A&D RTF Series Universal Testing Machine

Overview

The A&D RTF Series Universal Testing Machine is an electromechanical materials testing system engineered for precision mechanical property evaluation in R&D laboratories, quality control environments, and accredited testing facilities. Based on the fundamental principles of uniaxial tensile, compression, flexure, and shear testing per ISO 6892-1, ASTM E8/E9, and JIS Z 2241 standards, the RTF platform delivers traceable force-displacement data under controlled displacement or load-rate conditions. Its core architecture integrates a rigid dual-column load frame, brushless AC servo drive with closed-loop vector control, and a preloaded ball screw transmission system—ensuring minimal mechanical hysteresis and long-term dimensional stability. Designed and assembled in Japan using exclusively domestic-sourced components—including ORIENTEC-certified load cells and proprietary motion control firmware—the RTF meets the stringent repeatability and linearity requirements of ISO 7500-1 Class 0.5 verification.

Key Features

• Class 0.5 load accuracy across 1/1 to 1/500 of full-scale capacity—verified per ISO 7500-1 and supported by factory calibration certificates traceable to NMIJ (National Metrology Institute of Japan)
• Brushless AC servo motor with integrated encoder feedback and vector torque control—eliminates carbon dust generation, prevents electrical arcing, and ensures >20,000 hours of continuous operational life without maintenance
• Preloaded ground ball screw with zero axial backlash—enables sub-micron positioning resolution and consistent crosshead velocity fidelity over full stroke
• Enhanced load frame stiffness (+30% vs. previous-generation designs)—reduces frame deflection during high-load compression tests and improves measurement integrity for low-stiffness specimens (e.g., elastomers, foams)
• 1 ms real-time data acquisition rate—supports dynamic event capture such as yield point detection, fracture initiation, and creep step transitions
• 13-channel synchronized analog/digital input capability—enables simultaneous acquisition of extensometer displacement, environmental chamber signals, video trigger pulses, and auxiliary transducers (e.g., temperature, acoustic emission)
• Optional full-color capacitive touchscreen HMI—designed for glove-compatible operation, configurable test profiles, and on-device result visualization with zoomable stress–strain curves

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RTF accommodates standardized test specimens per ISO 527 (plastics), ASTM D638 (tensile), ASTM D790 (flexural), and ISO 178 (bending), with standard grips supporting flat, round, and threaded geometries up to 100 mm wide and 300 mm gauge length. Optional accessories include pneumatic wedge grips, hydraulic clamps, elevated-temperature furnaces (−70°C to +300°C), and digital video extensometers compliant with ISO 9513 Class 1. All firmware and hardware configurations adhere to IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 EMC requirements and carry PSE certification for Japanese market deployment. For regulated industries, the system supports audit-ready data export formats (CSV, XML) and optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software modules with electronic signatures and immutable audit trails.

Software & Data Management

The RTF operates with A&D’s proprietary TMS-RTF TestMaster Suite—a Windows-based application supporting method-driven test sequencing, real-time curve overlay, multi-curve statistical comparison, and automated report generation (PDF/HTML). Raw data files are stored in timestamped, folder-structured directories with embedded metadata (operator ID, sample ID, environmental conditions, calibration status). The software includes built-in compliance tools: pass/fail thresholds per ASTM D3039, ISO 527-2, and JIS K 7113; automatic modulus calculation per secant/tangent methods; and batch-mode processing for production lot qualification. Data export is compatible with LIMS integration via ODBC and supports direct import into MATLAB, Python (Pandas), and Minitab for advanced statistical analysis.

Applications

• Mechanical characterization of polymer films, composites, and biomedical hydrogels under ambient and conditioned environments
• Quality assurance of metal fasteners, weld joints, and additive-manufactured parts per ASME BPVC Section IX and ISO 148-1
• R&D validation of battery electrode adhesion strength, separator tensile integrity, and pouch cell peel resistance
• Creep and stress-relaxation studies of thermoplastics and viscoelastic biomaterials using programmable hold-and-ramp profiles
• Calibration reference instrumentation for secondary force standards laboratories requiring Class 0.5 verification capability

FAQ

What international standards does the RTF comply with for load accuracy verification?
The RTF is verified to ISO 7500-1:2018 Class 0.5 and supports calibration traceability to NMIJ through A&D’s certified calibration laboratory.
Can the RTF be integrated into an existing LIMS or MES environment?
Yes—via ODBC-compliant database export, RESTful API endpoints (optional), and standardized CSV/XML output with configurable metadata fields.
Is the touchscreen interface available as a retrofit for legacy RTF units?
No—the capacitive HMI is only available on RTF units ordered with firmware version 3.2 or later and requires matching controller hardware revision.
What is the maximum sampling duration at 1 ms resolution with full 13-channel acquisition?
Continuous acquisition is supported for up to 30 minutes at 1 kHz across all channels, limited only by host PC storage and buffer memory configuration.
Does A&D provide IQ/OQ documentation packages for GMP-regulated users?
Yes—validated installation and operational qualification protocols, including test scripts, acceptance criteria, and template reports, are available upon request for pharmaceutical and medical device clients.