Shimadzu AG-Xplus HS High-Speed Universal Testing Machine
| Brand | Shimadzu |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | AG-Xplus HS |
| Load Capacity | 5 kN |
| Load Accuracy | ±0.5% of reading (within 1/1 to 1/1000 of load cell capacity) |
| Test Speed Range | 0.001–3000 mm/min |
| Speed Accuracy | ±0.1% |
| Data Sampling Interval | 0.2 ms |
Overview
The Shimadzu AG-Xplus HS High-Speed Universal Testing Machine is an electromechanical materials testing system engineered for dynamic mechanical characterization of highly deformable, viscoelastic, and rate-sensitive materials—particularly elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, foams, and fiber-reinforced composites. It operates on a servo-controlled closed-loop architecture with high-bandwidth digital motion control, enabling precise displacement- and load-controlled testing across an exceptionally wide speed range—from quasi-static creep and relaxation (0.001 mm/min) to high-strain-rate tensile and compressive cycling (up to 3000 mm/min). Unlike conventional universal testers limited by mechanical inertia or hydraulic response time, the AG-Xplus HS integrates a high-rigidity crosshead assembly, low-inertia drive system, and real-time 5 kHz control loop to maintain fidelity in force and position feedback during rapid transients. This makes it uniquely suited for evaluating strain-rate-dependent modulus, hysteresis behavior, Mullins effect, and fatigue life under cyclic loading conditions relevant to automotive NVH components, medical tubing, and industrial sealing systems.
Key Features
- High-speed capability up to 3000 mm/min with ±0.1% speed accuracy—validated per ISO 5893 and ASTM E4 standards for speed linearity and repeatability.
- 5 kN load frame with integrated load cell offering ±0.5% accuracy across 1/1 to 1/1000 of full scale, meeting ISO 7500-1 Class 0.5 requirements.
- Sub-millisecond data acquisition at 0.2 ms sampling interval (5 kHz), ensuring resolution of transient force peaks and onset of yielding in soft polymers.
- Modular fixture interface compliant with ISO 26203-2 for high-speed tensile testing, supporting standardized dog-bone, dumbbell, and custom geometry specimens.
- Thermally stable column design with precision-ground guideways and preloaded ball screws minimizes deflection and axial runout during high-acceleration tests.
- Integrated safety interlocks, emergency stop circuitry, and overload protection conforming to IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC) and ISO 13857 (safety distances).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AG-Xplus HS accommodates specimens ranging from thin elastomeric films (≥0.1 mm thickness) to molded rubber bushings (≤150 mm height) and short-fiber composite coupons. Standardized grips include pneumatic wedge-type clamps for non-slip holding of low-modulus materials, compression platens with self-aligning spherical seats, and four-point bending fixtures traceable to ASTM D695 and ISO 14126. All test configurations support GLP-compliant execution: audit trails record operator ID, calibration history, environmental conditions (optional temperature/humidity logging), and raw waveform metadata. The system is compatible with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration protocols and supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures when paired with Shimadzu’s TRAPEZIUM X software.
Software & Data Management
TRAPEZIUM X is the native Windows-based control and analysis platform, providing synchronized real-time visualization of force, displacement, strain (with optional extensometer input), and calculated parameters (modulus, elongation at break, hysteresis area, energy dissipation). It includes preconfigured test methods for ASTM D412, ISO 37, ISO 527-2, and JIS K6251, with automatic pass/fail evaluation against user-defined limits. Raw binary data (.tdms) is stored with embedded metadata (test standard, operator, instrument ID, firmware version) and exportable to CSV, Excel, or MATLAB formats. Batch processing tools enable statistical comparison across multiple cycles or specimen batches, while report templates comply with ISO 10012 and internal QA documentation requirements.
Applications
- Dynamic tensile fatigue of silicone elastomers used in implantable devices (ISO 14801 compliance support).
- High-speed compression recovery testing of polyurethane foams for automotive seating (SAE J2730 reference).
- Strain-rate sensitivity analysis of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) under ramped velocity profiles.
- Multi-cycle pull-push testing of rubber-to-metal bonded joints simulating road-induced vibrations.
- Creep rupture evaluation of EPDM gaskets under sustained load at elevated temperatures (ASTM D1435).
FAQ
What is the maximum achievable acceleration rate for the AG-Xplus HS?
The system achieves peak accelerations exceeding 200 m/s² depending on crosshead mass and stroke length; exact values are determined via the configured test profile and verified using onboard accelerometer feedback.
Can the AG-Xplus HS perform true stress–true strain calculations in real time?
Yes—when coupled with a non-contact video extensometer (e.g., Shimadzu VED-100) or laser sensor, TRAPEZIUM X computes instantaneous cross-sectional area and true stress–strain curves according to ASTM E646 guidelines.
Is the load cell factory-calibrated and NIST-traceable?
Each 5 kN load cell ships with a certificate of calibration traceable to NMIJ (National Metrology Institute of Japan), valid for 12 months under standard operating conditions.
Does the system support integration with environmental chambers?
Yes—it interfaces with Shimadzu’s ETC-3000 series environmental chambers (-70°C to +300°C) via analog I/O and Ethernet, enabling synchronized thermal-mechanical testing per ISO 6721-1.
How is data integrity ensured during high-frequency acquisition?
All waveform data is written directly to SSD storage with hardware timestamping; buffer overflow protection and cyclic memory management prevent data loss even during 5 kHz continuous streaming over 24-hour fatigue tests.
