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Purpose built servohydraulic instrument capable of thermomechanical processing of metals under controlled conditions (Temperature, strain, strain rates, interpass delay times and heating/cooling rates).

- Partner:The University of Sheffield
- Facility:Thermomechanical Processing (TMP) Laboratory
- Availability:Available
Or call us now on 0161 275 8382
Detailed Description
Test Frame: 500kN 4 column capable of testing metals in plane strain compression (PSC) or axisymmetric compression (AC).
Actuator Velocity: Maximum of 3000 mm/sec (which translates into constant true strain rates of up to 250/s for 10mm thick PSC specimens.
Stability of actuator is such that it maintains a constant specimen thickness within a tolerance of 1 micron for up to 100 hours.
Furnaces: Deformation tools are heated in a box resistance furnace, with an adjacent 20kW induction heating unit coupled with controlled air/mist cooling.
Typical sample dimensions being for PSC (60mm x 30mm x 10mm) and for AC (15mm High and 10mm diameter).
Temperature is controlled via 1mm N-type thermocouple embedded either in specimen shoulder for temperature control only or within the deformation zone for measurement of deformation heating.
Uses/Applications
The TMC is a purpose built machine for the physical simulation of industrial metalworking processes such as rolling, extrusion and open die forging.
It has been used extensively since its inception in 2000 for Tandem mill simulations, Steckel mill simulations, reversing plate mill simulations, cogging simulations across all manufacturing sectors including automotive, aerospace, construction, transportation, energy, nuclear and fusion energy.
It is unique in that it can replicate most industrial metalworking processes, yet can be quenched to room temperature within 0.4 seconds, thereby providing the ability to characterise the microstructure at various points during thermomechanical processing.