High-speed Rail Rubber Low-Temperature Brittleness Testing Machine

High-speed Rail Rubber Low-Temperature Brittleness Tester
Designed to standard specifications, all technical indicators comply with the requirements of standards such as the plastic low-temperature impact compression test method and the plastic impact brittleness temperature test method. Cooling medium: ethanol or other non-freezing liquids.
This equipment consists of a refrigeration compressor main unit, heating device, electronic control box, cooling bath, cooling medium circulation system, automatic alarm device, and other components. After starting the refrigeration switch, the compressor begins to operate, and the refrigeration system enters the formal working state. The refrigeration compressor works continuously. When approaching the set temperature, the heating device in the cooling bath starts to provide heat proportionally to balance the excess cooling capacity generated by the refrigeration system, achieving the purpose of constant temperature. Stirring ensures that the cooling medium in the cooling bath circulates continuously, maintaining uniform temperature distribution.
The low-temperature brittleness tester is used to determine the temperature at which a material specimen fails under impact under specified conditions, which is the brittleness temperature. It enables comparative evaluation of the performance of plastics and other elastic materials under low-temperature conditions. It can determine the brittleness temperature and low-temperature performance of different rubber materials or rubber formulations. Therefore, it is widely used in scientific research, quality inspection of materials and products, and production processes.
Clamp the specimen vertically in the holder. It should not be clamped too tightly or too loosely to prevent deformation or detachment of the specimen.
Remove the specimen, allow it to rest for at least 0 seconds, wipe off any residual liquid on the surface, and bend the specimen 180° in the direction of impact. Carefully observe under bright light for any damage and record the results. If the specimen fails, record the specific failure phenomenon.
After impact (each specimen is only allowed to be impacted once), if damage occurs, increase the temperature of the freezing medium; otherwise, decrease the temperature and continue the test.
Determining the low-temperature brittleness temperature of materials involves simulating a low-temperature environment and applying an impact load to determine the temperature at which materials such as rubber, plastics, and elastomers undergo brittle fracture under impact, providing a key indicator for material performance evaluation.
Predicting the fracture and wear resistance of materials in practical low-temperature applications helps optimize material formulations and manufacturing processes, improving product performance in such environments.
Supporting quality control and product verification
Used for quality testing of products such as rubber and plastic casings for wires during production to ensure compliance with usage standards in low-temperature environments, with wide applications in automotive, electronics, construction engineering, and other fields.
Facilitating research on the low-temperature performance of new materials by comparing the brittleness temperature differences of various formulations or processes, providing data support for material improvement.
High-speed rail rubber low-temperature brittleness tester detects material elasticity and structural changes
Analyzing the impact of low temperatures on the physical properties of materials, such as reduced elasticity due to increased rubber hardness or the tendency of plastics to become brittle at low temperatures.
This equipment, with its automated temperature control, cooling, and impact testing functions, serves as a tool in materials science, industrial manufacturing, and quality control.
Determining the type of test material (e.g., rubber, plastic, elastomer) and the standards to be followed.
Temperature range and accuracy requirements
Key technical parameter categories, reference indicators, and explanations
Temperature control range: -70°C to room temperature, simulating low-temperature environments.
Temperature uniformity: Temperature difference ≤ specified value, ensuring uniform temperature distribution in the test area.
Specimen capacity: Single or multiple specimens to avoid insufficient energy leading to test errors.
Cooling method: Air cooling (convenient) or water cooling (efficient), selected based on laboratory conditions.
Equipment structure and functionality: Structural design
Two-chamber type: Suitable for rapid temperature switching, with specimens moved via a lifting mechanism.
Three-chamber type: High-temperature, low-temperature, and test chambers are independent, suitable for continuous batch testing.
Automation and operational convenience
Priority should be given to models supporting automatic temperature control, data recording, and remote operation to reduce human error.
Design details such as observation windows and fixture stability affect operational efficiency.
Material and durability
Stainless steel inner chamber is recommended for corrosion resistance and durability.
Compressor brand (e.g., Japanese technology) affects refrigeration efficiency and stability.
IV. Brand and after-sales service
After-sales service
Confirm warranty period (e.g., 1 year), availability of spare parts, and response speed of technical support.
V. Budget and cost-effectiveness
Low-cost equipment may compromise temperature control accuracy or durability; user reviews and actual cases should be verified.
Selecting fixtures for low-temperature brittleness impact testers requires considering material characteristics, specimen shape, temperature conditions, and standard specifications. Key selection points are as follows:
I. Parameter matching
Fixture gap accuracy
Match the gap between the impact head and fixture according to test standard requirements, e.g.:
Fixture A: Gap between punch centerline and fixture: 3.6 mm.
Impact line and fixed distance
Distance from the fixture clamping surface to the impact head centerline.
II. Material adaptability
Material type: Fixture type and characteristics
Elastomers (rubber): Prefer fixtures with serrated/grid textures to enhance friction and prevent slippage; clamping free length must meet requirements.
Plastics and composites: Choose flat clamping structures with multi-specimen layouts (e.g., clamping 15 plastic specimens at once) to improve testing efficiency.
Metal-coated materials: Use cantilever-type rigid fixtures to avoid specimen deformation during impact.
III. Temperature adaptability design
Material selection
Low-temperature environments (e.g., -70°C): Prefer stainless steel or low-temperature toughness alloy steel to avoid brittle fracture.
High-low temperature alternating tests: Require corrosion-resistant coatings or surface heat treatment processes.
Heat conduction control
Liquid medium test fixtures must resist corrosion from low-temperature liquids (e.g., ethanol).
Gas medium fixtures must minimize thermal bridging effects to prevent local temperature non-uniformity.
IV. Structural and operational requirements
Stability design
Cantilever-type holders must have high-strength rigid structures with uniform clamping force and no deformation.
Fixtures in the impact area must allow sufficient displacement space (e.g., at least 6 mm movement after impact).
Convenience and safety
Multi-specimen fixtures should support quick loading and unloading (e.g., clamping 4 rubber specimens or 15 plastic specimens on one side).
Self-locking mechanisms or anti-slip textures prevent slippage during low-temperature operations.
V. Standard compliance verification
Single-specimen method rubber low-temperature impact tester is a specialized device for testing the impact resistance of rubber materials in low-temperature environments. By simulating the actual usage conditions of rubber products in cold environments, it evaluates their brittleness temperature and impact resistance, providing critical data for the development, production, and quality control of rubber products. This article details the working principles, technical features, application areas, and purchasing considerations of single-specimen method rubber low-temperature impact testers to help readers fully understand this key testing equipment.
I. Working principles
The working principle of the single-specimen method rubber low-temperature impact tester is based on the brittleness temperature testing method. During testing, a rubber specimen is fixed in a specific fixture and placed in a temperature-controlled low-temperature environment. After the specimen reaches the preset temperature and stabilizes, an instantaneous impact force is applied via an impact device. The device records the fracture behavior of the specimen under impact to determine its impact resistance at that temperature. Temperature control accuracy and impact force stability are key parameters that directly affect the accuracy of the test results.
A typical test process includes specimen preparation, clamping, cooling, temperature stabilization, impact, and result recording. Each specimen is tested individually, and through multiple tests, the critical temperature range at which the rubber material transitions from a ductile to a brittle state can be determined. This method is suitable for evaluating the practical performance of rubber in low-temperature environments.
II. Technical features
Modern single-specimen method rubber low-temperature impact testers have several technical features:
1. Temperature control system: Intelligent control technology with a temperature range typically from -70°C to room temperature and temperature control accuracy up to ±0.3°C. Some models use cascade refrigeration systems to achieve lower test temperatures.
2. Standardized impact device: Equipped with impactors and fixtures compliant with standards, ensuring comparability and repeatability of test results.
3. Automated operation: Newer devices often feature touchscreen controls and programmable automation for the entire process of cooling, temperature stabilization, and impact, reducing human error.
4. Safety protection system: Includes multiple safety devices such as over-temperature protection, compressor protection, and door interlock to ensure long-term stable operation.
5. Data recording function: Built-in memory stores multiple sets of test data; some models support USB export or direct connection to a computer for data analysis.
III. Application areas
Single-specimen method rubber low-temperature impact testers are widely used in the following areas:
1. Rubber products industry: Testing the performance of rubber products such as tires, seals, and shock absorbers in low-temperature environments. For example, car tires need to maintain elasticity in cold regions to avoid brittleness and failure.
2. Research institutions: Helping materials researchers develop new cold-resistant rubber formulations and evaluate the impact of different additives on rubber low-temperature performance.
3. Quality inspection: Serving as key equipment for third-party testing agencies to provide low-temperature performance certification for rubber products in compliance with standards.
4. Specialized fields: Rubber products often need to be used in low-temperature environments; this equipment ensures they meet stringent usage requirements.
IV. Purchasing considerations
When purchasing a single-specimen method rubber low-temperature impact tester, consider the following factors:
1. Compliance with test standards: Ensure the equipment meets commonly used industry test standards, such as GB/T 15256-2014 "Determination of Low-Temperature Brittleness of Rubber."
2. Temperature range and accuracy: Select an appropriate temperature range based on the actual usage environment of the materials being tested. For general industrial use, -40°C to -70°C is sufficient; special applications may require lower temperatures.
3. Equipment stability: Evaluate the reliability of the refrigeration system; compressor brand and refrigerant type affect long-term performance.
4. Operational convenience: Prioritize models with high automation and user-friendly interfaces to improve testing efficiency.
5. After-sales service: Consider the supplier's technical support capabilities, availability of spare parts, and repair response time.
6. Cost-effectiveness: Compare prices of different brands and models while ensuring test requirements are met, avoiding over-specification or insufficient performance.
Multiple test modes, such as simultaneous low-temperature impact and low-temperature bending testing capabilities.
3. Energy efficiency and environmental protection: Use of eco-friendly refrigerants and energy-saving designs to reduce operational energy consumption.
4. Remote monitoring: Support for IoT technology to enable remote monitoring and device management, facilitating laboratory informatization.
5. Miniaturization: Development of compact, portable models for on-site rapid testing needs.
I. Usage tips
Temperature control
Before refrigeration, confirm the liquid level of the cooling medium (e.g., anhydrous ethanol); the specimen should be submerged by approximately 25 mm.
When setting the temperature, briefly press the temperature controller's set button to enter adjustment mode; long press to exit, avoiding misoperation.
In gas cooling mode, extend the specimen freezing time to 10 minutes; for liquid cooling, maintain 5 minutes.
Specimen handling and installation
Specimen dimensions must strictly comply with standards (e.g., 25 mm length).
The holder must clamp the specimen vertically, avoiding excessive tightness or looseness to prevent deformation or detachment.
Impact testing optimization
Spring compression travel before impact should be 40 ± 1 mm; initial distance between impactor tip and specimen should be 25 ± 1 mm.
Single-specimen method requires testing each specimen individually; multi-specimen method allows placing multiple specimens in the cooling bath simultaneously (e.g., 4 Type A specimens or 10 Type B specimens).
Result determination accuracy
Remove the specimen immediately after impact; if not fractured, bend it 90° to check for cracks.
Brittleness temperature determination requires the temperature difference between "damaged" and "undamaged" to be ≤1°C.
II. Key precautions
Safety operation protocols
The equipment must be grounded; power plugs must be securely inserted to prevent compressor damage from voltage fluctuations.
Do not interrupt the cooling circulation while the refrigeration system is running, as this may cause equipment failure.
Environmental and maintenance requirements
The equipment should be kept away from high temperatures (ambient temperature recommended ≤25°C) to prevent compressor overheating and high pressure.
Cooling medium inspection
Check the liquid level of ethanol or other cooling fluids; specimens must be submerged ≥25 mm; seal after use to prevent evaporation.
Equipment cleaning
Clean residual cooling medium from the test chamber and wipe fixtures to prevent corrosion.
II. Monthly maintenance
Impact system maintenance: Check impact spring fatigue (recommend replacement after 500 cumulative impacts); lubricate cylinder guides to maintain impact speed accuracy.
Cooling bath stirrer maintenance
Clean stirrer blades; check motor speed for uniformity.
III. Quarterly maintenance
Compressor system inspection
Remove dust from the compressor radiator; test startup current stability (recommend using a voltage stabilizer).
Seal integrity check
Inspect cooling pipe connections and door seals to prevent refrigerant leakage or temperature fluctuations exceeding ±0.5°C.
IV. Annual maintenance
Sensor calibration
Calibrate temperature sensors and timers to ensure temperature control accuracy of ±0.3°C and freezing time error ≤5 seconds.
Consumable replacement
Replace all O-rings, worn fixtures, and cooling medium (recommend replacing twice a year).
V. Long-term shutdown maintenance
Drain cooling medium and clean pipelines; apply anti-rust oil to the test chamber; disconnect power and cover to prevent dust.
Before reuse, run without load for 2 hours to verify cooling rate meets standards.
Note: Maintenance intervals should be adjusted based on actual usage frequency; shorten intervals when frequently testing below -70°C.
Rubber low-temperature brittleness tester maintenance content and steps
Maintenance content and steps for rubber low-temperature brittleness testers can be summarized as follows:
I. Daily maintenance (after each use)
Cooling medium management
Check liquid level; specimens submerged ≥25 mm; seal after use to prevent evaporation.
Clean residual cooling medium from the test chamber; wipe fixtures to prevent corrosion.
Equipment status verification
Confirm impact spring compression travel (40 ± 1 mm) and distance between impactor tip and specimen (25 ± 1 mm) meet standards.
II. Monthly maintenance
Key component inspection
Clean cooling bath stirrer blades; test motor speed (8W-15W range) to ensure temperature uniformity.
Lubricate impact cylinder guides to prevent speed deviation due to friction.
Functional testing
Replace springs after 500 cumulative impacts to prevent fatigue failure affecting test accuracy.
Compressor maintenance
Remove dust from compressor radiator; monitor startup current stability (recommend using a voltage stabilizer).
Check refrigerant pipe connection seals to prevent leakage causing temperature fluctuations exceeding ±0.5°C.
Annual maintenance: System calibration and consumable replacement
Calibrate temperature sensors and timers for temperature control accuracy.
Replace O-rings, worn fixtures, and cooling medium (recommend replacing twice a year).
Long-term shutdown maintenance: Equipment storage
Drain cooling medium, clean pipelines, apply anti-rust oil, disconnect power, and cover to prevent dust.
Before reuse, run without load for 2 hours to verify cooling rate meets standards.
Maintenance key points: Safety protocols: Ground the equipment before operation; avoid loose power plugs to prevent compressor damage.
Environmental requirements: Keep the equipment away from high-temperature areas; ambient temperature recommended ≤25°C to ensure heat dissipation efficiency.
(Note: Maintenance intervals should be adjusted based on usage frequency; shorten intervals when frequently testing below -70°C.)
Rubber brittleness tester is primarily used to evaluate the impact resistance of materials in low-temperature environments. Its applications can be summarized as follows:
Typical applications: Material development: Evaluating the anti-brittleness performance of rubber, thermoplastics, and wire sheathing at low temperatures.
Quality control: Verifying the cold resistance of products such as automotive seals and silicone keys for electronic components.
Research experiments: Investigating the fracture mechanisms of new elastomers at liquid nitrogen temperatures (-196°C).
VI. Equipment structural features
Refrigeration system: Uses two-stage compressors and liquid nitrogen-assisted cooling for rapid temperature response.
Human-machine interaction: Equipped with a color LCD touchscreen integrating temperature monitoring, timing, and impact control functions.
Safety design: Built-in test medium discharge valve and anti-freeze circulation stirring device to ensure temperature uniformity.
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