Drick drk-ZWS-0200 Compression Stress Relaxation Tester
| Key | Brand: Drick |
|---|---|
| Model | drk-ZWS-0200 |
| Force Measurement Range | 0–2000 N |
| Force Accuracy | ±0.5% FS |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V ±10%, 50 Hz |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 300 × 174 × 600 mm |
| Weight | 35 kg |
| Compliance | GB/T 1685, GB/T 13643 |
| Origin | Shandong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
Overview
The Drick drk-ZWS-0200 Compression Stress Relaxation Tester is a dedicated mechanical testing instrument engineered for quantitative evaluation of time-dependent stress decay in vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic elastomers under constant compressive strain. Based on the fundamental principle of stress relaxation—where a material held at fixed deformation exhibits progressive reduction in internal stress due to viscoelastic molecular rearrangement—the instrument applies and maintains a predefined compression displacement on standardized cylindrical or annular specimens, then continuously records the decaying load over time. This measurement is critical for predicting long-term sealing performance, evaluating compression set resistance, and validating material formulation stability under static loading conditions typical of gaskets, O-rings, and dynamic seals in automotive, aerospace, and industrial fluid systems.
Key Features
- High-stability electromechanical loading system with precision-controlled displacement actuation and real-time force feedback
- Digital force display with 0.5% full-scale accuracy, ensuring traceable and repeatable quantification of stress decay profiles
- Compact benchtop architecture (300 × 174 × 600 mm) optimized for laboratory integration without sacrificing structural rigidity
- Robust load frame constructed from high-grade steel components to minimize thermal drift and mechanical hysteresis during extended tests
- Integrated power conditioning circuitry supporting stable operation across ±10% voltage fluctuation at 50 Hz nominal frequency
- Designed for compliance with internationally referenced test standards including GB/T 1685 (compression stress relaxation of vulcanized rubber at ambient and elevated temperatures) and GB/T 13643 (stress relaxation testing using annular specimens)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The drk-ZWS-0200 accommodates standard specimen geometries defined in national and industry standards: solid cylindrical samples (e.g., Ø29.0 mm × 12.5 mm height per GB/T 1685) and toroidal (ring-shaped) specimens per GB/T 13643. Specimen preparation follows ISO 2781 and ASTM D395 guidelines for uniform curing, conditioning (23 °C/50% RH per ISO 23529), and dimensional verification prior to testing. The instrument’s force transduction architecture is calibrated in accordance with JJG 391–2019 (Chinese National Verification Regulation for Load Cells), enabling data traceability to national metrological standards. While primarily aligned with Chinese national standards, its measurement methodology is functionally equivalent to ISO 3384-1 and ASTM D1054, facilitating cross-referenced reporting in multiregional quality documentation.
Software & Data Management
The drk-ZWS-0200 operates as a standalone hardware platform with integrated digital display; it does not include embedded PC-based software or automated data export functionality. All force readings are presented in real time on a high-contrast LED panel with 1 N resolution. Users manually record time-force pairs at user-defined intervals (e.g., 1 min, 10 min, 1 h, 24 h) to construct stress relaxation curves (log σ vs. log t or σ vs. t). For laboratories requiring electronic data capture, external USB load cell interfaces compatible with third-party acquisition platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB Data Acquisition Toolbox, or Excel-based DAQ templates) may be connected via analog output (0–10 V or 4–20 mA, optional upon request). Audit-ready documentation—including calibration certificates, operator logs, and environmental monitoring records—must be maintained separately to support GLP-compliant workflows or internal quality audits.
Applications
- Sealing material qualification for automotive engine gaskets, HVAC expansion joints, and pharmaceutical stopper formulations
- Comparative assessment of antioxidant and plasticizer efficacy on long-term elastic recovery
- Quality control screening of batch-to-batch consistency in EPDM, NBR, silicone, and fluorocarbon elastomers
- Supporting accelerated aging studies where stress relaxation behavior correlates with network degradation kinetics
- Input parameter generation for finite element analysis (FEA) models simulating compression seal integrity under thermal cycling
FAQ
Does the drk-ZWS-0200 support elevated temperature testing?
No—the base configuration operates at ambient laboratory temperature only. High-temperature capability requires an externally mounted environmental chamber with precise thermal control and feedthrough-compatible load train integration.
Is the force sensor calibrated with NIST-traceable standards?
Calibration is performed against China’s national metrological standards (JJG 391–2019); NIST-traceable calibration can be arranged through authorized third-party labs upon request.
Can annular specimens be tested without modification?
Yes—GB/T 13643-compliant ring specimens are directly supported using the included annular test fixture kit.
What is the recommended maintenance schedule?
Biannual verification of force transducer linearity and zero offset is advised; annual recalibration is recommended for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited environments.
Is the instrument suitable for R&D or only QC applications?
It serves both purposes: its reproducibility supports routine QC release testing, while its adherence to standardized protocols enables comparative R&D studies across compound variations.
