Chatillon LTCM Series Electromechanical Force Testing Platform
| Brand | Chatillon |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | LTCM |
| Type | Electromechanical Universal Testing System for Tensile, Compression, Peel and Flexural Testing |
| Throat Depth | 130 mm (5 in) |
| Vertical Travel Range | Standard configuration supports up to 305 mm (12 in) stroke |
| Integrated Scale | Front-mounted linear scale for manual displacement reference |
| Compliance | Designed to support ASTM E4, ASTM D882, ASTM D1876, ISO 7500-1, and ISO 179–1 compliant test methods |
Overview
The Chatillon LTCM Series Electromechanical Force Testing Platform is an entry-level yet highly configurable universal testing system engineered for precision mechanical property evaluation in production, quality assurance, and R&D environments. Unlike hydraulic or high-capacity servo-controlled testers, the LTCM platform employs a robust DC motor-driven lead-screw actuator with integrated position feedback, delivering consistent crosshead speeds from 0.01 to 1,000 mm/min — programmable via external controller or manual jog interface. Its measurement principle relies on direct force transduction through a calibrated digital force gauge (sold separately, e.g., Chatillon DFS, DFM, or TX series), enabling traceable, NIST-referenced force acquisition per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. The system operates under quasi-static loading conditions, making it suitable for standardized uniaxial tests including tensile strength, yield point, elongation at break, compressive modulus, 90° peel adhesion, and three-point flexural stiffness. Structural rigidity is maintained via a reinforced steel frame with dual vertical guide columns, minimizing lateral deflection during off-center loading.
Key Features
- Spacious 130 mm (5 in) throat depth accommodates oversized specimens such as molded plastic housings, assembled electronic modules, or packaged consumer goods without repositioning.
- Front-mounted linear scale (0–305 mm range, 1 mm graduations) provides real-time visual displacement reference — critical for method validation and operator verification prior to full data capture.
- Modular design allows seamless integration with Chatillon’s full line of digital force gauges (0.1 N to 5 kN capacity), each featuring internal memory, USB/RS-232 output, and peak hold functionality.
- Adjustable crosshead height and interchangeable grips (tensile jaws, compression platens, peel fixtures, bend supports) enable rapid test method switching without tools.
- Stable base footprint (457 × 305 mm) and optional bolt-down mounting ensure vibration isolation during high-sensitivity measurements in shared lab spaces.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LTCM platform supports a broad spectrum of material forms — films, foams, elastomers, composites, adhesives, medical devices (e.g., catheter torque testing, suture breaking strength), and packaging substrates. Its geometry permits ASTM D882-compliant film tensile testing, ASTM D1876 T-peel evaluation of laminated structures, and ISO 179–1 Charpy impact pre-test positioning. While the platform itself does not include load cell calibration certification, all compatible Chatillon force gauges are supplied with factory calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards. When operated with validated procedures and documented instrument qualification (IQ/OQ), the system meets GLP documentation requirements for regulated industries. It also aligns with the mechanical accuracy class 1 specifications defined in ISO 7500-1 when paired with Class 1-certified force sensors.
Software & Data Management
The LTCM platform functions as a hardware interface rather than a standalone data acquisition unit; force and displacement data are captured externally via the connected Chatillon force gauge. Gauges equipped with Chatillon’s MESUR™ gage software (Windows-based) support real-time graphing, statistical analysis (mean, SD, Cp/Cpk), pass/fail threshold alerts, and export to CSV, Excel, or PDF formats. For laboratories requiring audit trails and electronic signatures, MESUR™ gage Pro edition complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements — including user access control, immutable data logging, and change history tracking. Raw analog outputs (±10 V) are available for integration into custom SCADA or LabVIEW environments where proprietary data handling protocols apply.
Applications
- Quality control of adhesive bond strength in automotive trim assembly lines.
- Tensile testing of biodegradable polymer films used in medical packaging per ISO 15378.
- Compression resistance evaluation of pharmaceutical blister packs under ASTM D395.
- Peel force characterization of pressure-sensitive labels on variable substrates (glass, PET, corrugated board).
- Mechanical validation of orthopedic implant fixation components during early-stage prototyping.
FAQ
Does the LTCM platform include a built-in load cell or force sensor?
No — the LTCM is a motorized actuation platform only. A separate Chatillon digital force gauge must be mounted on the crosshead to perform force measurement.
Can the system be used for cyclic or fatigue testing?
Not natively — the LTCM is designed for static and quasi-static tests. It lacks closed-loop strain control, dynamic actuation capability, or programmable waveform generation required for fatigue protocols.
Is third-party calibration support available for this platform?
Yes — authorized Chatillon service centers provide annual calibration of integrated force gauges against accredited reference standards, with full documentation for ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 audits.
What safety features are included?
The system includes hardware end-stop limit switches, emergency stop button (EN 60204-1 compliant), and programmable upper/lower force limits to prevent overloading of both specimen and gauge.
Can test methods be saved and recalled?
Method recall depends on the connected force gauge model — higher-tier gauges (e.g., TX-1000 series) store up to 100 test setups internally, including speed, dwell time, and trigger thresholds.
