Drick CSL-B V-Notch Milling Machine for Charpy/Izod Impact Testing

Overview

The Drick CSL-B V-Notch Milling Machine is a precision-engineered specimen preparation system designed exclusively for the reproducible machining of standardized notches in metallic test bars used in Charpy and Izod impact testing. It operates on the principle of linear pull-milling—where a hardened, profile-specific broach tool is drawn across the specimen surface under controlled force and kinematic guidance—to generate geometrically accurate V-notch (45° included angle, 0.25 mm root radius) or U-notch (1 mm root radius) features per ISO 148-1, ASTM E23, and GB/T 229. Its dual-station configuration enables concurrent processing of two specimens—one with a V-notch and one with a U-notch—or identical notches on both, eliminating manual tool changeovers and reducing operator intervention. The machine’s structural rigidity, achieved through preloaded linear motion rails and ground ball screw transmission, ensures sub-micron positional repeatability over extended service life, directly supporting measurement traceability in accredited materials laboratories.

Key Features

• Dual independent notch stations: Configurable for simultaneous V/V, U/U, or V/U milling without tool replacement
• High-speed steel (W18Cr4V) broaches hardened to HRC ≥64, delivering >20,000 notches per tool set under standard operating conditions
• Precision ball screw drive with backlash compensation and servo-controlled feed rate (2.3 m/min nominal)
• Linear guideways with sealed recirculating ball bearings ensure long-term dimensional stability and minimal maintenance
• Integrated specimen clamping fixture with quick-release mechanism and adjustable depth stops for repeatable positioning across all three standard specimen sizes (10×10×55 mm, 7.5×7.5×55 mm, 2.5×2.5×55 mm)
• CE-compliant electrical cabinet with thermal overload protection, emergency stop circuit, and IP54-rated enclosure

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CSL-B accommodates standard Charpy impact test specimens conforming to ISO 148-1:2016 (V-notch: 45° ± 2°, depth 2 mm ± 0.075 mm, root radius 0.25 mm ± 0.025 mm; U-notch: depth 5 mm ± 0.075 mm, root radius 1.0 mm ± 0.075 mm) and equivalent national standards including GB/T 229–2020 and ASTM E23–23. Each machined notch meets the surface roughness requirement of Ra ≤ 1.6 µm (as verified by profilometry), critical for minimizing stress concentration variability in fracture mechanics evaluation. The machine itself is validated against ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.10 (equipment verification) and supports laboratory compliance with GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems through documented calibration records and maintenance logs.

Software & Data Management

While the CSL-B operates as a stand-alone mechanical system without embedded firmware or touchscreen interface, it is fully compatible with external laboratory information management systems (LIMS) via optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial data logging modules (sold separately). Each unit ships with a comprehensive validation package—including factory calibration certificates, tool geometry reports, and notch profile verification templates aligned with ISO 148 Annex C. All documentation complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for audit-trail-ready records when paired with compliant LIMS software. Routine operational checks (e.g., stroke accuracy, clamping force verification, and broach wear monitoring) are defined in the user manual per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7.

Applications

• Preparation of standardized notched specimens for Charpy V-notch (CVN) and U-notch impact testing in metallurgical QA/QC labs
• Supporting failure analysis workflows requiring high-fidelity notch geometry in fracture toughness studies (K_Ic, J-integral)
• Calibration reference specimen production for impact tester verification per ASTM E23 Annex A3
• Routine specimen conditioning in third-party testing facilities accredited to ISO/IEC 17025
• Education and research applications in materials science programs where reproducible notch geometry is essential for comparative impact energy analysis

FAQ

Does the CSL-B require periodic recalibration?
Yes—annual verification of stroke length, broach alignment, and clamping repeatability is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 Section 6.4.10. Calibration kits and traceable gauges are available from Drick Technical Support.
Can the machine process non-standard specimen geometries?
Only the three ISO-defined cross-sections (10×10, 7.5×7.5, 2.5×2.5 mm) are supported. Custom fixtures may be engineered upon request but fall outside standard warranty coverage.
Is tool resharpening supported?
W18Cr4V broaches are not resharpenable in-field due to profile-critical geometry; replacement cutters are supplied with certified dimensional inspection reports.
What safety certifications does the CSL-B hold?
It conforms to IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (EMC emissions), and carries CE marking under Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Full technical file documentation is available upon request.
How is compliance with ASTM E23 verified during installation?
Drick provides on-site commissioning with a certified test report demonstrating notch geometry conformity using certified optical comparators and coordinate measuring machines traceable to NIST standards.