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.

New FDA Proposal to Expedite Approval Process for Medical Devices

At Mark-10 we’re always closely watching medical device trends and recently the FDA has proposed a new program to help speed up the approval process for devices that treat or diagnose patients with serious conditions whose needs aren’t met by current technology.

The new program would have more interactive engagement with FDA staff and unlike other existing programs, this one focuses on reducing the time associated with product development and not just reducing the time to market.

According to the FDA, to be eligible for participation, a medical device must:

“Be intended to treat or diagnose a life-threatening or irreversibly-debilitation disease or condition, represent one of the following:

1.       No approved alternative treatment/diagnostic exists, or

2.       A breakthrough technology that provides a clinically meaningful advantage over existing technology, or

3.       Offers a significant, clinically meaningful advantage over existing approved alternatives, or

4.       Availability is in the patient’s best interest

And have an acceptable data development plan that has been approved by the FDA.”

At Mark-10, we’re happy to play a helping role for medical device manufacturers to meet their quality objectives. Our line of force and torque measurement systems may be used for numerous applications, including fastener torque, needle sharpness, catheter torque, tube terminal pull tests, peel testing, tensile testing, and more. Visit our website to learn more.  

Manual vs. Motorized Test Stands

At Mark-10, we offer a range of force and torque measurement test stands to suit a variety of applications, including manual and motorized options.

Our manual test stands allow users to reduce variability inherent in hand testing by properly aligning a force gauge and grips or fixtures.  Manual test stands are an ideal option for budget-minded applications that require a bit more consistency than hand operated tension or compression force measurements.

For the most consistency between tests, a motorized test stand’s programmable speed is an ideal solution. Such stands can also be fitted with an internal scale for displacement measurement, be controlled by a PC, and perform a number of automated functions, thereby increasing testing efficiency and throughput. Our motorized stands can perform a wide range of compression and tension test applications. When fitted with an appropriate force gauge, output of force vs. time or force vs. distance via USB is possible.

Manual and motorized test stands are available in several force ranges up to 1,500 lbF (6.7 kN). We supply an extensive selection of grips and fixtures, serving the medical device, automotive, packaging, and many other industries. To learn more about each of our manual and motorized test stands use our test stand comparison chart to find the one that works best for your applications.

Mark-10 Debuts The 1,500 lbF / 6.7 kN ESM1500 Motorized Test Stand

We’re excited to announce the introduction of our newest product, the ESM1500 motorized test stand. This single-column force tester is ideal for numerous tension and compression measurement requirements up to 1,500 lbF / 6.7 kN in laboratory and production environments. Unique FollowMe force-based positioning allows the user to manually position the crosshead by simply pulling and pushing on the load cell.

The ESM1500 boasts generous travel, clearance, and depth dimensions, accommodating a wide range of applications such as break testing, loadholding, tensile testing, compression testing, and more.

The test stand is customizable; controller functions are offered individually through our “build-your-own” configuration platform. Users can order any combination of functions, and any functions not ordered originally can be activated in the field.

Standard features include:

·         Compatible with indicators and load cells, as well as force gauges

·         Adjustable, removal controller with intuitive menu navigation

·         Password protection of test parameters

·         Stepper motor-driven, producing smooth and quiet operation with no speed variation under load

·         USB output of force vs. time or force vs. distance

·         Compact footprint, suitable for crowded workbenches

·         Ergonomic design, with smart, clean cable management

·         Most electronics are housed in an integrated removable enclosure, easily removed and transported

To see a full list of specifications, features, and additional functions, visit our website.