Elastocon EB 02 Stress Relaxation Testing System

Overview

The Elastocon EB 02 Stress Relaxation Testing System is an electromechanical instrument engineered for the precise, time-resolved quantification of viscoelastic stress decay in polymeric, elastomeric, and rubber-based materials under constant strain conditions. Based on the fundamental principle of stress relaxation—where a material held at fixed deformation exhibits a progressive reduction in internal stress over time—the EB 02 delivers traceable, reproducible data critical for evaluating long-term dimensional stability, compression set resistance, and network integrity in vulcanized rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), and crosslinked foams. Designed and manufactured in Sweden, the system operates in strict accordance with internationally recognized test standards including ISO 3384 (compression set of vulcanized rubber), ISO 6914 (tensile stress relaxation of rubber compounds), ASTM D6147 (stress relaxation of elastomeric materials), and GB/T 1685 (Chinese national standard for rubber compression set). Its modular architecture integrates seamlessly with Elastocon’s family of temperature-controlled aging chambers, enabling controlled environmental testing across a broad thermal range.

Key Features

• Modular fixture kit system supporting three standardized test configurations: Kit 1 for ISO 3384 compression testing, Kit 2 for ISO 6914 tensile relaxation, and Kit 3 for ISO 3384-compliant immersion testing in liquid media.
• High-precision load cell with ±0.1% full-scale accuracy and selectable resolution options (0.01 N for tension; 0.05–0.2 N for compression), ensuring reliable detection of subtle stress decay profiles over extended durations (hours to weeks).
• Integrated thermal control interface compatible with Elastocon’s multi-zone aging chambers (e.g., EB 21, EB 22, EB 23 series), supporting temperature ranges from –70 °C to +300 °C depending on chamber model and configuration.
• Robust mechanical frame with rigid load train and low-drift transduction, minimizing parasitic compliance and thermal drift during prolonged static loading.
• Optional specialized test vessels—including corrosion-resistant (e.g., Hastelloy-lined), pressure-rated (up to 10 bar), and immersion-compatible containers—enabling testing in aggressive chemical environments or elevated-pressure conditions.
• Compliance-ready hardware design: Load cells calibrated to ISO 7500-1, temperature sensors traceable to ITS-90 via Pt100 (1/3 DIN class), and mechanical fixtures manufactured to ISO 2768-mK tolerances.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EB 02 accommodates a wide spectrum of elastomeric specimens, including cured rubber sheets, molded O-rings, sponge rubber blocks, TPE extrusions, and silicone gaskets. Specimen geometry adheres to standard dimensions defined in ISO 3384 (cylindrical compression samples, typically Ø29 mm × 12.5 mm) and ISO 6914 (dumbbell-shaped tensile specimens per ISO 37). The system supports both ambient-air and controlled-atmosphere testing, with optional inert-gas purging capability for oxidation-sensitive materials. All test protocols align with regulatory expectations for quality control in automotive, medical device, and aerospace supply chains. Data acquisition meets GLP/GMP documentation requirements when paired with Elastocon’s compliant software suite, supporting audit trails, electronic signatures, and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant user access controls.

Software & Data Management

Control and analysis are executed via Elastocon’s dedicated StressRelax™ software platform (v4.x or later), which provides real-time force–time curve visualization, automated parameter extraction (e.g., initial stress σ₀, residual stress σₜ, relaxation ratio σₜ/σ₀), and customizable reporting templates aligned with ISO/ASTM clause structures. Raw data is stored in vendor-neutral CSV and XML formats, with metadata embedding test standard, specimen ID, temperature profile, fixture configuration, and calibration certificate references. Software modules support statistical process control (SPC) charting, batch comparison overlays, and export to LIMS or ERP systems via OPC UA or RESTful API interfaces. Calibration logs, user activity records, and method version histories are retained with immutable timestamps for full traceability.

Applications

• Quantifying compression set resistance in sealing compounds for automotive engine gaskets and HVAC diaphragms.
• Evaluating long-term stress retention in biomedical tubing and implant-grade silicone elastomers under physiological temperatures.
• Characterizing network degradation kinetics in peroxide-cured EPDM exposed to thermal aging per ASTM D572.
• Validating formulation stability in high-performance fluorosilicones intended for aerospace fuel-system components.
• Supporting IATF 16949 and ISO 13485 quality system audits through standardized, repeatable test execution and full data lineage.
• Enabling comparative studies of filler dispersion effects (e.g., silica vs. carbon black) on relaxation behavior in tire tread compounds.

FAQ

What standards does the EB 02 directly support out-of-the-box?

The system is pre-configured for ISO 3384 (compression), ISO 6914 (tension), and ASTM D6147, with fixture kits, calibration protocols, and software report templates aligned to each standard’s procedural requirements.

Can the EB 02 operate without integration into a thermal chamber?

Yes—it functions as a standalone room-temperature stress relaxation tester. However, full compliance with ISO 3384 and ISO 6914 requires temperature-controlled conditions; chamber integration is mandatory for accredited testing.

Is the load cell recalibration traceable to national metrology institutes?

All load cells ship with UKAS-accredited calibration certificates (or equivalent NMI-traceable documentation per regional requirement), valid for 12 months under normal use conditions.

How is data integrity ensured during multi-day relaxation tests?

The system employs non-volatile memory buffering, redundant power-fail recovery, and continuous checksum validation of acquired force–time datasets—preventing data loss during unexpected interruptions.

Does Elastocon provide IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages for regulated industries?

Yes—validated installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ) protocols are available upon request, fully aligned with FDA, EMA, and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.