Chatillon TCM Series Electric Test Stand

Overview

The Chatillon TCM Series Electric Test Stand is an engineered solution for precision mechanical force testing in quality control, R&D, and production environments. Designed around a robust, low-profile benchtop architecture, the TCM stand integrates seamlessly with Chatillon DF-series digital force gauges to form a complete, traceable force measurement system. Its operation is based on controlled linear actuation—using a high-torque stepper motor and precision lead screw—to drive the crosshead at programmable speeds while maintaining repeatability within ±0.2% of full scale when paired with calibrated force sensors. The system supports fundamental uniaxial mechanical tests including tension, compression, peel, adhesion, puncture, bend, and insertion/extraction, all conducted under defined displacement or force-triggered termination criteria. With its compact footprint (less than 0.15 m²), the TCM delivers industrial-grade performance without compromising laboratory or manufacturing floor space efficiency.

Key Features

• Compact benchtop design with minimal floor space requirement and full-height accessibility for operator ergonomics
• 100 mm (3.9 in) throat depth enabling testing of samples up to 200 mm (7.8 in) in height—ideal for vertically oriented fixtures and multi-layer assemblies
• Tactile feedback keypad with haptic vibration confirmation—no moving parts or elastomeric membranes, ensuring long-term reliability and cleanability in GMP-compliant facilities
• Adjustable mechanical limit switches for both upper and lower travel boundaries—supports safe auto-return, cyclic testing, and zero-return protocols
• High-speed crosshead return (up to 1016 mm/min) optimized for throughput in repetitive production line testing
• Universal mounting plate with dual-thread patterns (¼”-20 UNC and M6) for rapid interchange of standard and custom fixtures per ISO 2041 and ASTM D3330 specifications
• Auto-ranging power supply (100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz) for global deployment without voltage conversion hardware
• Optional foot switch interface for hands-free start/stop control—critical in glove-required or hygiene-sensitive environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TCM series accommodates a broad range of sample geometries and material classes—including polymers, elastomers, medical devices (e.g., syringe plungers, catheter bonds), packaging films, adhesive tapes, and fasteners—without fixture reconfiguration. Its open-throat configuration and vertical travel path conform to ISO 7500-1 Class 1 requirements when used with Chatillon DF gauges calibrated to NIST-traceable standards. The system supports test method validation per ASTM E4 (verification of force-measuring instruments), ASTM D882 (tensile properties of thin plastic sheeting), and USP (mechanical testing of pharmaceutical packaging). All mechanical limit positions are manually lockable and documented per GLP audit trail requirements; no firmware-based soft limits are employed—ensuring deterministic, repeatable endpoint behavior.

Software & Data Management

While the TCM stand operates autonomously via front-panel controls, it fully integrates with Chatillon’s MESUR™ gage software through its native RS-232 serial interface. This enables real-time data streaming, automated pass/fail evaluation against user-defined force or distance thresholds, statistical process control (SPC) charting (X̄-R, Cp/Cpk), and export to CSV, Excel, or PDF formats. Data logs include timestamp, test ID, peak force, yield point, displacement at break, and operator ID—supporting 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with electronic signature and audit trail modules. Firmware updates are delivered via USB-to-serial adapter and maintain backward compatibility across TCM100 and TCM350 models.

Applications

• Medical device validation: syringe break-loose force, balloon burst pressure, needle insertion force, and catheter torque testing
• Consumer electronics: button actuation force, hinge durability, flex circuit peel strength, and battery compartment latch retention
• Automotive components: gasket compression set, airbag tether tensile strength, and HVAC flap actuation consistency
• Pharmaceutical packaging: blister pack push-through force, child-resistant closure torque, and vial cap removal torque
• Adhesives & tapes: 180° peel adhesion (ASTM D903), loop tack (FINAT FTM 1), and shear holding time (ASTM D3654)
• Materials science: tensile modulus of thermoplastic films, compressive yield of foams, and flexural rigidity of composite laminates

FAQ

Can the TCM stand operate independently without a Chatillon force gauge?
No—the TCM is a motorized actuation platform only. It requires integration with a compatible digital force gauge (e.g., DF series) or external load cell with analog/digital output to acquire force data.
Is the crosshead speed programmable in closed-loop mode?
Yes—speed is adjustable in 0.1 mm/min increments across the full 5–1016 mm/min range and remains stable under variable load conditions due to closed-loop motor control.
Does the TCM support cyclic fatigue testing?
Yes—via mechanical limit switch positioning and manual or software-initiated direction reversal; however, dedicated cycle counting and dwell timing require MESUR™ gage software or external PLC coordination.
What is the maximum sample weight the TCM can support during compression testing?
The stand itself imposes no static weight limit; structural integrity is governed by the force gauge’s capacity—100 lbf (TCM100) or 350 lbf (TCM350)—and fixture stability.
Are calibration certificates included with purchase?
Factory calibration certificates (traceable to NIST) are provided for optional Chatillon DF gauges; the TCM stand is supplied with mechanical verification documentation per ISO 17025-accredited procedures.