Lloyd Instruments’ versatile FTPlus friction tester can be configured to operate as two instruments in one!  This dedicated high accuracy, bench-mounted single lead screw instrument conforms to the requirements of the key ASTM D1894, ISO 8295 and TAPPI T549 friction testing standards and has extensive applications in the packaging and printing industries. Of significant benefit to the user however, is the fact that the versatile FTPlus may also be configured as a powerful universal testing machine to perform tensile, compression, flexural and other mechanical tests up to 1 kN (225 lbf) with the appropriate grips, fixtures, load cells and software. 

A friction table is mounted directly onto the machine, with a full set of accessories to achieve the ASTM, ISO and TAPPI requirements. A stainless steel table option is now available for ‘film against metal’ friction measurements.  

A further seven tests are available for user custom configuration.  The statistics for each type of test are automatically calculated including static coefficient of friction, kinetic coefficient of friction, peak load and average load. User defined tests can be configured in terms of final movement limits, relative and absolute calculation limits, sled weights and dimensions. Up to 600 samples can be stored in any of the test set-ups. 

A high-resolution encoder is used to measure the sample extension and also to provide high accuracy speed control. The crosshead is driven by a high precision servo-motor and DC servo system to achieve a wide range of speeds throughout the full load range. Three XLC load cell options are available for friction testing: 10N, 50N and 100N.

The FTPlus friction tester features a dedicated user interface for friction testing. Tests are set up from, and results displayed on, a backlit LCD integrated into the control console. Although the FTPlus is a fully self-contained instrument, an RS232 is provided to allow computer control using the latest NEXYGENPlus material test and data analysis software. 

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Note for Editors  Lloyd Instruments is a unit of the AMETEK Measurement & Calibration Technologies Division.  Both are part of AMETEK, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange-listed company and a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electric motors with annual sales of $1.8 billion.  Visit www.lloyd-instruments.com for more information. 

Further Enquiries: Suzanne Sharpe, Lloyd Instruments Ltd. Forum House, 12 Barnes Wallis Road, Segensworth East, Fareham, Hants PO15 5TT UK. Tel. +44 (0)1489 486399  Fax. +44 (0)1489 885118 http://www.lloyd-instruments.com  E-mail Suzanne.sharpe@ametek.co.uk  

Press Enquiries:  Denis Bulgin, In Press Public Relations Ltd. PO Box 24, Royston, Herts, SG8 6TT UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1763 262621, Fax +44 (0) 1488 73773. http://www.inpress.co.uk E-mail: denis@inpress.co.uk