This week I visited testing machine manufacturer Zwick Roell's testEXPO event in Germany. This is the 20th annual 'Materials Testing Forum' the company has held and this year it expects around 2000 customers, potential customers and other visitors at its headquarters in Ulm over the four-day meeting.
It seems just about everything has to be tested – from paper towels, to hip implants, to aircraft components. Zwick had set up an impressive array of over 100 testing machines to demonstrate its latest technologies. The multitude of different tests, fixtures, measuring devices and applications was fascinating – a rare insight into this highly technical and critical sector.
Zwick sees itself as a leader in robotic testing and a number of sophisticated robotic testing systems (both large and small) were on display. These enable much faster throughout than manual testing and are not prone to human error and are apparently being increasing demanded in the metals testing sector.
Another interesting service Zwick offers is modernisation of old testing equipment, including competitors' systems. Upgrading an existing load frame with new electronics, software and drive systems can save huge amounts of money on a new machine.
