Strain measurement is a key component of mechanical testing and is required by nearly all relevant ASTM and ISO standards. Instron offers a wide range of strain measurement devices to suit every material and application. From simple bonded strain gauges to the most advanced video extensometry, all of our devices are designed and manufactured by Instron engineers to meet our own stringent accuracy standards. If your testing application requires a creative solution, our Custom Engineering Group is available to design and implement a strain measurement solution that meets your needs.
Non-Contacting Video
A video extensometer is a non-contacting extensometer that can measure deformation by tracking the movement of two attached markers on the specimen, using high-resolution digital camera technology. Key advantages of video extensometers are that they do not exhibit any influence on the test specimen, problems with knife-edge slippage are eliminated, and errors due to inertia of moving parts is also eliminated.
| Travel | GL: > 5, 10 mm, 60 mm, 200 mm, 500 mm |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | Can be used with a chamber and bath |
| Automatic or Manual | Automatic |
| Suitable For | Almost every material |
| Common Standards | Conforms to the most rigorous testing standards, including ISO 527 and ASTM D638 |
Automatic Contacting
The need for increased specimen throughput has created a demand for faster, more reliable, and more accurate materials testing routines. Automatic contacting extensometers provide this capability by enhancing the productivity of testing laboratories that can take advantage of the automatic gauge length positioning feature, as well as the automatic attachment to the test specimen.
| Travel | GL: > 10 mm 750 mm |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | Ambient (10° to 38° C) |
| Automatic or Manual | Automatic |
| Suitable For | Almost all materials and a variety of geometries, such as strip, round, hexagonal, and flat shape |
| Common Standards | ASTM D638, ISO 527-2, ASTM D412, ISO 37, ASTM D790, ISO 178, ASTM D882, ISO 527-3, ASTM D3039, ISO 527-4, ASTM F2516 |
Static Axial Clip-On
Clip-on extensometers for static testing offer speed of attachment and ease of use. Their light-weight, rugged cross brace design eliminates errors caused by physical distortion, while built-in protection ensures that damage is not caused by over-extension. The low operating-force arms of the extensometer reduce the possibility of knife-edge slippage when testing hard or smooth surfaced materials.
| Travel | Wide variety of selections |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -100° to 200° C |
| Automatic or Manual | Manual |
| Suitable For | Static clip-on extensometers are used for static strain measurement on a wide range of materials and specimens including metals, plastics, and composites |
| Common Standards | ASTM D638, ISO 527-2, ASTM E8, ISO 6892, ASTM D3039 |
Long Travel
The long-travel (XL) extensometer is a precise device for measuring strain in highly extensible materials. Designed for use with electromechanical testing instuments, long-travel extensometers can be used to measure specimen elongations up to 30 in or 750 mm. The XL is designed to clamp directly onto a specimen quickly and easily. It will adjust to incremental gauge lengths ranging from 0.5 in to 5 in, or 10 mm to 200 mm.
| Travel | GL: 10 mm - 100 mm 300 mm or 750 mm maximum travel |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | Ambient |
| Automatic or Manual | Manual |
| Suitable For | Elastomers, semi-rigid plastics, and films |
| Common Standards | ASTM D412, ISO 37, ASTM D882, ISO 527-3 |
Dynamic Axial Clip-On
Clip-on extensometers for cyclic fatigue testing offer a versatile contacting solution for precise strain measurement. Their lightweight rugged construction and high natural frequency makes them ideal for high frequency and fatigue testing applications. The low operating force arms reduce the possibility of knife-edge slippage when testing hard or smooth surfaced materials.
| Travel | Wide variety of selections |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -80° to 200° C |
| Automatic or Manual | Manual |
| Suitable For | Dynamic clip-on extensometers are used for cyclic strain measurement in tension, compression or reverse-stress through zero measurements on a wide range of materials and components including metals, plastics, and composites |
Averaging Axial and Biaxial
Clip-on extensometers for cyclic fatigue testing offer a versatile contacting solution for precise strain measurement. Their lightweight rugged construction and high natural frequency makes them ideal for high frequency and fatigue testing applications. The low operating force arms reduce the possibility of knife-edge slippage when testing hard or smooth surfaced materials.
| Travel | GL: 25 / 50 mm Axial travel: 1.25 mm Transverse travel: 0.5 mm (biaxial versions) |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -200° to 200° C |
| Automatic or Manual | Manual |
| Suitable For | Static tests to determine elastic properties (modulus and Poisson’s ratio) of composites, rigid plastics, and metals |
Compression Deflectometers (LVDT)
Compression deflectometers, or linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) displacement transducers are measuring devices that measure the displacement of the load frames of materials testing systems. They feature an LVDT as the active element, and are designed for use on both electromechanical and hydraulic testing systems.
| Temperature Range | -40° to 100° C |
|---|---|
| Automatic or Manual | Manual |
| Suitable For | Almost all materials – dependent on travel |
| Common Standards | ISO 178, ASTM D1621, ASTM D575-91, ASTM A370 |
Flexural Deflectometers
Bonded Strain Gauge Adapters
From aerospace to construction, strain gauges are used in a variety of industries to measure strain in both materials and structural testing. Instron strain gauge adapters allow a single strain gauge to be used with any standard Instron strain channel.
| Gauge Resistance | 120 ohm and 350 ohm models available |
|---|---|
| Gauge Factor | 1.5 to 2.5 |
| Full Scale Strain | 50,000 με / 5% |
| Strain Gauge Connections | Spring-loaded terminals |
| Controller Connection | Instron standard 25-way connector |
High-Temperature
High temperature extensometers use capacitive, strain gauge and LVDT technologies to measure strain. These contacting devices are designed to accommodate a wide variety of materials and temperature ranges and integrate seamlessly with our range of environmental chambers and furnaces.
Crack Opening Displacement Gauges
Transverse Clip-Ons
Transverse clip-on extensometers are used to measure displacements across the width or diameter of a test specimen. They are commonly used for the measurement of Poisson’s ratio and transverse strain on anisotropic materials such as composites. A special version is available for determining “r” value of sheet metals.
Replacement Knife Edges and Clips
Calibrators
Extensometer calibrators are used either where an extensometer does not feature electrical calibration or when a manual verification of the output is desired.
