Hegewald & Peschke Inspekt Solo Series Single-Column Universal Testing Machine

Overview

The Hegewald & Peschke Inspekt Solo Series is a precision-engineered single-column universal testing machine designed for high-reproducibility mechanical characterization of materials and components within the low-load regime (up to 2.5 kN). Based on the fundamental principles of uniaxial force application and displacement-controlled loading, the system employs a brushless DC motor drive with direct-drive transmission—eliminating gearboxes, backlash, and mechanical wear—to ensure smooth, silent, and highly repeatable actuation across tensile, compression, and flexural test modes. Its rigid monopost architecture delivers exceptional bending stiffness (>150 kN/mm), minimizing frame deflection and preserving measurement fidelity even during high-speed or cyclic loading protocols. The device is purpose-built for laboratory and production-integrated environments where space efficiency, ergonomic accessibility, and operational robustness are critical—particularly in cleanrooms, quality control labs, and R&D facilities conducting polymer, elastomer, thin-film, textile, and micro-component evaluation.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor drive with direct-coupled crosshead motion—enabling precise control of displacement, velocity, and load without gear reduction or maintenance-intensive components
• Strain-gauge load cell with Class 1 accuracy (optional Class 0.5) and extended dynamic range (0.2–100% of full scale), certified per ISO 7500-1 and ASTM E4
• Three standardized frame heights (Inspekt Solo S: 475 mm; M: 1075 mm; L: 1375 mm) to accommodate diverse specimen geometries—from thin films and foils to assembled subcomponents and spring assemblies
• Integrated safety functions including hardware-limited overload protection, real-time break detection via load drop algorithm, and programmable auto-return to home position post-test
• Compact benchtop footprint (≤600 × 500 mm base) with optional reinforced large-base configuration for auxiliary fixtures, environmental chambers, or tool storage
• Human-centered design: front-accessible grips, intuitive height-adjustable control panel, and low-noise operation (<55 dB(A)) suitable for shared lab spaces and ISO Class 5–7 cleanrooms

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Inspekt Solo supports standardized mechanical testing of polymeric films, thermoplastics, elastomers, adhesives, textiles, foams, composites, metallic foils, springs, and biomedical components (e.g., suture materials, catheter tubing). Its modular grip interface accepts wedge-action, pneumatic, hydraulic, and custom fixtures—including peel, shear, and torsion adapters—enabling compliance with ASTM D882 (thin plastics), ASTM D3763 (impact-modified plastics), ISO 1133 (melt flow index correlation), ISO 179 (Charpy impact preconditioning), and DIN 53504 (rubber tensile testing). All systems are supplied with factory calibration certificates traceable to national metrology institutes (PTB, NIST) and support GLP/GMP documentation workflows including audit trails, electronic signatures, and 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user access controls when configured with LABMASTER Professional.

Software & Data Management

LABMASTER software provides a unified platform for test method definition, real-time data acquisition, post-processing, and regulatory reporting. It supports over 200 preconfigured test standards—including ASTM D638, ISO 527-2, ISO 178, JIS K7113, and DIN 53455—with editable parameters for strain rate, hold time, cycle count, and trigger conditions. Raw data is stored in vendor-neutral ASCII format with full metadata (operator ID, timestamp, calibration history, environmental logs). Advanced analysis modules compute modulus (tangent, secant, chord), yield point (0.2% offset, maximum slope), ultimate tensile strength, elongation at break, creep compliance (J(t)), and stress relaxation (G(t)). Export options include CSV, PDF reports with embedded stress–strain curves, and XML for LIMS integration. Optional LABMASTER Connect enables remote monitoring and multi-instrument synchronization via Ethernet.

Applications

• Mechanical screening of injection-molded plastic parts and extruded profiles under ambient and elevated temperature conditions
• Creep and stress-relaxation characterization of viscoelastic polymers and hydrogels using time-dependent load/displacement protocols
• Tensile and tear testing of nonwovens, woven fabrics, and medical textiles per ISO 9073 and ASTM D5034
• Compression testing of foams and elastomeric seals per ASTM D3574 and ISO 1856
• Spring rate and hysteresis analysis of miniature coil and leaf springs used in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)
• Quality assurance of adhesive bonds, laminates, and coated substrates via peel (ASTM D903) and shear (ASTM D1002) configurations

FAQ

What load cell accuracy classes are available for the Inspekt Solo?
Standard configuration includes a Class 1 load cell per ISO 7500-1; Class 0.5 accuracy is available as an optional upgrade for applications requiring higher resolution in low-force regimes.
Can the Inspekt Solo perform cyclic or fatigue testing?
Yes—when equipped with LABMASTER Dynamic module and appropriate fixtures, it supports controlled sinusoidal, triangular, or trapezoidal waveforms up to 5 Hz, suitable for low-cycle fatigue assessment of polymers and soft metals.
Is thermal conditioning supported?
The system is compatible with third-party environmental chambers (−70 °C to +300 °C) mounted between the columns; chamber integration requires custom bracketing and LABMASTER temperature-triggered test sequencing.
How is calibration maintained across the load range?
LABMASTER includes automated multi-point calibration routines with external reference weights; all calibrations are digitally signed and archived with full traceability to PTB/NIST standards.
Does the system meet FDA or ISO 13485 requirements for medical device testing?
Yes—the hardware architecture, software validation package (IQ/OQ/PQ documentation), and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance features enable use in regulated medical device development and manufacturing environments per ISO 13485:2016 Annex C.