

The current position is now memorized between power cycles. The ASCII command set for PC control now includes all Mark-10 force gauge commands. The control panel has dedicated FollowMe™ and Zero Travel buttons and the FollowMe™ function moves the crosshead at a variable rate of speed, proportional to the amount of force applied by hand to the force gauge’s load cell. The available Profiles option allows the user to save, name, and recall up to 50 test setups (i.e. speeds, distance limits, cycles, etc.). Additionally, the controller mounts to the side of the column and can be easily removed for remote operation.

The overall height of the ESM303 is similar to the ESM301 but the new stand features a modular mechanical design that allows for single- and double-column extensions to accommodate a variety of applications.

To learn more about the new ESM303 Motorized Test Stand, visit our website. We post more company news on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Factory Automation Drives Demand for Inline Metrology

As the cost of industrial robots decreases, more and more manufacturers are investing in automation, especially automotive suppliers and assemblers. With advances in production automation, the market for inline metrology solutions has expanded rapidly. According to an analysis from Frost & Sullivan, the dimensional metrology market in particular is predicted to reach over $1.2 billion by 2018. The report also mentions that as more companies move towards automated production lines, an end-to-end automated inline metrology solution will be key for manufacturers.

At Mark-10 we have extensive experience supplying force and torque measurement devices to the auto industry. From bench top turnkey test systems to gauges, sensors, and accessories, we help suppliers and assemblers achieve quality control objectives. Our instruments can interface with PCs and PLCs via USB, RS-232, analog, set points, and other outputs. For example, set point outputs can trigger an alarm if a pull test is below the specified value. A custom application can be written to interrogate our instruments, collect data, and change settings. Typical force and torque measurement applications include spring testing, windshield washer blade retraction force, bearing torque, door handle pull testing, and more.

To learn more about how we’ve worked with the auto, aerospace, medical device, and many other industries,visit our website or contact us. We are also active on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn where we post more auto industry news and company updates.

New Packaging Made of Both Rigid and Flexible Materials

Ana’s Food of Austin recently became the first commercial customer in North America to use both rigid and flexible material. The container features a square, injection-molded tub with flared sides that are made from rigid polypropylene posts. Then four panels of flexible and printable PP material are fused to the posts to create the sides of the container.

The company’s main objective in reformatting its packaging was to improve the sustainability and the new container uses up to 50% less plastic than regular salsa tubs. The polypropylene container is also 100% recyclable and the new design allows for easy stacking which can help reduce costs in shipping and stocking.

The trend for more sustainable packaging seems to be continuing to grow as we previously wrote a blog post about the market, which is predicted to reach $244 billion by 2018. Food manufacturers and packaging companies must ensure that the lighter packaging will still meet quality regulations as well as customers’ expectations. At Mark-10 we manufacture force and torque measurement products that not only test to ensure that the packaging will securely hold the contents but also that consumers will be able to easily open the package.

To learn more about our packaging testing solutions or to configure your own measurement system, visit our website. We also post more packaging industry news on our Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages.

The Future of 3D Printing

These days it seems that 3D printing can be found in every industry, and now it’s even in space. On November 24^th, 2014 Made In Space successfully 3D printed the first part at the International Space Station (ISS). Although in the past, parts have been 3D printed on Earth and then sent to space, this was the first time a part was manufactured in space. This printing marks a milestone in the technology which could make it possible to easily print replacement parts for the ISS.

More research must now be conducted on the parts that were printed in space to ensure they are of the same quality as those printed on Earth. A control group was printed on Earth and the parts printed in space will be sent back to Earth to undergo tensile strength, torque, and flexibility testing. These tests will help the Made In Space team make adjustments on its second 3D printer, which it plans to send to the ISS early in 2015.

At Mark-10 we offer a range of force and torque measurement products, ideal for numerous applications in the aerospace industry, as well as others. Whether measuring tensile force and torque for 3D printed parts, or a virtually limitless number of applications in virtually every industry, Mark-10’s modular product platform can be used by quality control, research, and engineering professionals here on Earth, and perhaps one day, beyond. To learn more, visit our website and be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more company updates and industry news.

Growth in Pharmaceutical Packaging

As 2014 comes to a close we’re looking ahead to what the new year will bring and, according to a new report,the North American pharmaceutical packaging market is set to expand. According to the report, the market is expected to reach more than $26 billion by 2019 due to several factors which are driving exponential growth in the pharmaceutical industry.

In 2012 North America accounted for more than 40% of pharmaceutical sales worldwide, and now there is a larger focus on healthcare by the government, as well as a changing lifestyles and screening technologies, leading to more diagnoses and self-medication.

As pharmaceuticals rise so too must the packaging industry. For pharmaceutical and medical device packaging there are a variety of regulations that packagers must meet including environmental, consumer safety, and labeling compliances. At Mark-10 our force and torque measurement products can help the pharmaceutical and medical device industries achieve quality control objectives through applications such as tablet crush force, needle penetration force, syringe plunger force, bottle cap torque testing, and more. To learn more about our products, visit us online. We are also active on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook where we post more company updates and pharmaceutical news.

Lightweighting in the Auto Industry

Auto manufacturers have been exploring the trend of lightweighting to help reduce vehicle weight in order to meet new efficiency standards. Many automakers such as Ford are looking to replace steel bodies with aluminum bodies, first with its F-150 pickup, and now on to other vehicles as well. Toyota has also announced that it will use aluminum in its high-volume models as early as 2016. Other materials under increasing consideration include magnesium as well as plastics.

With this trend, extensive testing is critical. Engineers must ensure that these new materials are as strong and durable as traditional ones, while preserving or enhancing the driving dynamics of the vehicle. At Mark-10, our range of force and torque measurement products may be used for a variety of important tests, such as tensile, break, three-point bend, torsion, and others. Mark-10 systems are modular and can be configured via a wide range of force and torque gauges, test stands, attachments, and software. Our systems are widely used in the automotive manufacturing industry, as well as aerospace, packaging, medical device, and other areas.

To learn more about Mark-10 and how we can help with your unique requirements, visit our website. We are also active on Twitter where we post updates and industry news.