Ray-Ran X500 Dual-Column High-Capacity Universal Testing Machine
| Brand | Ray-Ran |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Model | X500 |
| Load Capacity | 25 kN / 30 kN / 50 kN / 100 kN |
| Load Accuracy | ±0.5% of reading, down to 0.1% of sensor capacity |
| Effective Test Stroke | 1025 mm / 1025 mm / 950 mm / 1100 mm |
| Vertical Clearance | 1225 mm / 1225 mm / 1150 mm / 1300 mm |
| Position Resolution | 1 µm |
| Minimum Speed | 0.00001 mm/min |
| Maximum Speed | 1000 mm/min / 1000 mm/min / 1000 mm/min / 500 mm/min |
| Speed Accuracy | ±0.1% at full speed under steady-state conditions |
| Crosshead Stiffness | 120 kN/mm / 120 kN/mm / 220 kN/mm / 400 kN/mm |
| Data Acquisition Rate | 500 Hz (optional 1000 Hz) |
| Connectivity | Ethernet (USB via adapter optional) |
| Frame Type | Dual-column, benchtop-mountable (floor cabinet optional) |
| Weight | 155 kg / 155 kg / 195 kg / 235 kg |
| Operating Temperature | 10–90 °C |
| Power Requirement | 1 kW |
Overview
The Ray-Ran X500 Dual-Column High-Capacity Universal Testing Machine is an electromechanical static testing system engineered for precision mechanical property evaluation across research laboratories, quality control departments, and materials certification facilities. Based on servo-controlled displacement actuation and high-fidelity load measurement, the X500 implements a closed-loop force–position–strain control architecture compliant with ISO 7500-1 (Class 0.5), ASTM E4, and ISO 5893 standards. Its dual-column steel frame provides structural rigidity essential for minimizing compliance errors during high-load tensile, compression, flexure, and shear tests—particularly critical when evaluating composites, metallic alloys, elastomers, and structural polymers at loads up to 100 kN. The system’s modular design supports seamless integration of contact and non-contact extensometry, enabling traceable strain measurement from micro-strain levels to large deformations.
Key Features
- High-accuracy load cells with ±0.5% accuracy over the full range and resolution down to 0.1% of rated capacity—validated per ISO 376 Annex B procedures.
- Digital AC servo motor coupled with brushless drive technology delivering 4,000,000 microsteps per revolution for sub-micron crosshead positioning repeatability.
- Preloaded, self-cleaning recirculating ball screws with sealed, lifetime-lubricated end bearings—designed for low-noise operation and minimal maintenance over >100,000 test cycles.
- Integrated crosshead guidance system with hardened linear rails ensures axial alignment within ±0.02 mm/m, reducing bending moments and improving data fidelity in ASTM D638 or ISO 527-2 tests.
- 800% overload protection on load sensors prevents hardware damage during unexpected load spikes or misalignment events—critical for unattended or automated test sequences.
- Expandable I/O architecture with six configurable analog/digital channels for synchronized interfacing of extensometers, thickness gauges, environmental chambers, and load-cell-equipped fixtures.
- Retractable bellows covers protect ball screws from particulate ingress—enhancing long-term positional stability in industrial or dusty laboratory environments.
- Benchtop footprint optimized for space-constrained labs; floor-standing cabinet option available for enhanced stability in high-capacity configurations (X500-50/X500-100).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The X500 accommodates specimens ranging from thin films (per ASTM D882) to structural beams (per ASTM C39/C109), with vertical clearances up to 1300 mm and test strokes exceeding 1100 mm. Standard T-slot mounting surfaces on upright columns enable rapid attachment of wedge-action grips, pneumatic clamps, bend fixtures, peel testers, and custom tooling. All configurations comply with ISO 17025 requirements for testing laboratories, supporting GLP/GMP audit trails when paired with validated software. Force and displacement calibrations are stored internally on each transducer—enabling automatic sensor recognition and eliminating manual calibration entry errors. The system meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per EN 61326-1 and safety standards per EN 61000-6-2/6-4.
Software & Data Management
Control and analysis are performed using Ray-Ran’s PC-based WinTest software—validated for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance with electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable audit logs. Real-time data acquisition operates at up to 1000 Hz across four synchronized channels (load, displacement, strain, auxiliary input), ensuring accurate capture of transient events such as yield point onset or fracture propagation. Built-in calibration verification tools allow users to perform on-site accuracy checks without external reference standards. Export formats include CSV, XML, and PDF reports conforming to ISO 14556 and ASTM E23 guidelines. Raw data files retain full metadata—including operator ID, environmental conditions, calibration history, and instrument configuration—for full traceability in regulatory submissions.
Applications
- Tensile strength and modulus determination of thermoplastics, thermosets, fiber-reinforced composites, and biomedical polymers (ISO 527, ASTM D638).
- Compression testing of foams, concrete cylinders, ceramic tiles, and packaging materials (ISO 844, ASTM C365, ASTM D3574).
- Three-point and four-point flexural analysis per ISO 178 and ASTM D790 for laminates and structural panels.
- Peel, tear, and shear adhesion testing of tapes, labels, and laminates (ASTM D903, ASTM D1876, ISO 11339).
- Creep and stress-relaxation characterization under constant load or displacement (ISO 899-1/-2, ASTM D2990).
- Product-specific functional testing including button actuation, hinge durability, and medical device deployment forces.
FAQ
What load capacities are available for the X500 series?
The X500 is offered in four standard configurations: X500-25 (25 kN), X500-30 (30 kN), X500-50 (50 kN), and X500-100 (100 kN), each with correspondingly optimized frame stiffness and stroke geometry.
Is the system compatible with non-contact extensometry?
Yes—the X500 supports both contact extensometers (e.g., clip-on, spring-loaded) and non-contact options including digital video extensometry (DVE) and laser extensometers, all synchronized via the same high-speed data bus.
Can test methods be validated for regulated industries?
WinTest software supports IQ/OQ/PQ documentation templates and includes features required for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, including electronic signatures, audit trail review, and secure user authentication.
What maintenance is required for long-term accuracy?
The system requires no periodic lubrication of the ball screw or drive train due to its sealed, lifetime-lubricated design; annual verification of load cell and encoder calibration against NIST-traceable standards is recommended.
Does the X500 support environmental testing integration?
Yes—via its six I/O channels and programmable trigger logic, the X500 interfaces with temperature chambers, humidity controllers, and liquid immersion baths for conditioned mechanical testing per ISO 62 or ASTM D618.
