Testing foams
Universal testing machine inspekt S 5kN with central loading
Soft elastic foams are primarily used for damping and insulation. Almost all plastics are suitable for foaming.
Technical foams are used for example in seats, mattresses, filters and thermal insulation. In mechanical testing, the classical tensile and tear tests are employed. Additionally, the following physical values are characteristic key variables in foam testing:
- Indentation hardness DIN 53576/B UNI 6353 ISO 2439
- Compression hardness DIN 53577 UNI 6351 ISO 3386
- Compression set DIN 53572 UNI 6352
Hegewald & Peschke MPT GmbH developed the test machine inspekt S 5kN for the convenient testing of these material characteristics. The inspekt S 5kN has a square test space that is freely accessible from all sides, with a working area of 800mm x 800mm. This facilitates the testing not only of standard samples, but also of complete finished products. The test load is applied by means of an electric motor, via a centrally located load unit with a maximum capacity of 5kN. Using the test machine inspekt S 5kN it is also possible to carry out low-frequency, cyclical loading and relief tests, as well as relaxation tests. Parameterisation is implemented in a clear and logical manner using the component test software LabMaster, developed by Hegewald & Peschke Meß- und Prüftechnik GmbH.