Elastocon ET05 Low-Temperature Brittleness Tester
| Brand | Elastocon |
|---|---|
| Origin | Sweden |
| Model | ET05 |
| Standards Compliance | ISO 812, ISO 974, ASTM D746, ASTM D2137 |
| Operating Pressure | 6 bar compressed air required |
| Test Principle | Instrumented drop-weight impact with controlled cryogenic temperature ramping and real-time velocity monitoring |
| Actuation | Pneumatically driven cylinder lift mechanism with adjustable mass-height energy configuration |
| Temperature Control | Computer-regulated cooling system with integrated Pt100 sensor feedback loop |
| Post-Impact Analysis | High-speed optical velocity capture pre- and post-impact to quantify kinetic energy loss |
Overview
The Elastocon ET05 Low-Temperature Brittleness Tester is an instrumented, computer-controlled cryogenic impact testing system engineered for precise determination of the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature (BDTT) of elastomeric and polymeric materials. Based on the fundamental principle of instrumented drop-weight impact under rigorously controlled thermal conditions, the ET05 applies standardized mechanical shock—per ISO 812, ISO 974, ASTM D746, and ASTM D2137—to specimens cooled incrementally in a regulated low-temperature chamber. Unlike conventional manual or semi-automated testers, the ET05 integrates closed-loop temperature regulation, pneumatic actuation, and high-resolution velocity sensing to deliver repeatable, traceable, and auditable test data. Its architecture supports both single-point脆性温度 (BT) identification and multi-temperature statistical analysis (e.g., 50% failure probability estimation), making it suitable for R&D validation, quality control release testing, and regulatory submission packages in automotive, medical device, and aerospace polymer supply chains.
Key Features
- Pneumatically actuated lift-and-drop mechanism with 6 bar compressed air supply, enabling consistent impact energy delivery via calibrated mass-height configurations
- Computer-controlled cryogenic temperature system with programmable ramp rates, stable soak periods, and real-time Pt100 sensor feedback (±0.3 °C accuracy over –70 °C to +30 °C range)
- Integrated high-speed optical velocity measurement before and immediately after impact, enabling quantitative assessment of energy absorption and ductility index
- Automated pass/fail evaluation per standard-defined criteria (e.g., no crack propagation under specified impact energy at defined temperature)
- Modular test fixture design accommodating standard dumbbell, strip, and O-ring specimens per ISO and ASTM geometries
- Rugged stainless-steel cryo-chamber with double-walled insulation and anti-frost ventilation management
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ET05 accommodates a broad range of elastomer and thermoplastic specimens—including vulcanized rubber compounds, silicone elastomers, TPEs, PVC, and fluoropolymers—provided they conform to dimensional specifications outlined in ISO 812 (dumbbell-shaped specimens, 25 mm × 6 mm × 2 mm), ISO 974 (flexible plastics strips), ASTM D746 (rigid plastics), and ASTM D2137 (rubber in sheet form). All test sequences adhere strictly to the procedural requirements of these standards, including specimen conditioning time (minimum 16 h at test temperature), impact velocity tolerance (±0.1 m/s), and environmental stabilization protocols. The system’s firmware and software are designed to support audit-ready documentation aligned with GLP and GMP frameworks; raw velocity traces, temperature logs, and pass/fail flags are timestamped and stored with immutable metadata.
Software & Data Management
The ET05 operates with Elastocon’s proprietary Windows-based control and analysis suite, which provides full sequence automation—from initial temperature equilibration through impact execution and result classification. Software features include customizable test templates, multi-curve overlay for comparative BDTT analysis, export of CSV/Excel-compatible datasets, and PDF report generation with embedded calibration certificates and instrument ID. Audit trail functionality records all user actions, parameter modifications, and system events in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when configured with electronic signature modules. Data integrity is preserved via local encrypted storage and optional network backup integration with enterprise LIMS platforms.
Applications
- Determination of cold-temperature service limits for automotive sealing systems (door gaskets, trunk liners, under-hood hoses)
- Validation of low-temperature flexibility in medical tubing, catheter shafts, and implant-grade silicone encapsulants
- Quality conformance testing of industrial rubber belts, conveyor components, and vibration-damping mounts
- Material screening during polymer formulation development, especially for low-Tg elastomers and cryo-resistant composites
- Regulatory testing supporting ISO 10993 biocompatibility dossiers and IATF 16949 PPAP submissions
FAQ
What cooling medium does the ET05 require?
The ET05 uses externally supplied liquid nitrogen or mechanical cryo-cooling units compatible with its integrated heat exchanger; no internal refrigerant handling is required.
Is calibration certification included with shipment?
Yes—each unit ships with NIST-traceable calibration certificates for temperature sensors and impact velocity measurement subsystems, valid for 12 months from date of commissioning.
Can the ET05 be integrated into an automated lab environment?
Yes—the system supports Ethernet-based remote control via TCP/IP commands and offers OPC UA compatibility for MES and factory-floor integration.
Does the software support multi-language UI?
The interface is English by default; localized versions (German, French, Japanese) are available upon request and validated per ISO/IEC 17025 documentation protocols.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Compressed air filter replacement every 500 hours; cryo-chamber seal inspection and Pt100 verification annually; full system performance validation every 24 months per Elastocon Service Bulletin SB-ET05-REV4.
